Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 30
तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण क्लेशेन क्षेत्रसाधनैः । यैरहं तोषितः पृथ्व्यां त एते मनुजोत्तमाः
tapasā brahmacaryeṇa kleśena kṣetrasādhanaiḥ | yairahaṃ toṣitaḥ pṛthvyāṃ ta ete manujottamāḥ
तप, ब्रह्मचर्य, कष्ट और तीर्थ-सेवा के साधनों से जिनके द्वारा मैं पृथ्वी पर प्रसन्न हुआ—वे ही ये मनुष्यों में श्रेष्ठ हैं।
Śiva (Mahādeva/Śaṅkara)
Type: kshetra
Listener: Devī (Pārvatī)
Scene: Śiva speaks with didactic calm; behind him, a visual montage suggests human sādhakas performing austerities—fasting, japa, celibate restraint, circumambulation of shrines—whose merit transforms them into radiant attendants.
FAQs
Śiva declares that disciplined austerity, brahmacarya, and sincere kṣetra-observances are powerful means to earn divine grace.
No single tirtha is named; the verse broadly praises kṣetra-sādhana—devotional disciplines performed in sacred places.
General prescriptions are implied: tapas (austerity), brahmacarya (restraint), and observances tied to kṣetras (pilgrimage disciplines).