Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 20
ऋद्धयः सर्वदेवानां गृहीतास्तेन सर्वतः । महाभूतस्वरूपेण स एव च जगत्पतिः
ṛddhayaḥ sarvadevānāṃ gṛhītāstena sarvataḥ | mahābhūtasvarūpeṇa sa eva ca jagatpatiḥ
Il a saisi de toutes parts les pouvoirs et les prospérités de tous les dieux; prenant la forme même des grands éléments, lui seul s’est dressé comme seigneur du monde.
Suras (the Devas), addressing Svayambhū (Brahmā)
Listener: Prabhu (the addressed lord)
Scene: An asura stands विशाल (towering), surrounded by swirling representations of the five great elements—earth, water, fire, wind, ether—while the Devas appear diminished, their emblems and glories drawn toward him like stolen light.
FAQs
When adharma rises, it can appear to dominate even cosmic powers; dharma is restored only through rightful divine order, not mere force.
No specific tīrtha is mentioned in this verse; it functions as narrative groundwork within the Kaumārikākhaṇḍa.
None; this verse describes the cosmic imbalance caused by the asura’s domination.