Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 38
सुरापानसमं ज्ञेयं जीवनायैव वा पठेत् । अग्निहोत्रपरित्यागः पंचयज्ञोपकर्मणाम्
surāpānasamaṃ jñeyaṃ jīvanāyaiva vā paṭhet | agnihotraparityāgaḥ paṃcayajñopakarmaṇām
It should be known to be equal to drinking liquor: when one recites scripture merely for livelihood. Likewise, abandoning the Agnihotra and the observances connected with the five great sacrifices (pañca-yajña).
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta)
Scene: A householder’s courtyard with three sacred fires; a priest recites with a money-bag nearby (symbol of livelihood-only motive), contrasted with a devout gṛhastha offering oblations; in the background, neglected fire-altar cold and dark to show Agnihotra abandonment.
FAQs
Sacred learning and ritual are meant for dharma and inner purification; reducing them to mere livelihood or neglecting daily duties is condemned as a grave fault.
No tīrtha is identified; the verse focuses on nitya-karma (daily religious duty).
Agnihotra and duties related to the pañcamahāyajñas are referenced, with a warning against their abandonment.