Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 21
तृणानि भूमिरुदकं वाक्चतुर्थी च सूनृता । एतान्यपि सतां गेहे नोच्छिद्यंते कदाचन
tṛṇāni bhūmirudakaṃ vākcaturthī ca sūnṛtā | etānyapi satāṃ gehe nocchidyaṃte kadācana
Herbe (pour s’asseoir), terre (comme place), eau, et, en quatrième, une parole douce et véridique : tout cela ne manque jamais dans la demeure des hommes de bien.
Narrative voice (Purāṇic narrator; not explicitly named in this verse)
Scene: A simple but virtuous home: a grass mat laid on the ground, a water pot offered, and the host greeting with gentle truthful words; the scene emphasizes minimalism and warmth.
FAQs
True virtue is shown in consistent hospitality: simple resources plus kind truthfulness.
The verse belongs to the Śrīhāṭa–Keśvara-kṣetra Māhātmya context, where tīrtha-life is expressed through daily dharma like honoring guests.
A practical code of reception: provide a seat (even grass/ground), water, and sūnṛtā—pleasant truthful speech.