Grasping firmly (nigrhya, nitaram completely grhya) his beak (tundayoh), he tore Bakasura apart, like a blade of virana grass, in front the eyes of the boys, giving the devatas great joy (mudavahah).

Kṛṣṇa squeezed the demon, who was friend of Kaṁsa and thus most powerful and most wicked, in his grasp (nigṛyha). Since Kṛṣṇa was the goal of the devotees (satām gatiḥ), killing the demon was appropriate. Another version has satām patiḥ. Thus the goal of tearing the demon apart is explained since the Lord punishes demons and protects the devotees. The phrase “friend of Kaṁsa” also suggests that by bifurcating the demon, it was as if Kaṁsa was bifurcated. And because Kṛṣṇa was the shelter of the devotees (satām gatiḥ) he protected the life of Balarāma and others. Since Kṛṣṇa was the very life of the boys it should be understood that when he came out of Baka’s mouth, the boys all regained consciousness. Vīrāṇa is a type of grass. Kṛṣṇa split him like a blade of that grass. The conclusion is this. No one should think that Vatsāsura approached me, not knowing my powers, and being inattentive to my powers, was killed easily, without being able to do anything. In order to make everyone understand that even if the demon knows about me, and even if he is attentive, he cannot do anything even if he shows all his unlimited powers.” To give joy to his friends he then entered the demon’s mouth. By Baka’s death the devatās were benefited. They all became joyful. Baka’ṣ miserable end is also hinted by this.