Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 5
पुराणानां नैव पाठः श्रवणं कारयेत्सदा । स्मृत्युक्तं सुगुरोर्ग्राह्यं न पाठः श्रवणादिकम्
purāṇānāṃ naiva pāṭhaḥ śravaṇaṃ kārayetsadā | smṛtyuktaṃ sugurorgrāhyaṃ na pāṭhaḥ śravaṇādikam
One should not continually arrange recitation or listening of the Purāṇas. Rather, what is taught in the Smṛtis should be received from a worthy guru—not merely recitation, listening, and the like.
Narrative voice continuing Īśvara’s discourse (speaker implicit from surrounding verses)
Listener: Skanda (and audience implied)
Scene: A guru instructs a pilgrim assembly: one hand indicating a smṛti text, the other in teaching gesture; listeners sit with folded hands; a Purāṇa manuscript rests aside, suggesting ‘not mere recitation’ but guided instruction.
FAQs
It emphasizes receiving dharma guidance through an authentic teacher and established smṛti norms rather than relying solely on public recitation/hearing.
No specific sacred site is referenced in this verse.
Guidance about not constantly organizing Purāṇa recitation/hearing, and instead learning smṛti-based instruction from a qualified guru.