Skanda Purana — Kashi Khanda, Shloka 15
कदाचिद्याचको जातो बहुदोपि कदाप्यभूत् । कदाचिद्दीनतां प्राप्तः कदाचिद्गणकोप्यभूत्
kadācidyācako jāto bahudopi kadāpyabhūt | kadāciddīnatāṃ prāptaḥ kadācidgaṇakopyabhūt
บางคราวเขาเป็นยาจก; บางคราวแม้มั่งคั่งก็กลับปรากฏต่างไป; บางคราวตกอยู่ในความอัตคัด และบางคราวถึงกับเป็นนักคำนวณบัญชี—แปรบทบาทไปมาไม่หยุด
Skanda (deduced: Kāśī Khaṇḍa commonly Skanda → Agastya)
Tirtha: Kāśī
Type: kshetra
Listener: Sages of Naimiṣāraṇya
Scene: A montage-like sequence: the same figure (Ravi) appears as a beggar with bowl, as a wealthy man in plain dress, as a destitute sufferer, and as a meticulous accountant with palm-leaf ledger—each time meeting the king’s consistent fairness.
FAQs
Dharma is tested through changing appearances; virtue should not depend on someone’s social role or outward condition.
Kāśī (Vārāṇasī) remains the narrative backdrop, highlighting dharma lived in the sacred city.
No explicit rite; the verse supports the spirit of dāna and compassion toward those who appear needy.