In the sacred narrative of the Skanda Purāṇa, it is revealed that by bathing at holy places, a person attains the unique fruits associated with each site. Among all rivers, the Phalgu is celebrated as the best, conferring exceptional rewards to those who visit its banks. The shrine of Gayā is also extolled, along with the revered footprints of Gadādhara, and the stone there is said to grant liberation to departed souls unfailingly. These sacred sites are visited by gods, demons, yakṣas, kinnaras, and rākṣasas alike, who perform acts such as bathing and giving gifts, seeking blessings and merit. At Gayā, Janārdana himself is present in the form of the ancestors, sanctifying the rituals performed there. Thus, O Vyāsa, the Gayā tīrtha was established in the ancient city of Avantī, and from that time onward, Gayā has been firmly rooted there. At this place, the greatness dedicated to Janārdana shines forth. The region of Gayā spans five krośas, with Gayāśira measuring one krośa; and throughout all times and seasons, the Gayā śrāddha is performed for the ancestors. In the year, O Vyāsa, one special day is set apart, called Mahālaya, when the offering to the ancestors is made, and that offering is imperishable. At all times and in every season, the Gayā śrāddha continues, and the satisfaction of the ancestors thus produced is inexhaustible, lasting for the duration of a kalpa. Now, the most wondrous glory is further revealed. The wives of the Seven Sages, devoted to their husbands, were abandoned by the sages and wandered from forest to forest. Desiring to comfort them, he arrived in another part of the forest and spoke gently, with words appropriate to the time and place. He asked, "Why have the mothers of the world, devoted to their husbands, been abandoned by the sages?" The wives replied, "We do not know, dear one, by what fault we have been cast off by the ascetics. Some blame has arisen among people, due to fate, though we are innocent." It is declared that by the merit of worshipping at that place, one may attain the presence of one's husband. Thus questioned by the wives of the sages, Nārada, in the delightful great Kāla forest, spoke of the supreme Gayā tīrtha. There stands the imperishable banyan tree, named Akṣaya, the best of trees. That sacred place removes all faults and grants every desired boon. Hearing Nārada's words, the wives of the sages, well instructed, journeyed to the forest where the sacred Gayā tīrtha was. There, those virtuous women performed rites on the dark half of the month of Nabhasya. Having fasted for one night and kept vigil in a state of yoga, those who had been cast away by their husbands' anger at once regained their household life. From that time onward in this world, the fifth day is known as Ṛṣi Pañcamī. On this day, women who eat only nivāra rice, becoming pure and concentrated, will suffer no misfortune, nor separation from mothers, sons, or wealth, at any time. O noble one, in Avanti there exists such a sacred place upon the earth. If any man should perform great acts of charity at this holy site, or whoever, having observed discipline, listens to this narrative, they will be blessed. Thus ends the fifty-ninth chapter, named "The Description of the Glory of Gayā Tīrtha," in the Avanti Section of the Fifth Book of the glorious Skanda Purāṇa, comprising eighty-one thousand verses.