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 ||
毗舍波耶那说道：“那位王子——臂力雄伟、肤色黝黑、目若莲华——阿周那，阿毗曼纽的英勇之父，将守护此马。”
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.