Skanda Purana — Kashi Khanda, Shloka 26
समुन्नतोपि संपत्त्या विनयानतकंधरः । आकरोपि गुणानां हि गुणिष्वाकारगोपकः
samunnatopi saṃpattyā vinayānatakaṃdharaḥ | ākaropi guṇānāṃ hi guṇiṣvākāragopakaḥ
Walau ditinggikan oleh kemakmuran, ia tetap menundukkan leher dalam kerendahan hati. Walau laksana tambang kebajikan, ia menyembunyikan keunggulannya di antara para berbudi.
Skanda (narrating the itihāsa)
Scene: A wealthy merchant stands with lowered head and folded hands before elders and virtuous people; despite fine garments, his posture is modest. Around him, other noble persons converse—his virtues are present yet understated, like a hidden treasure.
FAQs
True virtue is marked by humility; greatness is safeguarded by modesty rather than display.
No tīrtha is named in this verse; it builds the moral foundation for the forthcoming Kāśī-centered mahātmya narrative.
None; it teaches dharmic disposition—humility and non-ostentation—as spiritual discipline.