Shloka 282
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Indra’s Intended Request
Kuṇḍala–Kavaca Discourse
इति श्रीमहाभारते वनपर्वणि रामोपाख्यानपर्वणि हनुमत्प्रत्यागमने द्रयशीत्यधिकद्धिशततमो< ध्याय:,इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत वनपर्वके अन्तर्गत रामोपाख्यानपर्वमें हनुमान्जीके लंकासे लौटनेसे सम्बन्ध रखनेवाला दो सौ बयासीवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ
iti śrīmahābhārate vanaparvaṇi rāmopākhyānaparvaṇi hanumatpratyāgamane dvy-aśīty-adhika-dviśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ |
Thus, in the Śrī Mahābhārata, within the Vana Parva, in the section known as the Rāmopākhyāna, the two-hundred-and-eighty-second chapter—concerning Hanumān’s return (from Laṅkā)—is concluded. The colophon marks the completion of this narrative unit, emphasizing the successful fulfillment of a messenger’s dharmic duty: faithful service, courage in adversity, and the responsible reporting of what has been seen and accomplished for the sake of righteous action.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a brief colophon underscores dharma in practice: a trusted envoy completes a difficult mission through devotion, steadiness, and accountability, enabling righteous decision-making by reporting back truthfully.
This is the chapter-ending colophon stating that, within the Rāmopākhyāna embedded in the Vana Parva, the chapter dealing with Hanumān’s return from Laṅkā has concluded.