Therefore, it is taught that the twice-born should perform the sacred rite of śrāddha, for through this act, both enjoyment in this world and liberation from bondage may be attained. When śrāddha is performed at the time of a son’s birth or on similar auspicious occasions, especially on festival days, it is known as ‘pārvaṇa’. When the rite is offered specifically for a single ancestor or on similar occasions, it is called ‘ekoddiṣṭa’, while śrāddha performed for the sake of prosperity also bears the name ‘pārvaṇa’. There are special times prescribed for such rites. For example, when one is about to embark on a journey, the sixth day is recommended for śrāddha, and it should be observed with particular care. The eighth day śrāddha, when dedicated to the gods, is said to free the performer from all fear. In certain regions, the merit gained from these acts is declared to be endless. The ancestors themselves are said to sing a verse, which the wise proclaim: if even one person among those assembled goes to the holy city of Gaya, the ancestors are liberated by his act, and he himself attains the highest state. This holds especially true in sacred places such as Varanasi, where Lord Hara dwells, and in the holy regions of Kurukshetra, Kubjamra, Bhrigutunga, and other great shrines. The merit is also especially potent on the banks of the Sarasvati, at the holy Pushkara, and along the rivers Vetravati, Vipasha, and most notably the Godavari. Indeed, the ancestors are always satisfied when offerings are made on the banks of sacred rivers. As for the offerings themselves, the ancestors are said to be satisfied for a month when wheat, sesame seeds, and mung beans are given. At the time of śrāddha, one should also provide vidāri and bharaṇḍa roots. With care, śṛṅgāṭaka and kaśeruka should likewise be given. The satisfaction of the ancestors is measured by the offerings: with sheep’s meat, they are pleased for four months; with bird’s meat, for five; with goat’s meat, for eight; and with raurava meat, for nine months. If hare or tortoise meat is offered, the satisfaction endures for eleven months, while vārdhroṇa meat brings contentment for twelve years. The food of sages, in all its forms, is considered to bestow endless benefit. Whatever is given at śrāddha with care is said to be imperishable. Yet, certain foods must be avoided at the śrāddha: pumpkin, bottle gourd, eggplant, grass, and surasa should not be used. Royal black gram and buffalo milk are also to be avoided. O best of the twice-born, all these should be carefully excluded during the śrāddha. With a gentle mind and in purity, the śrāddha should be performed with offerings of balls of food and cooked rice. In this sacred act of giving to the gods and ancestors, the honored guest is regarded as a sacred ford—a crossing to merit. Those who approach with discipline, observant of vows and coming at the proper time, are especially fit for this rite. Among such guests, those who know many hymns of the Ṛgveda, the trisauparṇa, the trimadhur, or who are otherwise qualified in sacred learning, are most worthy. Those who recite the Atharvaśiras, especially the Rudrādhyāya, those versed in mantras and Brāhmaṇas, or who are reciters of dharma texts, are highly esteemed. A guest whose lineage is devoted to giving gifts to Brahmins, whose birth is pure, and who gives in abundance, is to be honored. One who is devoted to the worship of teacher, gods, and fire, intent on knowledge, or who is engaged in the worship of Mahadeva or is a Vaishnava and who purifies the dining line, is fit to receive the offerings. Those who perform sacrifices and are devoted to giving, those Brahmins who recite the Savitri, and those who have bathed after building the fire altar—all these are purifiers of the dining line. A sage who knows the Self, who is restrained and wise, is a purifier of the dining line. And above all, a Brahmin who is faithful and devoted to performing the ancestral rites is a purifier of the dining line. In this way, the śrāddha, performed with devotion and discernment, brings satisfaction to the ancestors and lasting merit to the performer.