Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 13
अन्नादे भ्रूणहा मार्ष्टि पत्यौ भार्या पचारिणी । गुरौ शिष्यश्च याज्यश्च स्तेनो राजनि किल्बिषम्
annāde bhrūṇahā mārṣṭi patyau bhāryā pacāriṇī | gurau śiṣyaśca yājyaśca steno rājani kilbiṣam
El asesino de un embrión transfiere su pecado al que le da alimento; la esposa infiel lo transfiere a su esposo; el discípulo a su gurú, el sacerdote oficiante al patrón; y el ladrón deposita su culpa sobre el rey.
Vāsudeva
Listener: Guha (Skanda/Kumāra)
Scene: A sequence tableau: (1) embryo-slayer approaching an annadātā; (2) unfaithful wife beside husband; (3) disciple before guru; (4) priest and yajamāna at altar; (5) thief and king’s court—each linked by a subtle dark thread symbolizing transferred guilt.
FAQs
Dharma teaches shared accountability: when protectors, providers, and authorities fail, the burden of others’ wrongdoing can fall upon them.
No holy place is mentioned; the verse is a general dharma teaching.
No specific rite is prescribed; it references the yajamāna–ṛtvij (patron–priest) relationship as a moral responsibility.