Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 87
जलप्रवेशादपि वा तदंतं तस्य जीवितम् । यश्चाभिहन्यते दुष्टैर्भूतै रात्रावथो दिवा
jalapraveśādapi vā tadaṃtaṃ tasya jīvitam | yaścābhihanyate duṣṭairbhūtai rātrāvatho divā
Whether by entering water or by some other means, his life comes to its end; and one who is struck down by wicked spirits—by night or by day—meets that destined termination.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa narrative style)
Scene: A figure is drawn toward deep water as if compelled; in another vignette, shadowy bhūtas strike the person in daylight and night, while a distant Śiva-liṅga or trident symbolizes refuge.
FAQs
It warns that hostile, unseen forces and sudden accidents can become instruments of fate; hence a seeker should remain vigilant and spiritually grounded.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; the focus is on yogic obstacles and fatal inauspicious signs.
No explicit rite is prescribed here; the verse functions as a cautionary sign-description.