Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 144
नैकवस्त्रश्च भुंजीत नाग्नौ होममथाचरेत् । न चार्चयेद्द्विजान्नैव कुर्याद्देवार्चनं बुधः
naikavastraśca bhuṃjīta nāgnau homamathācaret | na cārcayeddvijānnaiva kuryāddevārcanaṃ budhaḥ
A wise devotee should not eat while wearing only a single garment, nor should he perform fire-offerings (homa) in an improper manner. While in a state that violates the discipline of a Māheśvara observance, he should not render ritual worship to the twice-born (Brāhmaṇas), nor undertake formal deity-worship.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Listener: Śaiva observer / king addressed as nṛpottama in surrounding verses
Scene: A devotee preparing for Śiva worship adjusts clean garments, sets aside food until properly attired, and arranges homa implements correctly. A brāhmaṇa sits nearby, honored respectfully but not as a substitute ritual when the observer’s discipline is incomplete.
FAQs
Śaiva observance requires disciplined conduct; worship and ritual acts should be done only in a proper, regulated state.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it focuses on vrata-ācāra (discipline) within the Māheśvara tradition.
Guidance is given about when not to perform homa and formal worship, emphasizing correct conditions and restraint.