Skanda Purana — Kashi Khanda, Shloka 27
वह्निस्वरूपा ललना नवनीत समः पुमान् । अनभिज्ञा वदंतीति विचारान्महदंतरम्
vahnisvarūpā lalanā navanīta samaḥ pumān | anabhijñā vadaṃtīti vicārānmahadaṃtaram
“A woman is said to be of the nature of fire, while a man is like butter—so speak the unknowing; but upon reflection, the truth is far more subtle and different.”
Muni (sage) speaking (continuing counsel to Śucī)
Tirtha: Kāśī (Avimukta)
Type: kshetra
Listener: Śaunaka and ṛṣis (frame implied)
Scene: The sage gestures as if weighing two symbols: a flame and a lump of butter, then points to his forehead (vicāra), indicating a deeper truth beyond appearances.
FAQs
Do not rely on crude generalizations; apply vicāra (reasoned reflection) to understand conduct and responsibility.
No specific tīrtha is named; the instruction is part of the Kāśī Khaṇḍa’s broader dharma-teaching.
None; it is a moral-psychological teaching centered on discernment.