Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 125
आपो वस्त्रं तिलास्तैलं गंधो वा स यथा तथा । पुष्पाणामधिवासेन तथा संसर्गजा गुणाः
āpo vastraṃ tilāstailaṃ gaṃdho vā sa yathā tathā | puṣpāṇāmadhivāsena tathā saṃsargajā guṇāḥ
De même que l’eau, l’étoffe, le sésame, l’huile ou le parfum deviennent tels ou tels selon ce dont on les imprègne, de même les qualités naissent de la fréquentation et de la compagnie que l’on garde.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) addressing the sages (deduced)
Scene: A didactic tableau showing objects being infused: cloth dyed, sesame pressed into oil, water scented with flowers; beside them, pilgrims/sages illustrating moral ‘infusion’ through company.
FAQs
Character is shaped by association; keep uplifting company to cultivate dharmic qualities.
No specific tīrtha is mentioned; the verse supports pilgrimage ethos by urging holy association (sādhu-saṅga).
No ritual is prescribed; it recommends the practical discipline of choosing virtuous company.