Shloka 97
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
एवं मिथ्या न कर्त्तव्या मृषा पापप्रसूतिका । नास्ति सत्यात्परोधर्मो नानृतात्पातकं परम्
evaṃ mithyā na karttavyā mṛṣā pāpaprasūtikā | nāsti satyātparodharmo nānṛtātpātakaṃ param
एवं मिथ्या न कर्तव्या, मृषा पापप्रसूतिका। नास्ति सत्यात् परो धर्मो, नानृतात् पातकं परम्॥
Not specified in the provided excerpt (context needed to identify the dialogue pair).
Concept: Do not lie; falsehood generates sin. Truth is the highest dharma; untruth the greatest transgression.
Application: Practice truthful, non-manipulative speech; avoid ‘small lies’ that normalize deception; when truth may harm, speak with compassion and timing while refusing falsehood.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene sage writes the words ‘SATYAM’ on a palm-leaf manuscript while a faint shadow of a serpent (symbol of deceit) recoils and dissolves. Above, a luminous, unseen presence suggests Nārāyaṇa’s satya-saṅkalpa, bathing the scene in calm radiance.","primary_figures":["sage/ācārya","symbolic serpent of deceit (allegorical)","subtle divine presence of Nārāyaṇa (non-anthropomorphic glow)"],"setting":"quiet āśrama study space with palm-leaf manuscripts, ink pot, tulasi-like sacred plants in the periphery, and a small lamp","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["lotus pink","warm gold","sage green","cream white","midnight blue"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central sage inscribing ‘satya’ on palm leaves, gold leaf aura filling the background as a symbol of Nārāyaṇa’s presence; ornate lamp and manuscript stand, rich reds/greens, embossed gold borders, jewel-toned highlights.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate āśrama interior with delicate brushwork—sage, manuscripts, a dissolving shadow-serpent; cool blues and creams, refined facial serenity, gentle natural elements outside the window.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines—sage seated with manuscript, stylized serpent motif retreating; radiant circular mandala behind indicating divine truth, red/yellow/green palette with black contours.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: allegorical ‘satya’ theme framed by lotus borders; deep blue ground with gold script-like motifs, peacocks and floral vines, subtle conch/chakra emblems indicating Viṣṇu’s dharma."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["silence","soft tanpura drone","temple lamp flicker","distant birds"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नास्ति = न + अस्ति; सत्यात्परोधर्मो = सत्यात् + परः + धर्मः; नानृतात्पातकं = न + अनृतात् + पातकम्.
FAQs
It teaches that truth (satya) is the highest dharma, while falsehood (anṛta/mṛṣā) is the greatest sin because it generates further wrongdoing.
In this shloka, the focus is ethical instruction rather than a creation narrative; it presents a universal dharmic rule emphasized within the Sṛṣṭikhaṇḍa context.
It advises avoiding deliberate deception in speech and action, treating truthfulness as a primary moral obligation and recognizing lying as a root cause of further moral decline.