Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 8
ब्राह्मणाश्च विलोक्य मे ये हि पात्रतमा मताः । तथा हि चात्र श्रूयंते वचांसि श्रुतिवादिनाम्
brāhmaṇāśca vilokya me ye hi pātratamā matāḥ | tathā hi cātra śrūyaṃte vacāṃsi śrutivādinām
Having observed, I considered those brāhmaṇas to be the most worthy recipients. Indeed, in this matter the sayings of the teachers of the Veda are also heard.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa default)
Scene: A donor, after careful observation, honors Veda-knowing brāhmaṇas seated in a dharma-sabhā; palm-leaf manuscripts and a sacrificial ladle symbolize śruti authority and proper giving.
FAQs
Charity becomes fruitful when offered with discernment to worthy recipients, guided by Vedic teaching.
No specific tīrtha is named; the focus is on dharma concerning dāna.
The prescription is to examine recipients and give to the most qualified (pātratama), in line with Śruti.