In the sacred tradition, it is taught that black iron, gold, and a goat are the prescribed gifts to be offered in rituals. Among these, the best should be chosen and given with reverence. O noble Brahmin, those who are to be honored must indeed be worshipped, for the very existence and non-existence of the world depend upon them. The planets, being most influential, are especially worthy of worship. By offering worship to Mahāgaṇapati, one attains success and purification. Through his grace, all actions are fulfilled, and unsurpassed prosperity is gained. But if these observances are neglected, the Mothers become displeased and may create obstacles on one’s path. Therefore, for those desiring auspiciousness, especially at ceremonies for good fortune, Gaurī and the other Mothers must be worshipped with devotion. Devasenā, Svadhā, Svāhā, the Mothers, Vaidhṛti, and Dhṛti are all especially honored by Gaṇeśa. When their worship is increased, they should be venerated together with care. The offerings should include unbroken grains, fragrant flowers, incense, glowing lamps, and fresh fruits. Arati should be performed, and gifts presented in proper order, so as to bring satisfaction to all. Certain times are especially significant: the new moon, the aṣṭakā, the period of increase, and the two dark fortnights; also, occasions such as Vyatipāta, the elephant’s shadow, and the eclipses of the moon and sun. During these moments, rituals are to be performed with particular attention. Foremost among all, as declared in the Vedas, is the learned youth who is versed in Brahman. Other worthy recipients for ritual offerings include one’s sister’s son, the officiating priest, the son-in-law, the sacrificer’s father-in-law, and the maternal uncle. Those devoted to ritual, to austerity, the sacrificers of the five fires, and celibates are also to be honored. However, some are to be excluded from these rites: the sick, those with deficient or excessive limbs, the one-eyed, and the remarried; the hired teacher, the impotent, one who defiles a maiden, and the one who is cursed; one who abandons mother, father, or teacher; one who eats from a pit, and the son of a śūdra. On the day before the rite, the host should invite the Brāhmaṇas, maintaining self-control and purity. In the afternoon, after faultless worship, he should graciously receive those who have arrived. For divine rites, able Brāhmaṇas are to be selected; for ancestral rites, those not paired in the same way. Two Brāhmaṇas are required for each divine rite, three for ancestral offerings, and one for water rites. As the ritual begins, water for hand-washing is offered, followed by kuśa grass for seating. Next, barley is sprinkled into the vessel, together with the purifying ring. With the mantra “yā divyā,” water for washing the feet is poured into the hand. Then, making the sacred thread apasavya, the host circumambulates the ancestors with the right, invoking them and seeking their consent with the words, “May they come to us now.” Arghya, with barley, is then offered to the ancestors, placed in the vessel according to proper rule. With the intention of making an offering into the fire, clarified butter-soaked food is prepared and requested. The remainder of the oblation is attentively distributed into vessels. Having given the food, the host declares, “This is the vessel of the earth,” thus consecrating it. He then recites the Gāyatrī mantra with the vyāhṛtis and the Ṛc beginning, “madhuvātā.” Without anger or haste, he offers the oblation intended for Agni and the sacrificial food. When the Brāhmaṇas have taken the food and are satisfied, and after receiving permission regarding the remainder, the host takes all the food with sesame, facing south. In the same manner, water for sipping is offered to the maternal ancestors. After giving gifts according to his ability, the host utters the svadhā formula. When “svadhā” is spoken, the Brāhmaṇas respond, “May it be so,” and then the host pours water on the ground. Through these rites, may the donors increase, and may the Vedas and the lineage ever flourish.