Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 144
व्यर्थतां जग्मुरस्त्राणि देवानां दानवं प्रति । यथातिक्रूरचित्तानामार्ये कृत्यशतान्यपि
vyarthatāṃ jagmurastrāṇi devānāṃ dānavaṃ prati | yathātikrūracittānāmārye kṛtyaśatānyapi
The gods’ missiles became futile against the dānava—just as, with men of exceedingly cruel mind, even hundreds of noble efforts prove fruitless.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta), narrating to the sages (contextual attribution for Māheśvarakhaṇḍa)
Scene: Divine missiles dissolve or fall harmlessly, their radiance extinguished before reaching the dānava; the scene overlays a moral tableau—wise figures offering gifts/counsel to a hard-hearted man who turns away unmoved.
FAQs
Cruelty and entrenched adharma nullify even strong remedies; transformation requires higher grace and inner change.
None is mentioned in this verse.
None; it offers a moral analogy within the battle narrative.