Skanda Purana — Prabhasa Khanda, Shloka 21
धर्माभावाद्वयं सर्वे संदेहं परमं गताः । तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा ध्यात्वा देवः पितामहः । अब्रवीत्त्रिदशान्सर्वान्सन्देहं परमं गतान्
dharmābhāvādvayaṃ sarve saṃdehaṃ paramaṃ gatāḥ | teṣāṃ tadvacanaṃ śrutvā dhyātvā devaḥ pitāmahaḥ | abravīttridaśānsarvānsandehaṃ paramaṃ gatān
« En raison de l'absence de dharma, nous sommes tous tombés dans le doute le plus profond. » Entendant leurs paroles et méditant, le divin Grand-père (Brahmā) s'adressa à tous les dieux plongés dans une incertitude extrême.
Narrator (transition to Brahmā’s response)
Tirtha: Prabhāsa-kṣetra
Type: kshetra
Listener: Ṛṣis (frame assumed)
Scene: Brahmā hears the sages’ despair, closes his eyes in meditation, then addresses the assembled devas who are also in doubt—an image of calm authority emerging from crisis.
FAQs
Absence of dharma breeds existential doubt; restoration begins when higher wisdom (Brahmā’s discernment) guides the community.
The Prabhāsa-kṣetra māhātmya provides the sacred frame, linking cosmic counsel to the sanctity of Prabhāsa.
No direct prescription; the verse emphasizes dhyāna (contemplation) as Brahmā prepares to give guidance.