Skanda Purana — Prabhasa Khanda, Shloka 35
उपवासैः कृशो दीनो भूतलं प्रविवेश ह । स दैत्त्यराजभवनं गन्धर्वाप्सरसावृतम्
upavāsaiḥ kṛśo dīno bhūtalaṃ praviveśa ha | sa daittyarājabhavanaṃ gandharvāpsarasāvṛtam
उपवासों से कृश और दीन होकर वह भूतल में प्रविष्ट हुआ। फिर वह गन्धर्वों और अप्सराओं से घिरे दैत्यराज के भवन के पास पहुँचा।
Sūta (Lomaharṣaṇa) narrating (deduced)
Scene: A gaunt sage, ribs visible from fasting, steps into a dazzling palace of the Daitya-king; Gandharvas play music and Apsarases surround the hall, creating a seductive yet threatening atmosphere.
FAQs
Austerity (upavāsa) strengthens resolve; the ascetic persists even when entering hostile realms.
The immediate verse is narrative; the chapter’s larger purpose supports Dvārakā’s sacred greatness and Viṣṇu’s protection linked to its tīrthas.
Upavāsa (fasting) is referenced as an ascetic practice, though not prescribed as a formal vow here.