Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 13
इति भूतानि शोचंति नानायोनिगतान्यपि । तत्त्वं मानुष्यमतुलं स्पृहणीयं दिवौकसाम् । अनादृत्य कथं ब्रूहि स्थितश्चोदर एव च
iti bhūtāni śocaṃti nānāyonigatānyapi | tattvaṃ mānuṣyamatulaṃ spṛhaṇīyaṃ divaukasām | anādṛtya kathaṃ brūhi sthitaścodara eva ca
Thus do beings, though born in many kinds of wombs, lament: “In truth, human life is incomparable, desired even by the gods. Yet you disregard it—tell me, how can you remain only within the belly?”
Unspecified (didactic narrative voice continuing the admonition to the garbha)
Scene: Many beings across varied yonis lamenting, while a luminous vision of human life appears as a gateway to worship and liberation; the embryo motif hints at a voice from within the womb being admonished.
FAQs
Human birth is rare and spiritually potent—so valuable that even gods desire it—therefore it should not be neglected.
No tīrtha is named in this verse; it is a general teaching on the excellence of human embodiment.
No explicit ritual is stated; the emphasis is on honoring the opportunity of human life for dharma and liberation.