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 ||
ଦେଖ—ଉପେନ୍ଦ୍ର (ବିଷ୍ଣୁ) ସଦୃଶ ଶ୍ୟାମବର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଏବଂ ମହା ଶାଳବୃକ୍ଷ ପରି ଉଚ୍ଚ ଅଭିମନ୍ୟୁ, ଯେନ ଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ଅର୍ଜୁନ, ସେନାବ୍ୟୂହର ଅଗ୍ରଭାଗରେ ଅଗ୍ରସର ହେଉଛି।
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.