<!-- Pramāṇa, a library of Indian primary sources · https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20 -->

[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Purāṇas](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana) › [Skandapurana](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda) › 2.9.20

# Skandapurana 2.9.20

Skandapurāṇa 2.9.20

- **Language:** Sanskrit

### [2.9.20.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.1)

.. nārada uvāca ..

> Nārada said:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.2)

bhagavanbrūhi me dharmamekāntaṃ tava saṃmatam ..

> O Blessed One, declare to me the single-minded righteousness that is approved by you,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.3)

prīyate yena viśvātmā vāsudevaḥ sa sarvadā .. 1 ..

> by which that Vāsudeva, the Self of all, is ever pleased.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.4)

śrīnārāyaṇa uvāca ..

> The glorious Nārāyaṇa said:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.5)

sādhu pṛṣṭaṃ tvayā brahmanmatiste vimalā kila ..

> Well asked by you, O brahmin; your intellect is indeed spotless.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.6)

mayi snigdhāya bhaktāya tubhyaṃ guhyamapi bruve .. .. 2 ..

> To you, an affectionate devotee devoted to me, I shall speak even the secret.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.7)

dharma eṣa mayā proktaḥ kalpasyādau vivasvate ..

> This dharma was spoken by me to Vivasvat at the beginning of the kalpa.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.8)

tameva kathaye tubhyaṃ sanātanamahaṃ mune ..3..

> That very eternal \[dharma\] I declare to you, O sage.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.9)

svadharmajñānavairāgyaiḥ saha lakṣmīvadīśvare ..

> Devotion to the Lord—like that of Lakṣmī—along with one's own duty, knowledge, and dispassion,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.10)

tasminnananyā bhaktiryā dharma ekāntikaḥ sa vai .. 4 ..

> which is directed toward him without anyone else, is indeed single-minded righteousness.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.11)

tenaivātiprasannaḥ syādgolokādhipatiḥ svayam ..

> By that alone the Lord of Goloka himself becomes exceedingly pleased,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.12)

jāyate sa ca bhaktopi paripūrṇamanorathaḥ .. 5 ..

> and that devotee too finds all his desires completely fulfilled.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.13)

.. nārada uvāca ..

> Nārada said:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.14)

lakṣaṇāni bubhutsāmi svadharmādeḥ pṛthakpṛthak ..

> I desire to understand the characteristics of one's own duty and the rest, individually,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.15)

śāstrayonerahaṃ tvatto vaktuṃ tāni tvamarhasi .. 6 ..

> from you, the source of the scriptures. You ought to declare them.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.16)

nigamāgamaśāstrāṇāṃ sarveṣāmapi satpate ..

> Of all the scriptures of the Vedas and Āgamas, O Lord of the virtuous,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.17)

mūlaṃ tvameka evāsi yeṣu dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ .. 7 ..

> you alone are the sole root, in which eternal righteousness is established.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.18)

tvameva sākṣādbhagavānvāsudevo'kṣarātparaḥ ..

> You yourself are the Blessed Lord Vāsudeva visibly present, beyond the imperishable;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.19)

śreyase sarvabhūtānāṃ vartase'tra dayānidhiḥ .. 8 ..

> for the welfare of all beings you abide here, an ocean of compassion.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.20)

tvatto'nye tu svasvabhāvaguṇatantrā hyajādayaḥ ..

> Others besides you, such as Brahmā and the rest, are subordinate to the qualities of their own natures;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.21)

yathāvanna vijānīyurddharmādīṃstvamato vada .. 9 ..

> they cannot know righteousness and the rest as they truly are. Therefore, do you speak.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.22)

skanda uvāca ..

> Skanda said:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.23)

iti devarṣiṇā pṛṣṭo bhagavāndharmanandanaḥ ..

> Thus questioned by the divine seer, the blessed son of Dharma,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.24)

svadharmādīnkrameṇaiva kathayāmāsa sarvavit .. 2.9.20.10 ..

> the omniscient one, began to declare one's own duty and the rest in proper order.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.25)

śrīnārāyaṇa uvāca ..

> The glorious Nārāyaṇa said:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.26)

varṇānāmāśramāṇāṃ ca sadācāraḥ pṛthakpṛthak ..

> The proper conduct of the classes and stages of life, taken separately,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.27)

sāmānyaḥ saviśeṣaśca svadharmaḥ sa udīryate .. 11 ..

