At the time when a father attains imperishability, so too does the offering made to the ancestors; it becomes imperishable in its merit. Even something as simple as water, if given with genuine faith, brings endless benefit to those who offer it. After the performance of the śrāddha, the ancestors were always delighted, and they spoke: “Remain at ease, O knower of the three times, for we now depart to hell.” Because of the ripening of previous actions, O sage, those ancestors whom I witnessed at this sacred place had come and lingered there for a long time. Among them, many had tranquil minds, while others were troubled. As they departed silently, uncertainty arose—what is the certainty in this matter? Under what condition does a son’s śrāddha become fruitless here? Listen as I declare to you what actions may lead to such fruitlessness. If the substance offered is impure, or given to an unworthy recipient, it results in great sin. If the śrāddha lacks sesame seeds, proper mantras, or kuśa grass, it is said to be demonic in nature. Thus, after slaying the lord of the Rākṣasas—Rāvaṇa, the terrible one, along with his followers—Rāma, son of Daśaratha, together with the pleased Sītā, spoke to her. To Sītā, who was pleased by his words, the Lord granted her a boon. Gifts given in anger, even if accompanied by proper vessels, are not fruitful. And the śrāddha performed without a proper fee—this I grant to you, Trijaṭā. Hear further, as I declare what was given to the pleased Vāsuki. The fee appropriate to the sacrifice must be given; if the twice-born does not provide it, the rite loses its merit. Śrāddhas performed by those unlearned in the scriptures, or rites without mantras, are fruitless. A disciple who does not bow with devotion to the guru, the giver of knowledge, also fails to achieve the desired result. All has been given by me to you, O king of serpents, for a year. Now tell me about false performances—false śrāddha, gift, and vow as well. Those who, having stolen or damaged, partake of the fruits of such gifts, and those who observe the vow of silence, return again, seeking some purpose. The knower of the three times said: “Until you are satisfied, remain steady, having seen—indeed, be firm. Wait for the period of time until my return.” Therefore, today, abandoning my vow, filled with compassion for you, I shall perform the śrāddha with her according to proper rites. The king, seeing the sage who had suddenly arrived nearby, fell to the ground, placing his feet upon his own head in reverence. He declared, “I shall always perform sacrifice whenever you come to my house. Here is water for washing your feet, here is arghya, here is madhuparka, and here is this cow.” The sage quickly accepted these offerings and promptly spoke. “Hearing that, do all that by which I became satisfied. Tell me what must be done, as it should be, so that this may be accomplished. Bring here your queen, the one with a lovely face.” Her maid, renowned as Prabhāvatī and blessed with beautiful hips, was also present. Then the queen came from the inner chambers, always accompanied by her maid. When she was seated, the best of Brāhmaṇas addressed her, the one with a humble face. He spoke of all the ancestors in the world, established everywhere among all people. Among them was one old man, surrounded by subtle beings. Hopeless and desiring to depart, he again entered the impure hell. By him, the action arising from my own deeds was offered to me. And it was revealed that the servant of your maidservant is said to be her offspring. Thus, the story of the śrāddha, the ancestors, and the proper performance of rites unfolded, with each detail carefully observed and every merit and fault revealed for the sake of truth and benefit.