The sons of the great sage Vasiṣṭha are revered as noble ancestors, each bearing excellent forms and known collectively as the Mānasas. They are embodiments of righteousness itself. In the radiant realms of the highest heaven, these luminous beings dwell and delight, shining brilliantly as they receive the offerings made to them during the śrāddha rites. Even those ancestors born from the feet—considered the lowest—reside in splendid aerial chariots, enjoying every pleasure they could desire. How much greater, then, are the fruits for Brāhmaṇas who, devoted and learned in ritual, offer śrāddha with faith! Among the Mānasas, there is a mind-born daughter named Gaur, who shines in the heavens. She is famed among the Sādhyas and is cherished as the beloved wife of Śukra. In the sun’s orb exist the worlds called Marīcigarbhā, where the ancestors who are the sons of Aṅgiras reside, partaking of the sacred oblations offered to them. The noble Kṣatriyas who perform śrāddha at holy fords are the ancestors of kings, and they bestow the fruits of heaven and liberation upon their descendants. Among these ancestors is the illustrious mind-born daughter Yaśodā, renowned throughout the worlds. She became the chief wife of Aṃśumat and the daughter-in-law of Pañcajana. Yaśodā was the mother of Dilīpa and the grandmother of Bhagīratha, and the worlds called Kāmadughā are celebrated as bestowers of all desired enjoyments. In the realms where the virtuous ancestors known as Susvadhā dwell, are found the Ājyapā worlds, belonging to Kardama, the progenitor. The descendants of Pulaha and Aṅgiras, who are Vaiśyas, honor these ancestors. There, all who perform śrāddha are granted a vision of their ancestors as they depart, seeing them all at once. Throughout countless births, one has had thousands of mothers, brothers, fathers, sisters, friends, and relatives. Among these, another mind-born daughter named Virajā became renowned; she was the wife of Nahuṣa and the mother of Yayāti. After her came the virtuous Ekāṣṭakā, who ascended to the world of Brahmā. Thus, three ancestral groups have been described; now the fourth is to be spoken of. Above the cosmic egg are the worlds called the Mānasa, where the mind-born daughter Narmadā is famed. There dwell the eternal ancestors called the Somapās, all bearing the very form of Dharma, existing beyond even Brahmā. Born from Svadhā, these ancestors attained the state of Brahman through yoga, having completed all acts of creation within their minds. Now, they remain established in their supreme state. Their daughter is the sacred river Narmadā, the water-bearer, who purifies all beings as she flows toward the southern lands. From these ancestors, all Manus and beings have been created in each cycle of creation. Knowing this, people perform śrāddha always, even in times when dharma wanes. From these ancestors alone, the unbroken line of grace and yoga is restored again and again; at the very beginning of creation, the śrāddha rites were established for them. A vessel of silver, or one adorned with silver, offered with svadhā at the forefront, always pleases the ancestors. The wise should perform the apyāyana rite with Agniṣomīya mantras; and even if there is no fire, a brāhmaṇa may use his own breath or water. Whether at the root of an ajākarṇa or aśvakarṇa tree, in a cowshed, or near water, the southern direction is always praised as the most fitting place for offerings to the ancestors. Water poured by hand facing east, sesame seeds, darbha grass, the pāṭhīna fish, cow’s milk, and sweet flavors are all proper offerings. Sword beans, meat, honey, kusa grass, black grain, rice, barley, wheat, mudga beans, sugarcane, white flowers, and ghee—these are always dear to the ancestors and are commendable for śrāddha. Now, those things which are disliked and should be avoided in these rites are to be declared: masūra lentils, śaṇa, niṣpāva, rājamaṣa, kusumbha, lotus, bilva, arka, dhattūra, pāribhadra, and aṭarūṣaka should not be given. Nor should goat’s milk, kodrava, udāra, caṇaka, kapittha, madhuka, or atasi. One who desires the favor of the ancestors should not offer these. Whoever pleases the ancestors with devotion, they in turn bestow their blessings upon him. The ancestors grant nourishment, heaven, health, and offspring; indeed, the rites for ancestors are even greater than those for the gods. Among the deities, the ancestors are remembered as the earliest source of fulfillment. They are quick to show favor, free from anger, unarmed, and steadfast in friendship. Peaceful of mind, devoted to purity, always speaking kindly, attached to their devotees, and bringers of happiness—the ancestors are the primordial deities. The sun is regarded as the presiding deity over all offerings of oblations. Thus has the sacred and purifying lineage of the ancestors been recounted—a story that is holy, life-giving, and always to be praised by all. Having heard this, Manu approached Keshava with further questions. He asked about the proper times for performing śrāddha and the different kinds of śrāddha rites. “Which twice-born should be fed at śrāddha, and which should be avoided? At what time of day should one perform śrāddha for the ancestors? O Madhusudana, when and how does the offering at śrāddha reach its destination? By what method should it be performed, and how does it please the ancestors?” It was explained that śrāddha should be performed daily, using food, water, milk, roots, or fruits, thereby bringing satisfaction to the ancestors. Śrāddha is of three kinds: regular, occasional, and desired. The regular śrāddha omits the offering of water and welcoming rites. It is not for the gods, but is called pārvaṇa and is observed on festival days. Pārvaṇa is threefold; its details were explained. For pārvaṇa, certain persons are to be appointed: one who maintains five sacred fires, one who has completed his studies, one versed in the three suparṇas, and one who knows the six limbs of the Vedas. Also worthy are a Vedic scholar, his son, one skilled in ritual texts, one who knows all, a Veda-knower and mantra-reciter, one familiar with his lineage, and one belonging to a noble family. Thus, the wisdom and practices concerning the ancestors and the śrāddha rites were lovingly imparted, shining as a beacon for those who seek to honor their forebears and uphold the sacred traditions.