Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 150
नेन्दुं न तारकाश्चैव नादयेन्नात्मनः शिरः । स्वस्रा दिहित्रा मात्रा वा नैकांतासन माचरेत्
nenduṃ na tārakāścaiva nādayennātmanaḥ śiraḥ | svasrā dihitrā mātrā vā naikāṃtāsana mācaret
அவன் நிலாவையோ நட்சத்திரங்களையோ நோக்கிப் பார்க்கக் கூடாது; தன் தலையைத் தானே அடிக்கவும் கூடாது. மேலும் சகோதரி, மகள் அல்லது தாயுடன் கூட தனிமையில் அமர்வதையும் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்।
Lomaharṣaṇa (Sūta) to the sages (deduced from Māheśvarakhaṇḍa context)
Scene: A devotee sits in a temple corridor with eyes lowered, not looking up at moon or stars; he steadies his mind, hands on mālā; a second vignette shows him refusing an invitation to sit alone in a secluded room, choosing an open courtyard instead; self-harm is negated by a calm posture and composed face.
FAQs
A disciplined devotee avoids both agitation and situations that can invite suspicion or mental disturbance.
No tīrtha is mentioned; the verse is about ethical safeguards in conduct.
Behavioral restraints: avoid gazing at moon/stars (as prescribed in this observance), avoid self-harm gestures, and avoid secluded sitting with women relatives.