> both general and specific, is termed one's own duty.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.28)

nṛṇāṃ sādhāraṇaṃ dharmaṃ sarveṣāmāditaḥ śṛṇu ..

> First hear the common righteousness of all human beings:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.29)

ahiṃsā paramo dharmastatrādima udāhṛtaḥ .. 12 ..

> Non-harm is the highest righteousness; it is declared to be the foremost among them.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.30)

svamukhyadharmavṛtyorapyadroho manasāpi yaḥ ..

> Even with respect to one's principal duties and livelihood, the absence of malice, even in thought,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.31)

sati gatyantare prāṇimātrasyāpīti sā matā .. 13 ..

> toward any living being whatsoever when another course of action exists—that is regarded as \[non-harm\].  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.32)

satyā vāgbhūtamātrasya droho na syādyayā tathā ..

> Truthful speech is that by which no harm comes to any being.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.33)

tapaśca śāstravihitabhogasaṃkocalakṣaṇam .. 14 ..

> And austerity is defined as the restraint of enjoyments ordained by scripture.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.34)

bāhyamābhyantaraṃ ceti dvividhaṃ śaucakarma ca ..

> And the practice of purity is twofold, external and internal;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.35)

anādānaṃ parasvasya parokṣaṃ vā chalena ca .. 15 ..

> refraining from taking others' wealth secretly or through deceit;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.36)

yathocitaṃ brahmacaryakāmalobhakrudhāṃ jayaḥ ..

> celibacy according to propriety, victory over lust, greed, and anger;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.37)

mudā vittārpaṇaṃ pātre tuṣṭirlabdhena daivataḥ .. 16 ..

> joyfully offering wealth to a worthy recipient, contentment with what is obtained by providence;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.38)

tīrthe kṣetre ca yajñādau caturvargāptayepi vā ..

> even at a sacred ford, sacred field, sacrifice, or to attain the four aims of life,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.39)

ātmano vā parasyāpi sarvathā ghātavarjanam .. 17..

> completely avoiding the killing of oneself or another;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.40)

jātibhraṃśakarāṇāṃ ca karmaṇāṃ parivarjanam ..

> and completely avoiding actions that cause loss of caste;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.41)

pāṇipādodaropasthavācāṃ saṃyamanaṃ tathā .. 18 ..

> and restraint of the hands, feet, stomach, genitals, and speech;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.42)

sarveṣāṃ vyasanānāṃ ca varjanaṃ madyamāṃsayoḥ ..

> and giving up all addictions, liquor, and meat;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.43)

vyabhicārānnivṛttiśca kulasaddharmapālanam .. 19 ..

> abstention from adultery, and observing the good duties of one's family;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.44)

ekādaśīnāṃ sarvāsāṃ yamaiḥ sākamupoṣaṇam ..

> fasting on all Ekādaśīs along with the restraints,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.45)

harerjanmadinānāṃ ca vratācaraṇamañjasā .. 2.9.20.20 ..

> and duly observing religious vows on the birthdays of Hari;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.46)

ārjavaṃ sādhusevā ca vibhajyā'nnādibhojanam ..

> uprightness, service to the virtuous, eating food and the like after sharing it,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.47)

bhaktirbhagavataśceti dharmāḥ sādhāraṇā nṛṇām .. 21 ..

> and devotion to the Lord—these are the universal duties for men.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.48)

brahmakṣatraviśaḥ śūdrā varṇāścatvāra īritāḥ ..

> Brahmin, kṣatriya, vaiśya, and śūdra are declared to be the four castes;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.49)

teṣāṃ pṛthakpṛthagdharmānviśeṣānvacmi te mune ..22..

> I will explain to you, O sage, their distinct, specific duties.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.50)

śamo damaḥ kṣamā śaucamāstikyaṃ bhaktirīśituḥ ..

> Tranquillity, self-control, forbearance, purity, faith, devotion to the Lord,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.51)

tapo jñānaṃ ca vijñānaṃ vipradharmaḥ svabhāvajaḥ .. 23 ..

> austerity, sacred knowledge, and experiential knowledge are the innate duty of a brahmin.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.52)

śūratvaṃ dhairyamaudārya balaṃ tejaḥ śaraṇyatā..

