Here is the basic difference in very simple words:

1) Questions of Skandaka (Parivrajaka monk) to Bhagwan Mahavir

• Type of questions:

Very deep darshanik (philosophical) doubts.

• Main subject:

Nature of the universe and soul – whether they are finite or infinite. For example, in the Bhagavati Sutra we see questions like: - Is the loka (universe) finite or infinite? - Is the jiva (soul) finite or infinite? - Is moksha finite or infinite? - Is the siddha (liberated soul) finite or infinite?

• Purpose:

To understand reality itself – the structure of loka, jiva, moksha – and Bhagwan Mahavir answers by explaining from different standpoints (dravya, kshetra, kaal, bhav – substance, space, time, modes). So Skandaka’s enquiry is mainly about metaphysics and anekantvaad (many-sided reality).

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2) Questions of Kalāsyaveśi-putra (Kalashyaveshi’s son) to Bhagwan’s elder disciples

The story is usually told like this (in short):

• Kalāsyaveśi’s son (or a householder in Kalasyaveshi’s house, depending on version) had been doing Samayik again and again.
• One day he asks the sthavirs/elders (and through them, it is linked to Mahavir’s teaching):

- “I have done so many samayiks – have I really done samayik?” - “What is true samayik?” - “What is the real meaning of samayik?”

The elders answer in the spirit of Mahavir’s teaching:

• Real samayik is not just sitting for 48 minutes or outward posture.
• Real samayik = staying in the nature of the soul (atma‑swabhav), free from raag‑dvesh (attachment and aversion).
• So his questions are mainly about spiritual practice: “What is right samayik, how many real samayiks have I actually done?”

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3) Core difference between their questions

• Skandaka:

- Asks about the nature of the universe, soul, moksha, siddha (finite/infinite). - Focus: Philosophical / cosmological understanding (tattva‑jnan). - Level: Very intellectual and metaphysical.

• Kalāsyaveśi-putra:

- Asks about his own practice of samayik. - Focus: Spiritual conduct and inner state – “Am I really doing it correctly? What is its true meaning?” - Level: Very practical and sadhana‑oriented.

In short:

• Skandaka’s questions: “What is this universe and soul really like (finite or infinite)?”
• Kalāsyaveśi-putra’s questions: “What is real samayik, and have my samayiks been true or only external?”

Both are beautiful in their own way: Skandaka seeks right understanding of reality, Kalāsyaveśi-putra seeks right practice in daily sadhana.