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
I keep a noble vow: to honor with every courtesy any guest who arrives. But who is this fifth among you, seen here in a simple, straightforward form?
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.