Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 23
बाल्ये च यौवने चापि वार्धक्येपि विनश्यति । तेन चंचलदेहेन कोऽर्थः स्वार्थो न चेद्भवेत्
bālye ca yauvane cāpi vārdhakyepi vinaśyati | tena caṃcaladehena ko'rthaḥ svārtho na cedbhavet
It perishes in childhood, in youth as well, and also in old age. What worth is this fickle body, if one’s true purpose is not fulfilled?
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced)
Scene: Three panels (child, youth, elder) each fading like sand drawings; in the center, a steady flame labeled ‘svārtha’ remains unmoved, with a pilgrim offering a lamp to Śiva.
FAQs
Because the body can fail at any stage of life, one should prioritize the soul’s aim—dharma and liberation—over bodily attachment.
None is directly praised in this verse; it provides the ethical-philosophical foundation for the ensuing tapas on Himavat.
No explicit rite is stated; the verse urges inner resolve toward the highest good.