Shloka 38
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
उपेन्द्रसदूश: श्यामो महाशाल इवोद्गत: । एष गच्छत्यनीकाग्रे द्वितीय इव फाल्गुन:,“यह देखो, भगवान् विष्णुके समान श्याम और महान् शालवृक्षके समान ऊँचा अभिमन्यु द्वितीय अर्जुनके समान सेनाके आगे-आगे चल रहा है
upendrasadṛśaḥ śyāmo mahāśāla ivodgataḥ | eṣa gacchaty anīkāgre dvitīya iva phālgunaḥ ||
उपेन्द्रसदृशः श्यामो महाशाल इवोद्गतः । एष गच्छत्यनीकाग्रे द्वितीय इव फाल्गुनः ॥
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.