Skanda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 20
बालो युवा दरिद्रो वा वृद्धो वा दुर्बलोऽपि वा । पुराणज्ञः सदा वन्द्यः पूज्यश्च सुकृतार्थिभिः
bālo yuvā daridro vā vṛddho vā durbalo'pi vā | purāṇajñaḥ sadā vandyaḥ pūjyaśca sukṛtārthibhiḥ
அவன் சிறுவனாக இருந்தாலும், இளைஞனாக இருந்தாலும், ஏழையாக இருந்தாலும், முதியவனாக இருந்தாலும், பலவீனனாக இருந்தாலும்—புராணஞானி எப்போதும் வணங்கத்தக்கவன்; புண்ணியம் நாடுவோர் அவனைப் பூஜிக்கத் தக்கவர்.
Purāṇic narrator voice (contextual)
Scene: A diverse group—child, youth, poor man, elder, and a weak person—each depicted as a Purāṇa-knower being respectfully greeted by pilgrims offering flowers, water, and a seat; the emphasis is on humility of the merit-seekers.
FAQs
Spiritual authority is measured by Purāṇic wisdom, not social status; honoring such a person is itself a meritorious act.
None; the verse focuses on honoring a Purāṇa-knower rather than a pilgrimage location.
Vandana and pūjā—show reverence and honor to a purāṇajña (teacher/knower of Purāṇas).