भीष्म-युधिष्ठिर-संमर्दः
Bhīṣma’s Pressure on Yudhiṣṭhira; Śikhaṇḍī’s Approach; Evening Withdrawal
सा दुर्मुखस्य विमल वर्म भित्त्वा यशस्विन: । विदार्य प्राविशद् भूमिं दीप्यपमाना स्वतेजसा
sā durmukhasya vimala-varma bhittvā yaśasvinaḥ | vidārya prāviśad bhūmiṃ dīpyamānā svatejasā ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Ang naglalagablab na sibat, na kumikislap sa sariling ningning, ay bumasag sa makinang na baluti ng bantog na si Durmukha. Pagkabiyak nito, hinati nito ang lupa at naglaho sa kailaliman.
संजय उवाच
The verse underscores the overwhelming momentum of battle and the limits of external protection: even shining armor can be shattered when confronted by a weapon empowered by intense tejas. Ethically, it reflects the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare—valor and fame do not guarantee safety when destiny and martial force converge.
A śakti (spear) strikes Durmukha, breaks through his bright armor, and then, still blazing with its own radiance, splits the ground and vanishes into the earth.