Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 160
तिस्रो रात्रीर्न शक्तश्चेदेवं माहेश्वरो भवेत् । संयावकृशरामांसं नात्मानमुपसाधयेत्
tisro rātrīrna śaktaścedevaṃ māheśvaro bhavet | saṃyāvakṛśarāmāṃsaṃ nātmānamupasādhayet
If he is unable to keep the discipline for three nights, even so he may, in this manner, be regarded as a Māheśvara. Yet he should not indulge himself with rich foods such as saṃyāva, kṛśarā, and meat.
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) addressing the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Scene: A devotee declines rich dishes (sweet saṃyāva, kṛśarā, meat) offered by a well-meaning host, choosing a simple meal; a subtle aura of Śiva devotion marks him as Māheśvara.
FAQs
Austerity should be sincere and moderate—adapt practice to capacity, but avoid self-indulgence.
No tīrtha is named; the instruction concerns general Śaiva vrata and diet.
If unable to keep a three-night observance, follow a permissible alternative, while avoiding indulgent foods like sweets, kṛśarā, and meat.