Varaha Purana 155.48: Adhyaya 155, Shloka 48
The Efficacy and Sacred Merit of Akrūra Tīrtha
यथान्यायं विधानॆन यथा वा तव रोचते ॥ नोक्तपूर्वं मया।असत्यं कदाचिदपि राक्षस
yathānyāyaṃ vidhānena yathā vā tava rocate || noktapūrvaṃ mayā 'satyaṃ kadācid api rākṣasa
จงกระทำตามที่ชอบธรรมด้วยพิธีอันสมควร—หรือจะตามที่เจ้าพอใจก็ได้ โอ้รากษส ข้าพเจ้าไม่เคยกล่าวเท็จมาก่อนเลย ไม่ว่าเมื่อใดก็ตาม
Sudhana (merchant; speaker inferred from nearby 'sudhana uvāca')
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":true,"speaker_role":"observer"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":true,"instruction_summary":"Speak truthfully and act according to proper procedure (nyāya/vidhi), even under threat.","karmic_consequence":"Truthfulness preserves dharma and becomes protective merit; falsehood leads to dharmic downfall and adverse rebirths (implied)."}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":false}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"Ethical soteriology (satya as protective power)","core_concept":"Satya is not merely speech-accuracy but steadfast alignment with dharma/nyāya even when life is at stake.","practical_application":"Maintain truthfulness and procedural propriety in vows, testimony, and promises, especially under coercion."}
Subject Matter: ["Ethics","Dharma (Truthfulness)","Narrative Literature"]
Primary Rasa: vīra
Secondary Rasa: bhayānaka
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 155.55–58 (continuation: truth tested; merit-transfer request)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A merchant (Sudhana) stands composed before a fearsome brahma-rākṣasa, declaring he has never spoken falsehood and will act by proper rule or as demanded.","item_prompts":["merchant with travel-gear","brahma-rākṣasa with fierce visage","gesture of oath/truth (raised hand)","tense forest/ruin backdrop","contrast: calm face vs threatening demon"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal, stylized Sudhana with serene eyes; brahma-rākṣasa in deep reds/greens, ornate yet fearsome, with clear hand-gestures of vow and menace.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Sudhana with rich textiles and jewelry highlights; brahma-rākṣasa outlined boldly; gold-leaf accents on ornaments and halo-like emphasis on ‘satya’ purity.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: delicate linework, soft shading; emphasize Sudhana’s composed expression and the demon’s restrained ferocity; warm earthy palette.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: lyrical forest setting, simplified forms; Sudhana small but steadfast; rākṣasa looming; expressive eyes to convey fear and courage."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"Grave, oath-like, morally resolute","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium-slow","voice_tone":"steady, firm, unshaken"}
FAQs
It exemplifies the Purāṇic valorization of satya as a social and spiritual credential, often used to frame a character’s trustworthiness in moral narratives.
No geographic location is named in this verse.
Truthfulness is presented as a lifelong discipline and a foundation for ethical standing even in hostile encounters.
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