Shloka 38
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
उपेन्द्रसदूश: श्यामो महाशाल इवोद्गत: । एष गच्छत्यनीकाग्रे द्वितीय इव फाल्गुन:
upendrasadṛśaḥ śyāmo mahāśāla ivodgataḥ | eṣa gacchaty anīkāgre dvitīya iva phālgunaḥ ||
देखो, उपेन्द्र (भगवान् विष्णु) के समान श्यामवर्ण और महान् शालवृक्ष के समान ऊँचा अभिमन्यु, मानो दूसरा अर्जुन हो, सेना के अग्रभाग में आगे-आगे बढ़ रहा है।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the dharmic ideal of courageous leadership: a warrior who accepts responsibility and advances first for the sake of his side, combining strength with steadfast resolve in a righteous struggle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Abhimanyu, compared to Viṣṇu in complexion and to a tall śāla tree in stature, is marching at the very front of the formation, appearing like a second Arjuna.