> Heroism, courage, generosity, strength, brilliance, affording refuge,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.53)

goviprasādhurakṣejyā dharmāḥ kṣatrasya kīrttitāḥ .. 24 ..

> protection of cows, brahmins, and the virtuous, and sacrifice are proclaimed the duties of the warrior caste.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.54)

rājñastvete'tha nītyaiva prajānāṃ paripālanam ..

> These are indeed the duties of a king, as well as protecting the subjects according to statecraft,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.55)

dharmasaṃsthāpanaṃ bhūmau dharmā daṇḍārhadaṇḍanam .. 25 ..

> establishing righteousness on earth, and punishing those deserving punishment.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.56)

āstikyaṃ dānaniṣṭhā ca sādhubrāhmaṇasevanam ..

> Faith, dedication to giving, service to the virtuous and brahmins,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.57)

atuṣṭirarthopacaye dharmā vaiśyasya codyamaḥ .. 26 ..

> discontent with the accumulation of wealth, and enterprise are the duties of a vaiśya.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.58)

dvijātīnāṃ ca devānāṃ sevā niṣkapaṭaṃ gavām ..

> Undissimulated service to the twice-born, the gods, and cattle  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.59)

viśeṣadharmaḥ kathitaḥ śūdrasya munisattama .. 27 ..

> is declared the specific duty of a śūdra, O best of sages.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.60)

adhyāpanaṃ yājanaṃ ca viśuddhācca pratigrahaḥ ..

> Teaching, performing sacrifices for others, and accepting gifts from the pure  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.61)

viprasya jīvikā proktā tatrāntyā tvāpadi smṛtā .. 28 ..

> are stated to be the livelihood of a brahmin; among these, the last is considered permissible only in adversity.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.62)

yājane'dhyāpane vāpi doṣadarśī dvijottamaḥ ..

> The best among the twice-born who perceives fault in performing sacrifices or teaching for others,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.63)

yastasyā'nyāpi vihitā vṛttirasti caturvidhā .. 29 ..

> for him another fourfold mode of subsistence is also prescribed:  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.64)

śiloñcha nityayācñā ca śālīnaṃ cocitā kṛṣiḥ ..

> Gleaning ears of corn, daily begging, living modestly on what comes unsought, and appropriate agriculture;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.65)

śreyasī pūrvapūrvā'tra jñātavyā dvijasattamaiḥ .. 2.9.20.30 ..

> among these, each preceding one is to be understood as superior by the best of the twice-born.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.66)

vipro jīvedvaiśyavṛttyā satyāmāpadi nārada ..

> A brahmin may live by the livelihood of a vaiśya in times of distress, O Nārada,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.67)

atha vā kṣatravṛttyāpi śvavṛttyā na tu karhicit .. 31 ..

> or even by the livelihood of a kṣatriya, but never by dog-like service.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.68)

śastreṇa jīvetkṣatraṃ tu sarvato dharmarakṣayā ..

> The warrior should live by the weapon, protecting righteousness on all sides;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.69)

āpanno vaiśyavṛttyaiva viprarūpeṇa vā caret .. 32 ..

> in distress, he may conduct himself by the livelihood of a vaiśya, or disguised as a brahmin.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.70)

karādānādinṛpateraviprādvṛttirīritā ..

> The livelihood of a king is stated to be through collecting taxes and the like from non-brahmins,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.71)

deśakālānusāreṇa rañjayitvā'khilāḥ prajāḥ .. 33 ..

> pleasing all his subjects in accordance with place and time.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.72)

āpatkālepi kṣatrasya brāhmaṇasyeva sarvathā ..

> Even in times of distress, for a warrior as for a brahmin in every way,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.73)

vigarhitā nīcasevā svatejaḥkṣayakāriṇī .. 34 ..

> servitude to base persons, which destroys one's own luster, is condemned.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.74)

kṛṣivāṇijyagorakṣā turīyā vṛddhijīvanam ..

> Agriculture, trade, cattle-rearing, and fourthly, living on interest—  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.75)

vaiśyasya jīvikā proktā śūdravṛttistathāpadi .. 35 ..

> these are declared the livelihood of a vaiśya, and the livelihood of a śūdra in distress.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.76)

śūdro jīveddvijātīnāṃ sevālabdhadhanena ca ..

> A śūdra should live on the wealth obtained through service to the twice-born;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.77)

āpatkāle tu kārvāderjīvikāvṛttimāśrayet .. 36 ..

