Skanda Purana — Prabhasa Khanda, Shloka 17
अथ चिंतापरो विप्रः प्रायश्चित्तभयाद्ध्रुवम् । वीक्षांचक्रे वने तस्मिन्समेषु विषमेषु च
atha ciṃtāparo vipraḥ prāyaścittabhayāddhruvam | vīkṣāṃcakre vane tasminsameṣu viṣameṣu ca
அப்போது அந்த பிராமணர் கவலையில் ஆழ்ந்தார்; நிச்சயமாகப் பிராயச்சித்தப் பயத்தால், அந்த வனத்தில் சமமான இடங்களிலும் கடினமான இடங்களிலும் தேடினார்।
Sūta (deduced)
Tirtha: Arbuda-kṣetra (contextual)
Type: kshetra
Scene: A worried brāhmaṇa-sage moves through dense forest, scanning valleys and rocky rises, crossing both smooth clearings and harsh uneven ground in urgent search.
FAQs
Ritual life carries accountability; when duty is disrupted, the dhārmic person responds with urgency, humility, and corrective effort.
The Arbuda region’s forested sacred terrain forms the narrative backdrop, portraying the tīrtha-landscape as lived space for dharma.
Prāyaścitta (atonement) is referenced as a concern; no specific expiation rite is detailed in this verse.