Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 40
आत्मप्रत्ययवान्देही क्वेश्वरश्चेदृशोऽस्ति हि । ऐश्वर्यस्यापि सारं स जग्राहैतन्निशामय
ātmapratyayavāndehī kveśvaraścedṛśo'sti hi | aiśvaryasyāpi sāraṃ sa jagrāhaitanniśāmaya
Where indeed is such a ruler—embodied, yet steadfast in self-trust (inner clarity)? He has grasped even the essence of sovereignty; listen to this well.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) (deduced: Māheśvarakhaṇḍa narrative mode)
Scene: A ruler sits not on a high throne but on a simple seat beside sages; a luminous steady flame at his heart symbolizes ātma-pratyaya; regalia is present but secondary, indicating essence over display.
FAQs
The highest sovereignty is self-mastery; inner conviction and restraint form the essence of true rulership.
No tirtha is mentioned; the verse continues an ethical portrait within the chapter’s discourse.
No ritual; it exhorts attentive listening and learning of the dharmic essence of leadership.