Shloka 18
Aśvamedha-dīkṣā, Vyāsa’s horse-release, and Arjuna’s departure with Gāṇḍīva (आश्वमेधिक-दीक्षा तथा हय-उत्सर्गः)
राजपुत्रो महाबाहु: श्यामो राजीवलोचन: । अभिमन्यो: पिता वीर: स एन पालयिष्यति
rājaputro mahābāhuḥ śyāmo rājīvalocanaḥ | abhimanyoḥ pitā vīraḥ sa enaṃ pālayiṣyati ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: «Aquel príncipe—de poderosos brazos, de tez oscura y ojos de loto—Arjuna, el héroe padre de Abhimanyu, protegerá a este caballo».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic stewardship: sacred and royal responsibilities (like guarding the Aśvamedha horse) must be entrusted to capable, disciplined protectors who uphold honor and righteousness while ensuring the ritual’s integrity.
Vaiśampāyana identifies Arjuna—described by heroic epithets—as the appointed guardian of the Aśvamedha horse, indicating that he will accompany and defend it during its sanctioned wanderings.