Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 50
बाह्यानामांतराणां वा विना तं तृणवद्विदुः । इंद्रियाणि निगृह्यैव दुष्टानीति निपीडयेत्
bāhyānāmāṃtarāṇāṃ vā vinā taṃ tṛṇavadviduḥ | iṃdriyāṇi nigṛhyaiva duṣṭānīti nipīḍayet
Without mastering that inner principle, both outer and inner things are known to be as worthless as straw. Therefore one should restrain the senses and press down the wicked ones—the unruly powers of the sense-faculties.
Unspecified (continuation of the inquiry/teaching thread before 'Bāla uvāca')
Listener: An inquirer troubled by ignorance and suffering (preceding questions)
Scene: A seated ascetic restrains the senses as personified horses or serpents; outer objects (garlands, gold, pleasures) lie like straw, while an inner flame/linga glows in the heart-lotus.
FAQs
True worth lies in inner mastery; sense-restraint is essential for dharma and higher realization.
No site is named; the verse teaches a universal discipline applicable to all sacred journeys.
A yogic-ethical prescription is given: restrain (nigraha) and subdue the senses.