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
Tidakkah kamu melihat wajah Rāma (Balarāma)? Matanya merah tembaga kerana murka terhadap Muṣṭika, dan keindahannya bertambah oleh senyuman serta ketekunan dalam pertarungan.
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.