Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 25
ओंऊर्ध्वकेशा विरू पाक्षा नित्यं ये घोररूपिणः । रक्तनेत्राश्च पिंगाक्षाः क्षेत्रपालान्नमामि तान्
oṃūrdhvakeśā virū pākṣā nityaṃ ye ghorarūpiṇaḥ | raktanetrāśca piṃgākṣāḥ kṣetrapālānnamāmi tān
ॐ। जिनके केश ऊर्ध्व खड़े हैं, जिनकी दृष्टि विचित्र और भयावह है, जो नित्य घोर रूप वाले हैं—उन रक्तनेत्र और पिंगाक्ष क्षेत्रपालों को मैं नमस्कार करता हूँ।
The hymn-reciter/devotee (as instructed by Sūta)
Type: kshetra
Scene: A hymn-chanting devotee faces a row of fierce Kṣetrapālas: hair bristling upward, terrifying forms, red and tawny eyes, standing guard with weapons and garlands, yet protective stance.
FAQs
The fierce forms of guardians symbolize protective power; reverent salutations transform fear into refuge under dharmic protection.
The verse is a general stuti of Kṣetrapālas, applicable to sacred places broadly rather than one named tīrtha.
Recitation of a stuti (praise-hymn) as part of Kṣetrapāla worship.