Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 188
स्कंद उवाच । शाधि त्वमेव त्रैलोक्यं भवानिंद्रोस्तु सर्वदा । करिष्ये चेंद्रकर्माणि न ममेंद्रत्वमीप्सितम्
skaṃda uvāca | śādhi tvameva trailokyaṃ bhavāniṃdrostu sarvadā | kariṣye ceṃdrakarmāṇi na mameṃdratvamīpsitam
स्कन्द उवाच । शाधि त्वमेव त्रैलोक्यं भवानिन्द्रोऽस्तु सर्वदा । करिष्ये चेन्द्रकर्माणि न ममेन्द्रत्वमीप्सितम् ॥
Skanda
Listener: Indra
Scene: Skanda responds calmly to Indra: a gesture of reassurance (abhaya) and refusal of the throne; Indra remains seated as rightful ruler; Skanda stands ready for action, emphasizing service over sovereignty.
FAQs
True greatness lies in service and duty (kārya), not in titles or power.
No tīrtha appears; the emphasis is on dharma and leadership ethics.
None; it presents an ideal of selfless action rather than ritual practice.