Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 6
सरस्तीरे स्थितः कूर्मस्तान्निरीक्ष्य विदूरगान् । कांदिशीको विवेशासौ जलं शीघ्रतरं तदा
sarastīre sthitaḥ kūrmastānnirīkṣya vidūragān | kāṃdiśīko viveśāsau jalaṃ śīghrataraṃ tadā
The tortoise, stationed on the lake’s shore, seeing them approaching from afar, grew alarmed and swiftly entered the water.
Narrative voice (as relayed by Nārada)
Tirtha: Mānasa-sarovara
Type: kund
Scene: On the lake’s edge, the tortoise notices distant figures; with a sudden cautious motion it slips into the water, ripples spreading as the group approaches along the shore.
FAQs
Even the wise may withdraw when approached abruptly; seekers should approach sacred beings and places with gentleness and proper conduct.
A sacred lake setting is central (Mānasa-saras implied from context), portraying it as a living spiritual landscape.
None explicitly; the verse implies etiquette in approaching holy beings and sacred spaces.