Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 46
कालभीतिरुवाच । को भवान्वर्णतो ब्रूहि किमाचारश्च तत्त्वतः । जन्माचारौ विदित्वा ते ग्रहीष्याम्यन्यथा न हि
kālabhītiruvāca | ko bhavānvarṇato brūhi kimācāraśca tattvataḥ | janmācārau viditvā te grahīṣyāmyanyathā na hi
Kālabhīti said: “Who are you? Tell me your varṇa. And in truth, what is your conduct? Only after knowing your birth and your way of life will I accept it from you—otherwise, never.”
Kālabhīti
Listener: Bhārata (frame)
Scene: Kālabhīti raises a calm but firm hand, questioning the donor: ‘Who are you by varṇa, and what is your conduct?’ The donor stands with the water-pot, momentarily paused—hope mixed with uncertainty.
FAQs
Purāṇic ethics emphasize that offerings should align with dharma—worthiness is assessed through conduct and eligibility.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it is part of an ongoing tīrtha-centered narrative.
A rule for accepting gifts: ascertain the giver’s background and conduct before receiving.