Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 12
अभ्यागतस्य कस्यापि सर्वसत्कारसद्व्रती । किं त्वेष पंचमो यो वो दृश्यते सरलाकृतिः
abhyāgatasya kasyāpi sarvasatkārasadvratī | kiṃ tveṣa paṃcamo yo vo dṛśyate saralākṛtiḥ
ਮੈਂ ਆਏ ਹੋਏ ਹਰ ਅਤਿਥੀ ਦਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਸਤਕਾਰ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਸੁਵ੍ਰਤ ਧਾਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਹਾਂ। ਪਰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਵਿਚ ਇਹ ਪੰਜਵਾਂ ਕੌਣ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਇੱਥੇ ਸਾਦੇ ਤੇ ਸਰਲ ਰੂਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਿਸ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ?
Kūrma
Listener: Kuruśreṣṭha / Kurusattama (addressed later in the passage)
Scene: A dharmic host speaks with folded hands, declaring his vow to honor any guest; he notices a fifth figure among a group—plain, unadorned, yet quietly radiant—prompting respectful curiosity.
FAQs
True hospitality is universal, yet sacred narratives often test discernment through unexpected visitors.
No specific sacred site is named in this verse; it focuses on the encounter and recognition within the story.
The implied prescription is complete satkāra (honoring) of guests; no detailed rite is stated.