Shloka 63
Multi-form Manifestations, Indra–Kāma Incarnations, Pravāha, and the Twofold Buddhi
Sense-Discipline and Exclusive Refuge in Viṣṇu
सर्वं नु सत्यं यदि मिथ्या भवेत्तु तदा त्वसौ मां दशतुह्यहीन्द्रः / एवं ब्रुवन्नुरगं कोपयुक्तं समग्रहीन्नादशत्सोप्युरङ्गः
sarvaṃ nu satyaṃ yadi mithyā bhavettu tadā tvasau māṃ daśatuhyahīndraḥ / evaṃ bruvannuragaṃ kopayuktaṃ samagrahīnnādaśatsopyuraṅgaḥ
«إن كان كلّ هذا حقًّا—وإن ظهر أنه باطل—فليعضّني سيّد الحيّات!» قال ذلك وأمسك الحيّة الممتلئة غضبًا؛ ومع ذلك لم تعضّه تلك الحيّة.
Narrator within the Garuda Purana (as part of the Vishnu–Garuda dialogue framework; specific sub-speaker not explicitly indicated in this isolated verse)
Concept: Satya (truth) and alignment with the Supreme render hostile forces ineffective; falsehood would invite consequence, but truth stands unshaken.
Vedantic Theme: Satyam as a manifestation of dharma; protective potency of right alignment (anugraha) rather than mere physical dominance.
Application: Cultivate integrity so that speech and action align; avoid reckless vows, but understand that truthfulness and devotion reduce fear and inner agitation.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.28.62 (assertion and seizure); Garuda Purana 3.28.65 (repeated conditional bite-challenge)
FAQs
This verse dramatizes satya through an oath-like challenge: when one stands on truth, even a feared agent (a serpent-lord) fails to harm—highlighting truth as a protective dharmic force.
In Preta Kanda narratives, speech, vows, and moral integrity are repeatedly shown to shape outcomes; here, the inability of the enraged serpent to bite underscores that dharma-aligned assertion is not merely symbolic but consequential.
Cultivate truthfulness and avoid reckless false claims; disciplined speech and integrity reduce fear-driven decisions and strengthen ethical resilience in daily life.