> in times of distress, however, he may take up the livelihood of an artisan and the like.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.78)

āpanmuktastu sarvopi prāyaścittaṃ yathocitam ..

> When freed from distress, everyone, having performed an appropriate expiation,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.79)

vidhāya svasvavṛttyaiva punarvartteta mukhyayā .. 37 ..

> should again subsist by his own primary livelihood.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.80)

cāturvarṇyaṃ satāṃ saṃgaṃ kuryānna tvasatāṃ kvacit ..

> The four castes should associate with the good, but never with the wicked;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.81)

muktipradosti satsaṃgaḥ kusaṃgo nirayapradaḥ .. 38 ..

> association with the good bestows liberation, while bad company leads to hell.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.82)

kāmaṃ krodhaṃ rasāsvādaṃ jitvā mānaṃ ca matsaram ..

> Those who have conquered lust, anger, the relish of tastes, pride, and envy,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.83)

nirdambhaṃ viṣṇubhaktā ye te santaḥ sādhavo matāḥ .. 39 ..

> and are free from deceit, devoted to Viṣṇu—they are considered the good, the virtuous.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.84)

striyāṃ straiṇe rasāsvāde saktāśca dhanagṛdhnavaḥ ..

> Those attached to women, effeminate, attached to the relish of tastes, greedy for wealth,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.85)

hiṃsrā dambhakṛtāṭopā bhaktābhāsā hyasādhavaḥ .. 2.9.20.40 ..

> harmful, puffed up with ostentation, and merely semblance of devotees—they indeed are the unvirtuous.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.86)

asādhuṣvāsurī saṃpaddaivī saṃpattu sādhuṣu ..

> Demonic endowment resides naturally in the unvirtuous, while divine endowment resides in the virtuous;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.87)

sahajāstīti niścitya sevyā santaḥ sukhepsubhiḥ .. 41 ..

> resolving thus, those desiring happiness should attend upon the good.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.88)

yādṛśāṃ yasya saṃgaḥ syācchāstrāṇāṃ vā nṛṇāmapi ..

> Whatever kind of company a person keeps, whether of scriptures or of people,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.89)

buddhiḥ syāttādṛśī tasya kāryo'to nāsatāṃ hi saḥ .. 42 ..

> such becomes his intellect; therefore, one should never associate with the wicked.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.90)

ye sādhusevārucayaḥ puruṣā nijaśaktitaḥ ..

> Those men who take delight in serving the virtuous according to their own capacity,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.91)

aprāpyaṃ nāsti teṣāṃ vai kimapyaiśvaryamūrjitam .. 43 ..

> there is indeed no exalted sovereign power unattainable for them.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.92)

svadharmasthā api satāṃ drohiṇo ye tu mānavāḥ ..

> Even if abiding in their own duty, those men who bear malice toward the virtuous,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.93)

sadgatiṃ naiva te yānti kvāpi kenāpi karmaṇā .. 44 ..

> never attain a good state anywhere through any action.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.94)

mahāpūjāratā viṣṇorbhaktā api satāṃ yadi ..

> Even if they are devotees of Viṣṇu dedicated to great worship, if toward the virtuous  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.95)

drohaṃ kuryustadā teṣu na prasīdati sa kvacit .. 45 ..

> they should commit malice, he is never pleased with them. (45)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.96)

saddrohiṇastu dehānte yāṃyāṃ yoniṃ brajanti ca ..

> Those who bear malice toward the virtuous, into whatever womb they enter at the end of the body,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.97)

tatratatra kṣudhārogaiḥ pīḍyante jīvitāvadhi .. 46 ..

> in each and every one they are afflicted with hunger and diseases until the end of their lives. (46)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.98)

satāmatikramādeva puṇyānāṃ mahatāmapi ..

> Only from transgressing against the virtuous does the immediate destruction  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.99)

sadyaḥ kṣayaḥ syātsarveṣāmāyuṣaḥ saṃpadāmapi .. 47 ..

> of all even great merits, of lifespan, and of riches occur. (47)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.100)

tasmātsevā satāṃ kāryā sarvairapi sukhepsubhiḥ ..

> Therefore, service to the virtuous must be performed by all who desire happiness;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.101)

puṇyatīrthāni sevyāni pūjyā viprāśca dhenavaḥ .. 48 ..

