Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 97
इति यो वेदे तत्त्वार्थं नासौ नरकमाप्नुयात् । मुनिभिर्यश्च न प्रोक्तं यन्न मन्येत दैवतान्
iti yo vede tattvārthaṃ nāsau narakamāpnuyāt | munibhiryaśca na proktaṃ yanna manyeta daivatān
Whoever understands this true purport does not fall into hell. And one should not regard as divine that which has not been declared by the sages.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta)
Scene: A pilgrim at a crossroads of shrines: one path led by sages holding śāstra and pointing toward a Śiva shrine; another path shows chaotic, unendorsed practices fading into darkness labeled ‘naraka’; the pilgrim chooses the sage-guided route.
FAQs
Right understanding protects one from downfall, and religious claims should be tested against sage-sanctioned tradition.
No specific site is mentioned; the focus is on doctrinal discernment.
No ritual is prescribed; it is an injunction about correct belief and authority.