Skanda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 53
दुर्देशे नीचसंबाधे कदाचिदपि मा वस । एकमेवाश्रितोपि त्वं शिवं त्रिभुवनेश्वरम्
durdeśe nīcasaṃbādhe kadācidapi mā vasa | ekamevāśritopi tvaṃ śivaṃ tribhuvaneśvaram
தீய நாட்டிலும், கீழ்மக்கள் கூட்டம் நிறைந்த இடத்திலும் ஒரு கணமும் தங்காதே. ஒரே சரணமென அடைந்தாலும், மூவுலக ஈசனான சிவனையே சார்ந்திரு.
Unspecified (didactic instruction; verse appears to continue a larger counsel)
Scene: A traveler turns away from a crowded, grim settlement of quarrelsome people and walks toward a serene Śiva-liṅga beneath a clear sky, hands folded in surrender.
FAQs
Spiritual refuge in Śiva is essential, yet one must also avoid degrading places and corrupt company.
No named tīrtha; the verse contrasts Śiva-oriented dwelling with “bad lands” lacking dharmic culture.
None; it prescribes dharmic residence and association alongside devotion to Śiva.