> holy sacred fords should be resorted to, and brahmins and cows should be revered. (48)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.102)

tīrthāni devapratimā nindeyurye kubuddhayaḥ ..

> Those of evil intellect who revile sacred fords and images of deities,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.103)

teṣāṃ tu jārajātānāṃ vaṃśocchedo bhaveddhruvam .. 49 ..

> the extinction of the lineage of those who are born of adultery will surely come about. (49)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.104)

ekasmiṃstarpite vipre sadbhojyairdakṣiṇādibhiḥ ..

> When a single brahmin is satisfied with good food, priestly gifts, and the like,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.105)

tarpitaṃ syājjagatsarvaṃ haristuṣyati ca svayam .. 2.9.20.50 ..

> the whole world is satisfied, and Hari himself is pleased. (50)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.106)

ekasminbrāhmaṇe drugdhe drugdhaṃ syātsakalaṃ jagat..

> When malice is done to a single brahmin, malice is done to the whole world.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.107)

tasmācchaktyā pūjanīyā brāhmaṇā viṣṇurūpiṇaḥ..51..

> Therefore, according to one's ability, brahmins, who are forms of Viṣṇu, are to be worshipped. (51)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.108)

gavāmaṃgeṣu tiṣṭhanti sarve devagaṇā api..

> All the hosts of gods reside in the limbs of cows;  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.109)

tathā sarvāṇi tīrthāni tāsu tiṣṭhanti sarvadā .. 52 ..

> likewise, all sacred fords reside in them constantly. (52)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.110)

gavyarccitāyāmekasyāṃ sarve devāḥ samarccitāḥ ..

> When a single cow is worshipped, all the gods are thoroughly worshipped,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.111)

kṛtāni syuśca sarvāṇi tīrthānyapi ca nārada .. 53 ..

> and all sacred fords also are visited, O Nārada. (53)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.112)

ekasyā api gordrohe kṛte kvāpi pramādataḥ ..

> If harm is done even to a single cow anywhere through negligence,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.113)

drugdhāḥ syurdevatāḥ sarvāstīrthānyapi ca kṛtsnaśaḥ .. 54 ..

> all the deities are wronged, and so are all sacred fords in their entirety. (54)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.114)

tasmāccāturvarṇya janairyathoktavidhisaṃsthitaiḥ ..

> Therefore, established in the rules as spoken, the people of the four classes  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.115)

bhavitavyaṃ prayatnena tretavyaṃ ca niṣedhataḥ..55..

> must act with effort, and they must turn away from prohibitions. (55)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.116)

cāturvarṇyetare ye tu teṣāṃ vṛttiḥ kulocitā ..

> As for those other than the four classes, their livelihood suited to their lineage,  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.117)

cauryahiṃsādyadharmeṇa rahitaiva hitāvahā .. 56 ..

> devoid of unrighteousness such as theft and violence, is alone conducive to welfare. (56)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.118)

varṇadharmā iti proktāḥ saṃkṣepeṇa mayā mune ..

> Thus the duties of the classes have been stated briefly by me, O sage.  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.119)

caturṇāmāśramāṇāṃ ca dharmānatha vadāmi te .. 57 ..

> Now I declare to you the duties of the four life-stages. (57)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

### [2.9.20.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20.120)

iti śrīskānde mahāpurāṇa ekāśītisāhasryāṃ saṃhitāyāṃ dvitīye vaiṣṇavakhaṇḍe śrīvāsudevamāhātmye cāturvarṇyadharmanirūpaṇaṃ nāma viṃśo'dhyāyaḥ ..20..

> Thus ends the twentieth chapter, entitled 'Determination of the Duties of the Four Classes', in the Vāsudevamāhātmya of the second, Vaiṣṇavakhaṇḍa, in the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, a collection of eighty-one thousand \[verses\]. (20)  
> — English (machine translation) (machine translation)

## Translations (1)

- [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda~en-mt.2.9.20.1) — English, machine translation

## Linked texts (1)

- [Hiraṇyakeśiśrautasūtra (ed. Kāśīnāthaśāstrī Āgāśe, Ānandāśrama 1907, with Mahādeva's Vaijayantī)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.vedanga.kalpa.srauta.hiranyakesi*agase.10.1.1.10) — Sanskrit

---
Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.skanda.2.9.20) · Pramāṇa