Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 38
तदहं दर्शयाम्येष पश्यध्वं सहकेशवाः । इत्युक्त्वा धनुरारोप्य संदधे विशिखं त्वरन् । निःशल्यं चापि संपूर्णं सिंदूराभेण भस्मना
tadahaṃ darśayāmyeṣa paśyadhvaṃ sahakeśavāḥ | ityuktvā dhanurāropya saṃdadhe viśikhaṃ tvaran | niḥśalyaṃ cāpi saṃpūrṇaṃ siṃdūrābheṇa bhasmanā
“Then I shall show it—behold, along with Keśava!” Saying so, he swiftly strung his bow and fitted an arrow; and that arrow was complete and unimpeded, empowered with vermilion-hued sacred ash.
Barbarīka (action narrated; speech begins the verse)
Scene: Barbarīka declares he will show the method, then swiftly strings his bow and sets an arrow empowered with vermilion-hued ash, the weapon glowing with consecrated potency.
FAQs
The scene blends martial skill with sacred symbolism—bhasma signifies Śaiva sanctity and the transience of worldly power even amid heroism.
No specific site is named; the emphasis is on sacred ash (bhasma) and divine presence (Keśava).
No direct prescription; bhasma appears as a sacred element, evoking Śaiva practice without detailing a rite.