Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 12
The Killing of Cāṇūra, Muṣṭika, and Kaṁsa; Liberation and Restoration of Dharma in Mathurā
किं न पश्यत रामस्य मुखमाताम्रलोचनम् । मुष्टिकं प्रति सामर्षं हाससंरम्भशोभितम् ॥ १२ ॥
kiṁ na paśyata rāmasya mukham ātāmra-locanam muṣṭikaṁ prati sāmarṣaṁ hāsa-saṁrambha-śobhitam
क्या तुम राम (बलराम) का मुख नहीं देखते? मुष्टिक के प्रति क्रोध से उनकी आँखें ताम्र-लाल हैं, और हँसी तथा युद्ध-तन्मयता से उनका सौंदर्य और भी बढ़ गया है।
FAQs
This verse describes Balarama’s intense, righteous combat-mood—his copper-red eyes and fierce determination—directed at the wrestler Muṣṭika, showing divine strength engaged to oppose adharma.
The copper-red eyes indicate heightened intensity and controlled divine anger as Balarama confronts a violent opponent, emphasizing the seriousness of the dharmic confrontation in Kaṁsa’s arena.
The verse teaches steadiness and courage: when facing injustice, one can act firmly and decisively—without losing inner purpose—just as Balarama confronts wrongdoing with focused strength.