On the far side of that sacred region stands Rama, the most eminent among the descendants of Bhrigu, radiating his presence. Nearby flows Kauśikī, the best among rivers, who bestows the highest blessings, surpassing all other sacred waters in her sanctity. It is said that by merely beholding Rāmeśvara, one is cleansed of all sins. Thus concludes a chapter in the illustrious Skanda Mahāpurāṇa, within the great collection of eighty-one thousand verses, specifically in the fifth Avantya Khanda. This section, extolling the glory of the Avantī region and the greatness of Puruṣottameśvara, is the sixty-first chapter, entitled “Description of the greatness of bathing, giving, and other acts during the extra month.” Now, a new tale unfolds. “You have already described to me the eternal Gomati pool, O Brahman,” a seeker says. “Now, please listen to the supreme story that destroys all sin.” In the sacred forest of Naimisha, a gathering of sages led by Shaunaka sat together in contemplation. At that auspicious moment, the supreme glory of Kashi was recounted among them. “Blessed indeed is the city of Varanasi,” they declared, “the holy place where all sins are destroyed. Between the rivers Asi and Varuna, the five-krosha expanse yields the highest spiritual fruits.” Remembering this, Vyasa, the self-born sage, spoke to the assembly: “No river equals the Gomati, and no goddess compares to Krishna.” Thus assured of these truths, the sages led by Shaunaka resolved to act. On the banks of the Gomati, steadfast in their vows, they performed sacrifices with great devotion. Over a long period, they continued to observe their sacred disciplines there. It was at this hallowed place that Rama and Janārdana, filled with the desire for knowledge, approached their revered teacher. They took up residence in the teacher’s house, eager to learn and serve. But at dawn, the teacher was not to be found. Curious, they inquired of the teacher’s wife, who explained, “Your teacher goes each day to bathe.” Hearing this, Krishna and Rama, united in purpose, decided to wait for their teacher at that very spot, intent on understanding his practice. When their teacher arrived, the two heroes rose and offered him their respects. They addressed him humbly: “O great ascetic, please hear the reason for our presence here. O Brāhmaṇa, in the morning, we have no assigned duties, O lord.” The venerable Vyāsa then revealed the reason for his daily observance. “The wise should always bathe in the Gomati in the morning,” he explained. “Having decided thus, do what is proper for you.” He then performed worship of the Gomati at Kuśasthalī, the sacred place. North of Kaṃthaḍeśvara, the Gomati river flowed in her full glory. Rising early, all of them—teacher and disciples alike—went to the Gomati, the best of rivers, to perform their sacred acts: bathing, charity, and worship. There, in the Gomati, Sarasvatī herself was present within the sacrificial pit, blessing the rites. It is said that here lies the path for all the worlds, and the pool named Gomati is renowned for destroying all sins. Thus, one should bathe daily in the Gomati and keep vigil at night. It is auspicious to invite Vaishnavas and those devoted to Krishna’s birth, and to worship cows and Brahmins with a focused mind. By the merit gained from bathing in the Gomati and meeting Vasudeva, especially during the bright half of the month of Chaitra until Ekadashi arrives, immense spiritual benefit is attained. Such is the story, as recounted in the sacred text, of the supreme sanctity of the Gomati and the greatness of devotion, charity, and sacred observance.