Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 67
किं करोमि दया जाता ममैनं प्रति हे सुराः । तस्मान्नाहं हनिष्यामि दानवं दीनजल्पकम्
kiṃ karomi dayā jātā mamainaṃ prati he surāḥ | tasmānnāhaṃ haniṣyāmi dānavaṃ dīnajalpakam
Que puis-je faire ? Ô dieux, la compassion s’est éveillée en moi envers lui. C’est pourquoi je ne tuerai pas ce Dānava qui parle si misérablement.
Devī (Sureśvarī) addressing the gods
Scene: Devī raises a calming hand (abhaya/varada-like gesture), eyes softened; devas look alarmed; the unseen dānava is implied as a trembling supplicant below, emphasizing the contrast between fear and mercy.
FAQs
When an adversary becomes humble and seeks refuge, compassion can override wrath; dharma includes mercy guided by discernment.
Not explicit in this verse; it supports the broader tīrtha-māhātmya by portraying the Goddess’s dharmic qualities.
None; the verse concerns ethical decision (not killing) motivated by compassion.