Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 55
दीर्घायुर्भव तैरुक्तः सर्वैरेव द्विजोत्तमैः । दृष्ट्वा मां विस्मयाविष्टैर्बालकं व्रतिनं विभो
dīrghāyurbhava tairuktaḥ sarvaireva dvijottamaiḥ | dṛṣṭvā māṃ vismayāviṣṭairbālakaṃ vratinaṃ vibho
সকল শ্রেষ্ঠ দ্বিজ আমাকে বললেন—‘দীর্ঘায়ু হও।’ হে বিভো, আমাকে বালক হয়েও ব্রতধারী দেখে তাঁরা বিস্ময়ে অভিভূত হলেন।
Mārkaṇḍeya
Listener: his father
Scene: A circle of venerable sages gaze in astonishment at a young ascetic Mārkaṇḍeya; their hands raised in blessing as they utter 'dīrghāyur bhava', while the boy stands composed, holding a kamaṇḍalu, wearing matted hair and simple ascetic garb.
FAQs
Vrata and disciplined conduct can shine even in youth, drawing blessings and reverence from the wise.
Not explicitly named in this verse; it supports the larger tīrtha-māhātmya narrative.
A blessing formula is cited (“dīrghāyur bhava”), and the ideal of vrata-observance is highlighted.