Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 125
आपो वस्त्रं तिलास्तैलं गंधो वा स यथा तथा । पुष्पाणामधिवासेन तथा संसर्गजा गुणाः
āpo vastraṃ tilāstailaṃ gaṃdho vā sa yathā tathā | puṣpāṇāmadhivāsena tathā saṃsargajā guṇāḥ
Sebagaimana air, kain, wijen, minyak, atau wewangian menjadi demikian sesuai dengan apa yang meresapinya, demikian pula sifat-sifat lahir dari pergaulan yang ditempuh.
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) addressing the sages (deduced)
Scene: A didactic tableau showing objects being infused: cloth dyed, sesame pressed into oil, water scented with flowers; beside them, pilgrims/sages illustrating moral ‘infusion’ through company.
FAQs
Character is shaped by association; keep uplifting company to cultivate dharmic qualities.
No specific tīrtha is mentioned; the verse supports pilgrimage ethos by urging holy association (sādhu-saṅga).
No ritual is prescribed; it recommends the practical discipline of choosing virtuous company.