In the sacred tradition, it is taught that one should recite hymns to Brahmā, Viṣṇu, the Sun, and Rudra, as well as hymns to Indra, Īśa, Soma, and the Pavamānas, according to one’s ability. Alongside these, the Bṛhat and Rathantara Sāmans, the Jyeṣṭha Sāman, the Raurava, the Śānti chapter, and the Madhu Brāhmaṇa are to be recited. The Maṇḍala Brāhmaṇa and any other texts that bring satisfaction should also be recited, all for the benefit of the Brāhmaṇas and oneself. The study of the Mahābhārata, a text beloved by the ancestors, is especially recommended. After the Brāhmaṇas have eaten, offerings of food, water, and other items should be made, O King. Food appropriate for all castes should be brought with respect, and the leavings scattered on the ground in front of those who have eaten. May all beings in one’s lineage, whether they have been burned by fire or not, be satisfied by what is given on the earth and, being content, attain the highest state. For those who have neither mother nor father, nor kin nor friend, nor food, may this nourishment given on the earth satisfy them and lead them to union with their proper state, wherever they may be. Offerings should also be made for those who died unsanctified, who renounced, who shared in the family, and those entitled to the leavings, scattering offerings on darbha grass as their seat. Water should be offered for the satisfaction of the ancestors, at the scattering, even on ground smeared with cow dung, urine, or water. Darbha grass should be carefully placed with its tips to the south, following the proper rules, and rice balls prepared as in the ancestral rites, adhering to all prescribed procedures. Before washing the hands, the person should recite the name and family lineage, offer flowers and similar items, and then perform the final washing. Knowing what is to be placed to the left, with the right hand, one should circumambulate three times. The rites for mothers should be performed just as for fathers, holding darbha grass in hand. In the same manner, a lamp should be lit and flowers offered; at the end, having sipped water, water should be offered once and again. Flowers, rice grains, and inexhaustible water with sesame are to be offered, reciting the name and lineage, and gifts given according to one’s ability. Cows, land, gold, garments, and fine beds are to be given to the Brāhmaṇas, as desired, for oneself and for one’s father. Free from miserliness, satisfaction should be brought to the ancestors, then the svadhā invocation recited, and water offered to the universal gods. Having received blessings from the Brāhmaṇas, as is proper, one should say, “May the ancestors be gentle,” and the Brāhmaṇas should respond in turn. Likewise, when one says, “May the lineage increase,” and they reply, “So be it,” the benediction should be performed, respectfully removing the rice balls. The remnants should remain on the ground until the Brāhmaṇas are dismissed, after which the household offering should be performed, as is established. The remnants left on the ground are said to be the share of those who are honest and without deceit, and of the servant class. This nourishment, established by the ancestors of old, is always for those without vows, without sons, and even for women, O King. Then, standing before the place, having received the water vessel, one should recite “May it be well” and dismiss with the tip of the kusa grass. Circumambulation outside should be performed, proceeding eight steps, accompanied by relatives, with son and wife. Returning, after bowing, the fire should be kindled with mantras, the Vaiśvadeva rite performed, and also the daily household offering. Then, at the end of Vaiśvadeva, together with servants, sons, and relatives, one should eat, along with guests, all that was offered to the ancestors. Even one who is not initiated should perform this common śrāddha on all festival days; it grants all desired results. Even without a wife, or while living abroad, if devoted, one should do this. O King, even a Śūdra may perform the amāntaraka rite according to this procedure; the third is the vṛddhi-śrāddha, prescribed on occasions of prosperity. At festivals, joyful ceremonies, sacrifices, weddings, and auspicious events, mothers are to be worshipped first, and fathers thereafter. Then, O King, maternal grandfathers and the Viśvedevās are likewise to be honored, with circumambulation and offerings of curds, unbroken rice, fruits, and water. Facing east, one should offer rice-balls to the ancestors, beginning with the earliest; when prosperity is attained, arghya should be given to each pair in turn. Pairs of twice-born are to be honored with garments, suitable clothing, and so forth; the tilakārya should be performed with barley, and all this in proper sequence. All auspicious rites should be recited by eminent Brāhmaṇas; thus, even a Śūdra may always perform the general and vṛddhi-śrāddha rites. With respectful salutation and mantra, the wise should make gifts; the Lord has declared that giving is foremost for the Śūdra, for by giving, all desires are fulfilled for him. Pulastya then spoke: “Now I shall explain the ekoddiṣṭa rite as formerly taught by Brahmā—what is to be done by sons when the father dies, and the rules of impurity. For a Brāhmaṇa, the period of impurity due to death is ten days; for Kṣatriyas, twelve days; for Vaiśyas, a fortnight is prescribed. For Śūdras, impurity among sapiṇḍas lasts a month; for more distant relatives, impurity is said to last three nights. The same applies at birth for all castes at all times; after collecting the bones, touching the body is permitted. One should perform the offering of rice-balls to the departed for twelve days; this is called pātheya, as it brings great satisfaction to the departed. Because the departed soul is led to the city of the dead in twelve days, during this time he beholds his sons and wife at home. Therefore, milk should be placed in the open for ten nights, always for the appeasement of the fire and to remove the fatigue of the journey.” Thus, the rites are laid out, guiding the faithful in honoring ancestors, fulfilling duty, and ensuring the well-being of all those who have passed, as well as those who remain.