Skanda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 56
विप्रा वेदविदः शांताः कृतिनः शंसितव्रताः । ज्ञानयज्ञतपोनिष्ठाः शिवभक्तिपरायणाः
viprā vedavidaḥ śāṃtāḥ kṛtinaḥ śaṃsitavratāḥ | jñānayajñataponiṣṭhāḥ śivabhaktiparāyaṇāḥ
ते ब्राह्मण वेदज्ञ, मनाने शांत, कृतार्थ व व्रतप्रसिद्ध होते। ज्ञान, यज्ञ व तप यांत निष्ठावंत आणि शिवभक्तीत पूर्ण परायण होते।
Narrator (contextual attribution within Brahmottarakhaṇḍa narration)
Scene: A serene assembly of Veda-knowing brāhmaṇas seated in orderly rows, calm-faced, with rudrākṣa and sacred threads, holding palm-leaf manuscripts; a subtle presence of Śiva (liṅga or trident emblem) sanctifies the gathering.
FAQs
Scripture praises balanced dharma: Vedic learning and inner peace, disciplined vows, and unwavering devotion to Śiva together form spiritual excellence.
No tīrtha is named; the verse characterizes the officiating brāhmaṇas within the ritual narrative.
No explicit ritual step; it identifies the qualifications and disposition of those fit to lead Rudra-centered rites.