Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 55
देवाग्निगुरुसाधूनां निंदा गोब्राह्मणस्य च । प्रत्यक्षं वा परोक्षं वा राज्ञां मंडलिनामपि
devāgnigurusādhūnāṃ niṃdā gobrāhmaṇasya ca | pratyakṣaṃ vā parokṣaṃ vā rājñāṃ maṃḍalināmapi
To slander the gods, the sacred sacrificial fire (Agni), one’s teachers and holy persons—likewise to revile cows and brāhmaṇas—whether openly or in secret, and even to speak ill of kings and rulers, is censured as sinful conduct.
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) to the sages (deduced)
Scene: A pilgrim stands before a Śiva shrine with folded hands; nearby are a sacred fire/lamps, a seated guru, sādhus, a cow with calf, and a brāhmaṇa reciting—while shadowy figures whispering behind backs are shown being turned away, symbolizing rejection of slander.
FAQs
Purity of speech is dharma: disrespect toward the sacred, the virtuous, and social protectors creates spiritual demerit.
No tīrtha is specified; the verse provides general dharma that supports tīrtha-māhātmya practice.
It prescribes restraint from nindā (reviling) and cultivation of reverence; no single ritual act is detailed.