Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 19
Bhāgīratha’s Bringing of the Gaṅgā
भगीरथ उवाच । सत्यं तु कीदृशं प्रोक्तं सर्वभूतहितं मुने । अनृतं कीदृशं प्रोक्तं दुर्जनाश्चापि कीदृशाः ॥ १९ ॥
bhagīratha uvāca | satyaṃ tu kīdṛśaṃ proktaṃ sarvabhūtahitaṃ mune | anṛtaṃ kīdṛśaṃ proktaṃ durjanāścāpi kīdṛśāḥ || 19 ||
ഭഗീരഥൻ പറഞ്ഞു—ഹേ മുനേ, സർവ്വഭൂതഹിതകരമെന്നു ഉപദേശിക്കപ്പെട്ട സത്യം എങ്ങനെയുള്ളത്? അനൃതം (അസത്യം) എങ്ങനെയെന്ന് പറയുന്നു? ദുർജനരുടെ ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ എന്തെല്ലാം?
Bhagīratha
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
The verse frames dharma as discernment: it asks for a definition of “truth” that uplifts all beings (sarvabhūta-hita), and seeks criteria to recognize harmful falsehood and the conduct of the wicked—preparing the listener for ethical guidance that supports inner purification and spiritual progress.
By prioritizing speech that benefits all beings, the verse aligns conduct with compassion and sattva—qualities that stabilize the mind for devotion. In bhakti practice, truthful and non-harmful speech supports humility, reduces offense, and strengthens reverence toward the Divine and devotees.
Indirectly, it points to disciplined speech (vāk-saṁyama) and right expression—skills refined through Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (grammar)—so that one’s words convey truth clearly and avoid misleading or harmful statements.