Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 20
परिक्षीणान्मित्रबन्धून्स्वामिनं दयितानुगान् । अवमन्य निवृत्तात्मा क्लिष्टवृत्तिः सदा भवेत्
parikṣīṇānmitrabandhūnsvāminaṃ dayitānugān | avamanya nivṛttātmā kliṣṭavṛttiḥ sadā bhavet
যে বিমুখচিত্ত হয়ে দুর্বল বন্ধু-আত্মীয়, প্রভু ও প্রিয় অনুগতদের অবমাননা করে, তার জীবন সর্বদা ক্লেশপূর্ণ ও পীড়িত হয়।
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Scene: A wealthy figure turning away with disdain from an aged friend and a frail dependent; the atmosphere around him becomes thorny and dark, symbolizing ‘kliṣṭa-vṛtti’ (afflicted livelihood).
FAQs
Dharma is tested in how one treats the vulnerable and dependent; contempt hardens the heart and returns as continual distress.
No specific sacred geography is referenced in this verse.
None; it teaches relational dharma—respect, gratitude, and care toward the weakened and dependent.