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 ||
“O hari, ang lahat ng iyong itinanong sa akin ay sasabihin ko sa iyo. Sinasabi ng mga marurunong na ang ‘katotohanan’ ay yaong pananalitang nagsasaad ng mga bagay ayon sa tunay na kalagayan.”
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.