• In Jain cosmology, Baladeva (Balabhadra), Vasudeva, and Prativasudeva are three types of exalted beings who appear together in every half-cycle of time. There are nine such sets in each half-cycle. Baladeva and Vasudeva are half-brothers, while Prativasudeva is their rival. They are part of the universal history (not the Tirthankaras) and illustrate the dharma–adharma struggle in mythic histories. Baladeva is the gentler, non-violent brother; Vasudeva is the stronger, more warrior-like brother; Prativasudeva is the anti-hero. ( wisdomlib.org)

• Baladeva (Balabhadra)

- Role: the virtuous, non-violent elder brother who supports dharma. He is typically depicted with symbols like the plough and other weapons or insignia depending on tradition. In Jain narratives, Baladeva embodies restraint and righteousness and many Baladevas renounce the world and attain liberation. In iconography, he is described as fair to white in complexion with a banner; his weaponry and symbols vary slightly between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions. ( wisdomlib.org)

• Vasudeva (also identified with Narayana/Krishna in Jain texts)

- Role: the younger, more powerful brother who often fights against evil, along with his Baladeva. In Jain Purāṇas, Vasudeva is one of the nine and is sometimes linked with Narayana or Krishna in the legends. He rules half the earth together with Baladeva and battles the Prativasudevas. Narayana is sometimes used as a name for a Vasudeva in these Jain narratives; in some stories, Krishna appears as a Vasudeva in the Jain universal history. ( wisdomlib.org)

• Prativasudeva

- Role: the antagonist among the three; the anti-hero who opposes the virtuous brothers. He represents unrighteous rule and is ultimately defeated by the Vasudeva–Baladeva pair. ( wisdomlib.org)

• Important framing for Jain philosophy

- These figures are part of the Jain universal history (not the worship-focused Hindu deva system). They illustrate moral choices and the idea that victory over others is less important than conquering one’s own passions and attachments. They emphasize ahimsa (non-violence) and dharma as guiding principles, even in legends where mighty kings fight. The ultimate Jain aim remains the liberation of the soul (moksha) through right conduct, renunciation when appropriate, and spiritual insight. ( jainpedia.org)

• Note on tradition differences

- Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions recount these figures with similar roles, though iconographic details (colors, insignias) may differ between the two traditions. The basic framework of Baladeva–Vasudeva–Prativasudeva, nine sets per half-cycle, and their moral symbolism is shared. ( wisdomlib.org)

You can read more in the Jain Knowledge explanations about how these figures fit into Jain universal history and the Ramayana/Mahabharata-type narratives from a Jain perspective:

• You can read more here
• You can read more here