Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Bhakti-Śraddhā-Ācāra-Māhātmya and the Commencement of the Mārkaṇḍeya Narrative
पृच्छतां च महाधर्म्मान्वदतां वै मृषा च तान् । धर्मेष्वभक्तिमनसां तेषां दूरतरो हरिः ॥ १६ ॥
pṛcchatāṃ ca mahādharmmānvadatāṃ vai mṛṣā ca tān | dharmeṣvabhaktimanasāṃ teṣāṃ dūrataro hariḥ || 16 ||
Even for those who ask about the highest dharmas, and even for those who speak of them yet speak falsely, and for those whose minds are devoid of devotion while engaged in religious acts—Hari remains far away from them.
Sanatkumara (speaking to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that merely discussing “great dharmas” is not enough—without sincerity, truthfulness, and devotion, the presence and grace of Hari (Vishnu) remain inaccessible.
It asserts that bhakti is the inner core of dharma: when the mind is non-devotional (abhakti-manas), even outwardly religious conduct cannot bring one close to Vishnu.
The practical takeaway is ethical discipline in speech (satya vs. mṛṣā): correct recitation or religious talk is spiritually fruitless if it is dishonest—integrity is required for dharmic efficacy.