Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 46
कालभीतिरुवाच । को भवान्वर्णतो ब्रूहि किमाचारश्च तत्त्वतः । जन्माचारौ विदित्वा ते ग्रहीष्याम्यन्यथा न हि
kālabhītiruvāca | ko bhavānvarṇato brūhi kimācāraśca tattvataḥ | janmācārau viditvā te grahīṣyāmyanyathā na hi
कालभीति ने कहा—तुम कौन हो? अपना वर्ण बताओ, और वास्तव में तुम्हारा आचार क्या है? तुम्हारा जन्म और आचार जानकर ही मैं इसे ग्रहण करूँगा, अन्यथा नहीं।
Kālabhīti
Listener: Bhārata (frame)
Scene: Kālabhīti raises a calm but firm hand, questioning the donor: ‘Who are you by varṇa, and what is your conduct?’ The donor stands with the water-pot, momentarily paused—hope mixed with uncertainty.
FAQs
Purāṇic ethics emphasize that offerings should align with dharma—worthiness is assessed through conduct and eligibility.
No specific tīrtha is named in this verse; it is part of an ongoing tīrtha-centered narrative.
A rule for accepting gifts: ascertain the giver’s background and conduct before receiving.