In the sacred region of Gayā, which spans five krośas, and at Gayāśira, measuring one krośa, the ritual of Gayā śrāddha is performed ceaselessly, in every season and at all times. Yet, O Vyāsa, within the year, there is a day especially set apart, known as Mahālaya, when offerings to the ancestors are made, and these offerings are imperishable, conferring lasting merit. The satisfaction of the ancestors gained through these rites is inexhaustible, enduring for the span of a kalpa. Now, listen as I reveal a most wondrous glory. The wives of the Seven Sages, devoted and faithful to their husbands, were abandoned by the sages and wandered from forest to forest. Desiring to comfort them, he—Nārada—arrived in another part of the forest, and spoke to them with gentle 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.” Nārada then declared, “By the merit of worshipping that sacred 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, called Akṣaya, the best of trees. This holy 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, these virtuous women performed rites during 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 celebrated as Ṛṣi Pañcamī. By eating only nivāra rice, becoming pure and concentrated, women will be free from misfortune and 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 performs great acts of charity at this holy site, or whoever, having observed discipline, listens to this narrative, blessings follow. Thus concludes the fifty-ninth chapter, called ‘The Description of the Glory of Gayā Tīrtha,’ in the Avanti Section of the Fifth Book of the glorious Skanda Purāṇa. O sinless one, you have spoken of Purushottama, the supreme holy place of old; I wish to hear about it from you, O best among knowers of Brahman. Listen, O best of the twice-born, to the supreme story that removes sin. By merely hearing it, even great sins are destroyed. Seated with his attendants, such as Sanaka and others, was Ramānātha. His companions were endowed with the qualities of sages and powers, with principles beginning from the great elements. He was honored by the singing of Kinnaras and the dancing of groups of Apsaras, and, as the enemy of Mura, sat beneath the shade of the wish-fulfilling tree. Among them, the supreme speech was addressed to the lord of lotuses: “You are all-knowing, greatly wise; let it be spoken, if it pleases you.” Yet, whatever is attained by prescribed means, all that becomes imperishable.