Desiring to understand the highest benefit of the śrāddha rite, a seeker approached with reverence and asked, “Tell me, what is the supreme fruit of śrāddha? For how long are the ancestors satisfied by these offerings, and do they truly reach the abode of the gods?” In response, the wise teacher spoke gently, “Listen, dear one, and I shall reveal to you the supreme method of śrāddha. Know that the worlds themselves are established through śrāddha; righteousness, too, finds its foundation in this sacred rite. Whatever is offered with faith—be it to the gods, to Brahmā, or into the sacrificial fire—bears great fruit. All beings—humans, sages, divine ones, perfected souls, and even demons—should, with a focused mind, offer śrāddha to the three ancestral lines. Thus, the eternal tradition continues, passed down in unbroken succession. “I will explain all of this as I have heard it; listen with attention. The ancestors are indeed akin to gods, accompanied by the groups of Pitṛs. Understand fully, with a concentrated mind, all that is declared. Among the Pitṛs, there are four who possess form, and three of these manifest in particular ways. I will recount to you their worlds and the manner of their emanation. “Those among them who have attained the highest asceticism embody Dharma itself. The radiant ones among the ancestors dwell in worlds called eternal. Of the great Virāj, it is said that his descendants are the Vairājas. Even if these beings fall from yoga, they attain the eternal worlds. When they regain their memory, they once again pursue the supreme Sāṃkhya-yoga. These ancestors, dear one, are those who foster the yoga of yogins. Therefore, śrāddha offerings should especially be made for yogins. “Among these ancestors, there is a mental daughter named Menā, associated with the great mountain, and the illustrious son of Maināka is Krauncha, also a great mountain. The Barhiṣads dwell in the southern direction, while the Amāśas reside in the west. The formless Pitṛs are found in the sky, while Kavyavāḍa and Anala are on earth. “Even yakṣas, rākṣasas, and piśācas worship those ancestors whose minds are pure. Humans, the gods of śrāddha, and sages all worship the eternal Brahman. Of all duties toward the gods, duty toward the ancestors is regarded as the highest. Those who have attained remembrance of their births have reached the path of liberation. All the ancestors, driven by hunger, partake of the offerings dedicated to them. “There are seven, endowed with yoga, who possess the memory of birth. The worlds themselves are established in śrāddha; in śrāddha is found yoga, O scorcher of foes. One who is devoted to celibacy, self-controlled, free from anger and envy—such a person, performing śrāddha, especially at a sacred place, accrues great merit. “This is especially true of vṛddhi-śrāddha, and at Mahālaya, the merit is more than a hundredfold. At Prayāga, the satisfaction given is ten times greater, and likewise at Kurukṣetra, O noble one. At the auspicious Mahākālavana, the merit increases tenfold again. “Even those whose ancestors have entered hell, birth after birth, are uplifted. By merely remembering once, the offering given to the ancestors becomes imperishable. Śrāddha should also be performed for those who died in miscarriage, and for those who have lost their name and lineage, so that they too may find deliverance.” Thus, the wise teacher revealed the supreme sanctity and far-reaching power of the śrāddha rite, its deep connection to the ancestors, and the enduring blessings it bestows upon all beings.