Skanda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 20
बालो युवा दरिद्रो वा वृद्धो वा दुर्बलोऽपि वा । पुराणज्ञः सदा वन्द्यः पूज्यश्च सुकृतार्थिभिः
bālo yuvā daridro vā vṛddho vā durbalo'pi vā | purāṇajñaḥ sadā vandyaḥ pūjyaśca sukṛtārthibhiḥ
ସେ ଶିଶୁ ହେଉ, ଯୁବକ ହେଉ, ଦରିଦ୍ର ହେଉ, ବୃଦ୍ଧ ହେଉ କିମ୍ବା ଦୁର୍ବଳ ହେଉ—ପୁରାଣଜ୍ଞ ସଦା ବନ୍ଦନୀୟ ଏବଂ ପୁଣ୍ୟାର୍ଥୀମାନଙ୍କ ଦ୍ୱାରା ପୂଜ୍ୟ।
Purāṇic narrator voice (contextual)
Scene: A diverse group—child, youth, poor man, elder, and a weak person—each depicted as a Purāṇa-knower being respectfully greeted by pilgrims offering flowers, water, and a seat; the emphasis is on humility of the merit-seekers.
FAQs
Spiritual authority is measured by Purāṇic wisdom, not social status; honoring such a person is itself a meritorious act.
None; the verse focuses on honoring a Purāṇa-knower rather than a pilgrimage location.
Vandana and pūjā—show reverence and honor to a purāṇajña (teacher/knower of Purāṇas).