Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 30
स निराशस्तदाकर्ण्य वचो भूपोग्निसाधने । समुद्योगं तदा चक्रे तं दृष्ट्वाह तदा मुनिः
sa nirāśastadākarṇya vaco bhūpognisādhane | samudyogaṃ tadā cakre taṃ dṛṣṭvāha tadā muniḥ
Hearing those words about the king’s resolve to enter the fire, he fell into despair; yet then he set himself to act. Seeing him thus preparing, the sage spoke at once.
Narrator (Sūta-style narration within Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Listener: Śaunaka and sages (implied frame)
Scene: The king, shaken by the sage’s words, moves toward a prepared fire-pit as if to enter; attendants recoil; the sage rises quickly, arm extended to stop him, face compassionate yet firm.
FAQs
Even in despair, dharmic action should be guided by wise counsel rather than impulsive extremes.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it functions as narrative setup within the Kaumārikākhaṇḍa.
A contemplated fire-entry (self-immolation) is referenced, but it is not prescribed as a ritual; it becomes the subject of admonition.