Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 9
प्रणम्य शक्रप्रमुखा गुहं वचनमब्रुवन् । अभिषिक्तं विना स्कन्द सेनापतिमकल्मषम्
praṇamya śakrapramukhā guhaṃ vacanamabruvan | abhiṣiktaṃ vinā skanda senāpatimakalmaṣam
प्रणाम करून शक्र (इंद्र) प्रमुख देव गुहास म्हणाले—“हे स्कंद! निष्कलंक सेनापती, तुमच्या अभिषेकाविना…”
Śakra (Indra) and the Devas (within Sūta’s narration)
Tirtha: Mahī-nadī (tīra context)
Type: tīrtha (river-bank)
Listener: Guha (Skanda) as addressed by Śakra and the devas
Scene: Indra (Śakra) and the devas bow before Guha on the riverbank, hands folded, speaking earnestly about his consecration as the stainless commander; Skanda sits poised, spear at his side, the river behind as witness.
FAQs
Authority and leadership are sanctified through consecration; dharma values rightful installation, not mere power.
The setting remains the Mahī riverbank, though this verse focuses on the devas’ petition for Skanda’s abhiṣeka.
Abhiṣeka (ritual consecration/anointing) is introduced as necessary for Skanda’s role as senāpati.