Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 64
अनिंद्याजीवकर्मा च षड्भिर्दाता प्रशस्यते । अनृजुश्चाश्रद्दधानोऽशांतात्मा धृष्टभीरुकः
aniṃdyājīvakarmā ca ṣaḍbhirdātā praśasyate | anṛjuścāśraddadhāno'śāṃtātmā dhṛṣṭabhīrukaḥ
A giver is praised when endowed with six qualities—among them, earning one’s livelihood by blameless means. But one who is crooked, faithless, inwardly unquiet, and at once impudent and fearful is not so commended.
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) addressing the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Scene: Two contrasting donors: one serene, straightforward, offering from honest earnings; another shadowed figure with restless eyes, half-boastful yet anxious, symbolizing crooked intent; a sage indicates the difference.
FAQs
Charity gains true praise when it arises from a blameless livelihood and a sincere, steady inner disposition.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it teaches general purāṇic dharma regarding the donor’s character.
No specific rite is prescribed; the verse defines ethical qualifications that shape the merit of dāna.