Whoever performs the sacred rites of śrāddha at this holy place, especially during the waning phase of the moon, attains great merit. The foremost sages have praised the act of giving sesame seeds here as supremely virtuous. At Arbuda, on the journey to the Gautamī, and when Jupiter resides in Leo, bathing in the Bhāgīrathī at this spot is said to bestow the fruits of six thousand years of austerity. Thus, in the revered Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, within its vast collection of eighty-one thousand chapters, in the seventh Prabhāsa section, and the third Arbuda section, is found the forty-seventh chapter, known as 'The Greatness of the Gautama Āśrama Tīrtha.' It is said that wherever a person bathes properly at such sacred waters, he uplifts his entire lineage—ten ancestors from the past, ten yet to come, and himself as well. In ancient times, there lived a king named Aprastuta, whose actions were unrighteous. Under his rule, the people knew no happiness, for he amassed wealth by both just and unjust means. Even as he grew old, peace eluded him; in his sleep, he was tormented by visions of hellish beings. Those in his lineage who had devoted themselves to charity, sacrifice, austerity, and fidelity to their wives had, through their own merits, attained heaven. Yet now, they pleaded with him: “By your actions, O sinful one, your lineage has taken refuge in hell. Even a little auspicious worship could lift us all up. Act now, and deliver us.” Hearing these words, all his ancestors were filled with sorrow. Afflicted and troubled, King Aprastuta remembered their pleas. He wondered, “How can there be well-being in my kingdom, my body, or my city?” He confided to his wife, Indumati, “Last night, at the end of a dream, I saw my father and grandfather. They reproached me for my actions, and told me that ten others would depart, and I too would follow in the future. Thus, awakened by my ancestors, I am deeply troubled.” Indumati responded gently, “What you have been told by your grandfathers is true, O great king. Just as ancestors cross over to heaven upon obtaining a good son, so too can you redeem your lineage. Therefore, summon the foremost Brahmins, skilled in the scriptures of dharma, and seek their counsel.” The king, filled with humility and seeking the welfare of his family, gathered many learned Brahmins and, together with his wife, asked for guidance. The Brahmins declared, “Those rescued by a good son attain heaven; let this be clearly known. Even those dwelling in hell, no matter how sinful, can reach heaven through the righteous actions of their descendants. Whatever must be done, we shall declare.” They instructed him, “Initiation must be undertaken, beginning with the proper preliminary rites. O king, since your youth you have engaged in sinful conduct. Now, be consecrated at all the sacred waters. Visit the holy places such as Prabhāsa that exist upon the earth. In your mind, go even to those difficult places and give the highest charity, for such merit is not attained merely by bathing at sacred sites.” Thus resolved, King Aprastuta became devoted to pilgrimage. He wandered across the land, disciplined and moderate in food, and gave abundant gifts. After some time, he undertook a pilgrimage to holy places and bathed there, his mind purified by faith. Through these acts, his ancestors were freed from the fierce torments of hell and became exceedingly joyful. All those whom he had rescued spoke to him with gratitude: “Son, now we have been saved by you.