Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 197
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां यदि प्राप्तौ भवेन्मतिः । ततो हरः समाराध्यस्त्रिजगत्याः प्रदो मतः
dharmārthakāmamokṣāṇāṃ yadi prāptau bhavenmatiḥ | tato haraḥ samārādhyastrijagatyāḥ prado mataḥ
If one’s aim is to attain dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa, then Hara (Śiva) should be duly worshipped, for he is regarded as the giver to the three worlds.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Scene: Four streams emanate from Hara’s presence: dharma (a scale/scripture), artha (grain/coins), kāma (flower garland), mokṣa (a radiant path/lotus of liberation). Devotees approach with varied aims, all converging at Śiva’s feet.
FAQs
Śiva (Hara) is portrayed as the complete bestower of all human goals, from worldly welfare to final liberation.
No specific sacred place is mentioned; the focus is on the universal efficacy of Śiva-ārādhana.
The prescription is to worship Hara properly (samārādhya), without specifying the exact ritual sequence in this verse.