Shloka 174
Bhīmasena’s Capture by the Serpent and Nahūṣa’s Self-Disclosure (भीमसेन-भुजङ्गग्रहणं नहुषोपाख्यानप्रस्तावः)
इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत वनपर्वके अन्तर्गत निवातकवचयुद्धपर्वमें अस्रदर्शनके लिये संकेतविषयक एक सौ चौह्तत्तरवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ
iti prakāraṁ śrīmahābhārata-vanaparvake antargata-nivātakavaca-yuddha-parvaṇi astradarśanāya saṅketa-viṣayaka ekaśata-catuḥsaptatitamaḥ adhyāyaḥ pūrṇaḥ
Thus ends the one hundred and seventy-fourth chapter of the Mahābhārata’s Vana Parva, within the Nivātakavaca-yuddha section, dealing with the agreed signal given for the purpose of revealing the celestial weapons. The narrator marks the formal close of this unit, emphasizing orderly procedure and disciplined communication amid preparations for conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the context of war, action should be governed by order, restraint, and clear procedure; the mention of a prearranged signal for revealing weapons highlights disciplined coordination rather than impulsive violence.
This is a colophon-style closing statement: it announces that the 174th chapter has concluded, situating it within Vana Parva and the Nivātakavaca battle episode, and noting that the chapter’s subject concerned a signal connected with the demonstration or disclosure of divine weapons.