In the sacred tradition, it is taught that the timing and manner of performing śrāddha, the ancestral rites, bring forth distinct blessings according to the celestial influences and lunar days. When śrāddha is performed under the star Mūla, one gains success in agriculture and safe passage across the sea. Under the constellation Śraviṣṭhā, heartfelt wishes are fulfilled, while Vāruṇī bestows great strength. If the rite is offered under Yāmyā, it grants the boon of long life itself. When śrāddha is performed under Kauja, all endeavors meet with victory, and under Budha, every desire is fulfilled. The influences of Śama and Īśvara bring longevity, and on the auspicious day of Pratipat, sons are born who bring fortune. On the fourth lunar day, offerings yield the birth of small animals, and on the fifth, one obtains excellent sons. The eighth day is especially favorable for those engaged in trade, for śrāddha performed then ensures success in commerce. On the eleventh day, the performer is blessed with silver and sons radiant with the brilliance of Brahman. The fifteenth day is most auspicious for attaining all desires through śrāddha. There are also special rites for those who have fallen by weapons; śrāddha should be performed for them at the appropriate time and place. For both enjoyment in this world and liberation beyond, the twice-born are enjoined to carry out these sacred duties. When śrāddha is performed on festival days, such as at the birth of a son, it is called 'pārvaṇa.' Rites for a single ancestor are known as 'ekoddiṣṭa,' while those meant for prosperity are again 'pārvaṇa.' When one is about to embark on a journey, the sixth day is prescribed for śrāddha, and this observance should be undertaken with care. The eighth day śrāddha, when dedicated to the gods, dispels all fear. In certain holy regions, the merit gained from these rites is said to be endless. The ancestors themselves sing of this truth, and the wise proclaim it: if even one among the assembled goes to Gaya, by his act the ancestors are liberated, and he himself attains the highest state. Especially sacred are Varanasi, where Lord Hara resides, Kurukshetra, Kubjamra, Bhrigutunga, and other great shrines. The Sarasvati, Pushkara, and the banks of the Vetravati, Vipasha, and above all the Godavari are places where the ancestors are always satisfied by the offerings made there. To please the ancestors, one should offer wheat, sesame seeds, and mung beans, which bring satisfaction for a month. At the time of śrāddha, roots such as vidāri and bharaṇḍa are also to be given, as well as śṛṅgāṭaka and kaśeruka, with care and devotion. If sheep’s meat is offered, the satisfaction endures for four months; with bird’s meat, five; goat’s meat brings contentment for eight months, while raurava meat extends it to nine. With hare or tortoise meat, the ancestors are pleased for eleven months, and with vārdhroṇa meat, for twelve years. The food of sages, in whatever form, is said to grant endless benefit, and whatever is given at śrāddha with care is considered imperishable. Yet, certain foods must be avoided: pumpkin, bottle gourd, eggplant, grass, surasa, royal black gram, and buffalo milk should not be used in these rites. The wise are to avoid all these with utmost care. With a gentle mind and purity of heart, one should perform śrāddha, offering balls of food and cooked rice. In these offerings to gods and ancestors, the guest is regarded as a sacred ford, a bridge to the divine. Those who are steadfast in their vows, disciplined, and who approach at the proper season are fit to receive. Especially worthy are those learned in many hymns of the Ṛgveda, who know the trisauparṇa and trimadhur, or who are otherwise qualified. Thus, the ritual brings blessings to both the ancestors and the living, weaving the bonds of dharma across generations.