Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
Bhāgīratha’s Bringing of the Gaṅgā
यत्पृष्टोऽहं त्वया भूप तत्सर्वं प्रवदामि ते । यथार्थकथनं यत्तत्सत्यमाहुर्विपश्चितः ॥ २३ ॥
yatpṛṣṭo'haṃ tvayā bhūpa tatsarvaṃ pravadāmi te | yathārthakathanaṃ yattatsatyamāhurvipaścitaḥ || 23 ||
“ข้าแต่พระราชา สิ่งใดที่ท่านถามข้าพเจ้า ข้าพเจ้าจะกล่าวให้ทั้งหมด บัณฑิตทั้งหลายกล่าวว่า ‘สัจจะ’ คือถ้อยคำที่บอกความจริงตามที่เป็นอยู่”
Narrator/Sage (contextual speaker addressing the king; commonly Narada in Purva Bhaga dialogues)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It defines satya as alignment of speech with reality and frames the teaching tradition: the sage commits to answering fully, grounding instruction in truthfulness as a core dharmic virtue.
While not naming bhakti directly, it establishes the ethical foundation for devotion: truthful speech and sincerity (satya) are essential supports for pure Vishnu-bhakti and trustworthy transmission of sacred teachings.
It implicitly highlights the Vedanga concern with precise expression—especially Vyakarana and Nirukta—since “yathartha-kathana” depends on correct wording and accurate meaning to convey truth without distortion.