Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 12
अभ्यागतस्य कस्यापि सर्वसत्कारसद्व्रती । किं त्वेष पंचमो यो वो दृश्यते सरलाकृतिः
abhyāgatasya kasyāpi sarvasatkārasadvratī | kiṃ tveṣa paṃcamo yo vo dṛśyate saralākṛtiḥ
Ich habe das gute Gelübde, jedem ankommenden Gast alle Ehren zu erweisen. Doch wer ist dieser Fünfte unter euch, der hier in schlichter, gerader Gestalt zu sehen ist?
Kūrma
Listener: Kuruśreṣṭha / Kurusattama (addressed later in the passage)
Scene: A dharmic host speaks with folded hands, declaring his vow to honor any guest; he notices a fifth figure among a group—plain, unadorned, yet quietly radiant—prompting respectful curiosity.
FAQs
True hospitality is universal, yet sacred narratives often test discernment through unexpected visitors.
No specific sacred site is named in this verse; it focuses on the encounter and recognition within the story.
The implied prescription is complete satkāra (honoring) of guests; no detailed rite is stated.