Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 7
वाराणस्यां किल पुरा सिद्धयोगीश्वराः पुनः । अवमन्य च ते शक्तिं पुनर्भ्रंशमुपागताः
vārāṇasyāṃ kila purā siddhayogīśvarāḥ punaḥ | avamanya ca te śaktiṃ punarbhraṃśamupāgatāḥ
कहा जाता है कि प्राचीन काल में वाराणसी में कुछ सिद्ध योगीश्वर शक्ति का तिरस्कार करके फिर से पतन को प्राप्त हुए।
Nārada (continuing narration)
Tirtha: Kāśī (Vārāṇasī)
Type: kshetra
Scene: A group of radiant siddha-yogins in Kāśī, seated near ghāṭs and liṅgas, display pride; a subtle darkening aura signals their spiritual ‘fall’ as Śakti’s grace withdraws.
FAQs
Even advanced spiritual status cannot protect one who commits disrespect toward Śakti.
Vārāṇasī/Kāśī is referenced as the location of a traditional exemplum (illustrative incident).
Avoid Śakti-nindā (denigration of Śakti); uphold reverence as a foundational discipline.