When the Brahmavādins—those great knowers of Brahman—departed for heaven, their devoted sons quickly performed the śrāddha rites, making offerings to satisfy their departed ancestors. These celestial beings, the seven mind-born sons of Brahmā, continue to abide in the heavenly realms, observing the piṇḍa offerings as prescribed by sacred mantras. At this point, Gauramukha inquired, “O Brāhmaṇa, who are these Pitṛs, the ancestors? For how long do they remain? Why are these ancestral groups established in that world?” In response, the sage Mārkaṇḍeya explained, “There are seven excellent beings, beginning with Marīci, who increase the strength of the gods and Soma. These are the Pitṛs remembered in heaven. Among them, four possess form, while the other three are formless. Let me describe the creation of their worlds for you. “Listen as I speak of their power and great majesty. Three among them bear the form of Dharma, while the others are supreme groups. I will tell you their names and the worlds they inhabit. The formless and radiant groups of Pitṛs, sons of the Lord of creatures, reside in the worlds called Saṃtānakas. The best offspring of Virāṭ are known as the Vairājas. “These Pitṛs, when they fall from their worlds, regain the eternal realms after hundreds of ages and are reborn as knowers of Brahman. When they recall their true nature, they again attain the highest, flawless path of yoga—a path so pure and difficult to return from. These ancestors, nourished by offerings made during śrāddha, increase the yoga of yogins. In ancient times, when satisfied, they delighted in the strength of yoga. “Therefore, O best of yogis, yogins should perform śrāddha offerings. This is indeed the foremost and unsurpassed creation of those who drink Soma. These very Pitṛs form a single lineage; those dwelling on earth and those in heaven are equally to be worshipped. Among them are the Kalpavāsikas, including Sanaka and others, as well as the Vairājas established in austerity. Among them, those who have attained truth are liberated—thus is the lineage of the ancestors. “The Agniṣvāttas are descendants of Marīci, while the Vairājas are called Barhiṣads. The ancestors of Vasiṣṭha, the lord of progeny, are called Sukāleyas. All these are to be worshipped with the three Vedic mantras, but not separately by a Śūdra. However, a Śūdra, if permitted by the three higher varṇas, may worship all the ancestors; yet, there are no separate ancestors belonging to the Śūdra lineage. “O Brāhmaṇa, among Brāhmaṇas, a liberated and conscious being is indeed seen, but according to special scriptures and the Purāṇas, the matter is otherwise. Thus, knowing the scripture praised by sages and the origins of those to be worshipped, the sons obtained the memory of their own creation from Brahmā, and they too attained the highest liberation through knowledge. “The Vasus and others, beginning with Kaśyapa, as well as the Gandharvas, are to be understood as belonging to all varṇas. This, O great sage, is the summary of the creation of the ancestors. Truly, there is no end to it, even in a hundred million years. “Now, I will tell you of the proper times for śrāddha. One should perform the rite when suitable offerings are available or when an excellent Brāhmaṇa is present. Śrāddha should be performed at the solstices, equinoxes, and during lunar or solar eclipses, as well as when the sun enters a new zodiac sign. When afflicted by inauspicious stars or planets, after evil dreams, or at the coming of new grain, one may also perform śrāddha at one’s own wish. “When the new moon coincides with the nakṣatras Ārdrā, Viśākhā, or Svāti, the ancestors are satisfied for eight years by the śrāddha performed then. When the new moon falls on Puṣya, on the fierce nakṣatra, or on Punarvasu, the honored ancestors are satisfied for twelve years. On the new moon in the Vāsava, Ājaikapāda, or Vāruṇa nakṣatras, those who desire the satisfaction of the ancestors should perform śrāddha; even the gods find it difficult to obtain satisfaction at these times. “O best of twice-born, when the new moon falls in any of the nine nakṣatras, those desiring inexhaustible merit should perform śrāddha; even if multiplied by ten million times a thousand, the limit of merit is not reached. The ancestors also speak of other secret and meritorious times: the third day of the bright half of Vaiśākha, and the ninth day of the bright half of Kārttika. “On the thirteenth and fifteenth days of the dark fortnight in Māgha, during lunar or solar eclipses, as well as on the Aṣṭakā days and at both solstices, one should, with devotion, offer water mixed with sesame seeds to the ancestors. By this act, the ancestors are satisfied for a thousand years—this secret is revealed by the forefathers. “If, in the bright half of Māgha, the fifteenth day coincides with the Varuṇa star, that time is supremely auspicious for the ancestors, though it is rarely attained except by those of great merit. If, at that time, the star Dhaniṣṭhā is present, then water and food offered to the ancestors by the family brings them satisfaction for ten thousand years. If, at that very time, the early Bhādrapadā stars are present, those who perform śrāddha for the ancestors cause them to attain supreme satisfaction, and the ancestors rest peacefully for an entire age. “One who bathes with reverence in the sacred rivers—Gaṅgā, Sarayū, Vipāśā, Sarasvatī, Naimiṣā, or Gomati—and then performs worship for the ancestors, destroys their misfortunes. The ancestors themselves sing: ‘When, after a year, we again attain satisfaction at the end of the bright Māgha fortnight, with the pure waters of holy fords, through gifts made by sons and others—’ “A pure mind and wealth, an auspicious time, the prescribed rite, the proper vessel, and supreme devotion—these grant to people all that is desired. “Now, O noble one, listen to these verses sung by the ancestors. Having heard them, one should act accordingly, as ordained by destiny: ‘Blessed indeed is the wise man born in our lineage, who, free from deceit regarding wealth, will offer the rice-balls for us. He who, possessing jewels, garments, vehicles, all enjoyments, and wealth, will give gifts to Brāhmaṇas on our behalf—or, with whatever food he is able, at this time, with devotion and humility, will feed excellent Brāhmaṇas—even that much is sufficient for a man.