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 ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Masdan si Abhimanyu—maitim ang kulay na gaya ni Upendra (Viṣṇu), at matayog na parang dakilang punong śāla. Siya’y sumusulong sa pinakaharap ng hanay ng digmaan, na wari’y ikalawang Arjuna.”
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.