Shloka 12
यक्षोपाख्यान-प्रवेशः
Entry into the Yakṣa-Lake Episode
सत्यं वदत्यस्य पिता सत्यं माता प्रभाषते । तथास्य ब्राद्मणाश्षक्रुनमैतत् सत्यवानिति,इस राजकुमारके पिता सदा सत्य बोलते हैं। इसकी माता भी सत्यभाषण करती है। इसलिये ब्राह्मणोंने इसका नाम “'सत्यवान” रख दिया था
satyaṁ vadaty asya pitā satyaṁ mātā prabhāṣate | tathāsya brāhmaṇāś cakrur nāmaitat satyavān iti ||
Nārada said: “His father speaks the truth, and his mother too speaks truthfully. Therefore the brāhmaṇas bestowed on him this very name—‘Satyavān’—because truthfulness is the defining mark of his family.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Truthfulness (satya) is presented as a foundational dharmic virtue that shapes one’s identity and reputation; Satyavān’s very name is grounded in the consistent truth-speaking of his parents, showing how ethical conduct becomes a defining social and spiritual marker.
Nārada is describing Satyavān’s background and character. He explains that because Satyavān’s father and mother are steadfast in speaking truth, the brāhmaṇas named the prince ‘Satyavān,’ highlighting his lineage’s commitment to satya.