Skanda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 36
अनाथं कृपणं वृद्धं स्त्रियं बालं निरागसम् । परिरक्ष धनैः प्राणैर्बुद्ध्या शक्त्या बलेन च
anāthaṃ kṛpaṇaṃ vṛddhaṃ striyaṃ bālaṃ nirāgasam | parirakṣa dhanaiḥ prāṇairbuddhyā śaktyā balena ca
ਅਨਾਥ, ਕੰਗਾਲ, ਬੁੱਢੇ, ਇਸਤਰੀ, ਬੱਚੇ ਅਤੇ ਨਿਰਦੋਸ਼ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰ—ਧਨ ਨਾਲ, ਪ੍ਰਾਣਾਂ ਨਾਲ, ਬੁੱਧੀ ਨਾਲ, ਸਮਰੱਥਾ ਨਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਬਲ ਨਾਲ।
Unspecified (didactic instruction within Brahmottarakhaṇḍa; speaker not stated in the snippet)
Scene: A protector figure distributing food and coins, supporting an elderly person, shielding a woman and child from danger; a compassionate yet strong stance; background hints of a pilgrimage road with a rest-house and a sacred flag.
FAQs
True dharma expresses itself as protection and compassionate support for those who cannot defend themselves.
No location is mentioned; the verse is a general dharmic mandate.
Implied dāna and service: using wealth and capacity to protect and sustain the vulnerable.