Shloka 2
Karma-vipāka: Truth, Yama’s Judgment, and the Marks of Sin in Rebirth
सत्यं पुण्यवतां देव जायते ऽत्र परत्र च / सत्यंसत्यं पुनः सत्यं वेदवाक्यं न चान्यथा
satyaṃ puṇyavatāṃ deva jāyate 'tra paratra ca / satyaṃsatyaṃ punaḥ satyaṃ vedavākyaṃ na cānyathā
O Deva, for the meritorious, truth (satya) bears fruit both here in this world and in the world beyond. Truth—truth again, and truth once more: it is the utterance of the Veda, and it cannot be otherwise.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Svarga
Concept: Satya (truthfulness) is unfailingly fruitful for the puṇyavān both in this world and the next; it is Vedic speech and cannot be otherwise.
Vedantic Theme: Satya as alignment with Brahman/ṛta; ethical truthfulness supports purity of mind and reliable karmic outcomes, preparing for higher knowledge.
Application: Practice truthfulness in speech and conduct; treat satya as a daily vow (vrata) that stabilizes relationships and spiritual progress.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: teaching dialogue
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.46 (puṇya-phala and dharma emphasis; satya as foundational virtue)
FAQs
This verse declares that truth is a Vedic mandate and that it yields tangible results for the virtuous both in worldly life and after death, making satya a core practice of dharma.
By stating that truth bears fruit ‘there’ (paratra), it links ethical conduct—especially satya—with beneficial post-death outcomes, implying that the soul’s experience beyond depends on dharmic karma.
Practice truthfulness consistently in speech and conduct; the text frames satya as a direct cause of merit (puṇya) that supports well-being now and a favorable condition after death.