Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 24
इंद्रद्युम्न उवाच । अमी ममैव सुहृदो मार्कंडबककौशिकाः । गृध्रकूर्मौ प्रभावोऽयममीषां मम वृद्धये
iṃdradyumna uvāca | amī mamaiva suhṛdo mārkaṃḍabakakauśikāḥ | gṛdhrakūrmau prabhāvo'yamamīṣāṃ mama vṛddhaye
इन्द्रद्युम्न ने कहा—ये निश्चय ही मेरे सुहृद हैं: मार्कण्ड, बक और कौशिक। गिद्ध और कछुए का यह अद्भुत प्रभाव इनकी वृद्धि तथा मेरी उन्नति का भी कारण बना है।
Indradyumna
Scene: King Indradyumna, hands folded, addresses sages (Mārkaṇḍa, Baka, Kauśika) while a vulture and a tortoise appear nearby, radiating a subtle miraculous aura; attendants and forest-hermitage setting suggest a sacred narrative moment.
FAQs
Recognizing benefactors and honoring true well-wishers is itself a dharmic virtue, strengthening one’s spiritual progress.
No specific tīrtha is mentioned in this verse; the focus is on relationships of dharma and gratitude.
No ritual is prescribed; it is a narrative reflection on the beneficial power (prabhāva) of dharmic companionship and aid.