Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 2
अशक्त्या हि शरीरस्य नियमानां कथं चरेत् । व्रतं हि सुकुमारांगो दानैर्वापि वदस्व नः
aśaktyā hi śarīrasya niyamānāṃ kathaṃ caret | vrataṃ hi sukumārāṃgo dānairvāpi vadasva naḥ
“But if the body is weak, how can one practice strict disciplines? Tell us of a vow fit for the delicate-bodied—or else a path through gifts and charity.”
Ṛṣis (sages)
Type: kshetra
Listener: pilgrims/ṛṣis (inquisitors)
Scene: A pilgrim-assembly respectfully questions the narrator about a gentle vow for the weak-bodied; the atmosphere is compassionate and instructional, with ascetics and householders listening.
FAQs
Purāṇic dharma accommodates human limitation: when austerities are difficult, suitable vratas and dāna provide an accessible path of merit.
No tirtha is named in this verse; it focuses on practical dharma and eligibility.
It requests guidance on a manageable vrata and/or merit through dāna (charitable giving) for those unable to keep strict niyamas.