Skanda Purana — Nagara Khanda, Shloka 67
किं करोमि दया जाता ममैनं प्रति हे सुराः । तस्मान्नाहं हनिष्यामि दानवं दीनजल्पकम्
kiṃ karomi dayā jātā mamainaṃ prati he surāḥ | tasmānnāhaṃ haniṣyāmi dānavaṃ dīnajalpakam
اے دیوتاؤ! میں کیا کروں؟ اس کے لیے میرے دل میں کرپا جاگ اٹھی ہے۔ اس لیے میں اس بےچارگی سے بولنے والے دانَو کو قتل نہیں کروں گی۔
Devī (Sureśvarī) addressing the gods
Scene: Devī raises a calming hand (abhaya/varada-like gesture), eyes softened; devas look alarmed; the unseen dānava is implied as a trembling supplicant below, emphasizing the contrast between fear and mercy.
FAQs
When an adversary becomes humble and seeks refuge, compassion can override wrath; dharma includes mercy guided by discernment.
Not explicit in this verse; it supports the broader tīrtha-māhātmya by portraying the Goddess’s dharmic qualities.
None; the verse concerns ethical decision (not killing) motivated by compassion.