With reverence and care, the host arranged a sumptuous feast, serving a variety of vegetables and ripe mangoes, each presented separately to honor his guests. Fragrant curries were offered, and he spoke gently, inviting the Brahmins to request whatever pleased them, assuring them that anything he had cooked was theirs to enjoy. After the meal, he respectfully dismissed the Brahmins, gifting them betel and other presents. The scriptures declare that one who gives generously to the best of Brahmins becomes most fortunate, and that offering betel brings the blessing of fortunate sons. Fire is pleased by the offering of powder, and the god of love by khadira wood. Having satisfied the married couples and placed sweets in their hands, the host was reminded: O dearest, a woman who faithfully observes this vow without transgression is blessed. Whether man or woman, whoever performs the rite for Malimluce must worship it; for if the Malimluce is attained but not worshipped, then Narayana himself is not worshipped with supreme devotion. Yet, a foolish man may perform this ritual elsewhere, except in the great forest of Mahakala. In the extra month, O Vyasa, at the holy place called Purushottama, one should worship Purushottama, whose feet are cherished by Lakshmi. There, after attaining a hundred desired objects, the devotee is honored in Vishnu’s world. By fasting properly and keeping vigil at night, one should perform the worship of Vishnu and the sacred water procession. Done correctly, this brings sons, wife, wealth, long life, health, and prosperity. In the eastern part of this sacred region stands Jaṭeśvara, the great lord, who, through intense austerity, attained supreme merit and became foremost among the virtuous. At that holy place, one should bathe and offer a cow with sesame seeds. On the other side dwells Rama, the foremost among the descendants of Bhrigu. The river Kauśikī, best among rivers, grants the highest blessings of all sacred waters. By beholding Rāmeśvara, one becomes freed from sin. Thus concludes, in the glorious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, within the fifth Avantya Khanda and the greatness of the Avantī region, the sixty-first chapter, named ‘Description of the greatness of bathing, giving, and other acts during the extra month.’ O Brahman, you have previously described to me the eternal Gomati pool. Now listen, O greatly wise one, to the supreme story that destroys sin. At Naimisha, the sages led by Shaunaka were seated, and at that auspicious moment, the supreme glory of Kashi was recounted. Blessed is the city of Varanasi, the holy place where sins are destroyed. Between the Asi and Varuna rivers, the five-krosha area yields great spiritual fruit. Recalling this, Vyasa, the self-born, spoke: No river equals the Gomati, and no goddess equals Krishna. Thus convinced, the sages led by Shaunaka, resolute in their vows, performed sacrifices on the bank of the Gomati. Over a long period, they continued to observe their vow. For the fulfillment of his desire, Rāma and Janārdana, eager for knowledge, approached their teacher and made their dwelling in his house. At dawn, in that very place, the teacher was nowhere to be seen. When they inquired, the teacher’s wife explained, “Your teacher goes there every day for the purpose of bathing.