Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 18
न विद्यया केवलया तपसा वापि पात्रता । यत्र वृत्तिमिमे चोभे तद्वि पात्रं प्रचक्षते
na vidyayā kevalayā tapasā vāpi pātratā | yatra vṛttimime cobhe tadvi pātraṃ pracakṣate
न विद्यया केवलया न तपसा केवलया पात्रता जायते। यत्र सद्वृत्तिः गुणाश्चैते उभे सह वर्तेते, तदेव पात्रं प्रचक्षते॥
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced)
Scene: A discerning donor in a pilgrimage setting weighs two candidates: one learned but ethically lax, another austere but lacking learning; the ideal recipient is shown with both scriptural study and impeccable conduct.
FAQs
True worthiness is holistic: learning and austerity must be joined with right conduct.
No tīrtha is referenced; the teaching is ethical and applicable across sacred geographies.
Before giving dāna, examine whether the recipient embodies both spiritual discipline and proper conduct.