Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 70
सुहृद्वत्प्रतिबोध्यैनं प्रवर्तयति तत्त्वतः । काव्यालापादिकं यच्च कांतासंमतमुच्यते
suhṛdvatpratibodhyainaṃ pravartayati tattvataḥ | kāvyālāpādikaṃ yacca kāṃtāsaṃmatamucyate
One should instruct him like a true well-wisher, as a friend (su-hṛt), and set him firmly upon the path of reality. And whatever consists of poetic speech, refined talk, and the like—when approved by the beloved (kāntā), that is, by the noble and discerning—is said to be acceptable.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta), addressing the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa convention)
Scene: A compassionate counselor-sage gently instructs a seeker, pointing toward a luminous path labeled ‘tattva’; nearby, poets/musicians recite sweet verses that support the seeker’s resolve.
FAQs
Guide others compassionately, like a true friend, and keep discourse aligned with truth and noble approval.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it gives a general dharma-teaching within the Kaumārikākhaṇḍa.
No ritual is prescribed here; the focus is on ethical instruction and disciplined speech.