Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 120
आदावाडंबरेणैव ध्रुवतोऽज्ञानमेव मे । इत्थं निःसारता व्यक्तमादावाडंबारात्तु यत्
ādāvāḍaṃbareṇaiva dhruvato'jñānameva me | itthaṃ niḥsāratā vyaktamādāvāḍaṃbārāttu yat
From the very beginning, the mere show has only confirmed my ignorance. Thus the hollowness becomes clear—when, from the start, there is nothing but ostentation.
Unclear from snippet; reflective/critical voice within the dialogue
Scene: A pilgrim surrounded by lavish ritual paraphernalia realizes emptiness; the scene shifts to a simple lamp and quiet prayer, symbolizing substance over show.
FAQs
Dharma is essence-centered: outward pomp without inner understanding reveals hollowness and deepens ignorance.
No specific site is named; the verse focuses on the quality of practice rather than pilgrimage geography.
No specific rite is prescribed; it implicitly calls for sincerity and substance over display in religious conduct.