O Mādhavi, listen as I recount the sacred rite of ekoddiṣṭa, which is established for all people of the four varṇas. When one seeks to honor the departed, one must first bathe and purify oneself, joining the soul of the departed with the ancestors through the prescribed ceremonies. Gathering the necessary materials—even those considered impure—one acts in accordance with the commands of Brahmā, for thus is the tradition maintained. Service is rendered, especially to those fallen or to Śūdras, and always with humility and reverence. As the name of the deceased is recited, the rite is performed with focused intent. Approaching the invited Brāhmaṇa, one must do so with a humble heart and concentrated mind, for it is through these acts that the departed are guided to the heavenly world, as ordained by Death. When the sun has set, it is proper to visit the home of a Brāhmaṇa. There, in service to the departed, one massages the Brāhmaṇa’s feet, desiring to earn merit for the soul that has passed on. Throughout the night, as long as one remains in service, the departed is believed to enjoy the fruits of these offerings. And when the night gives way to dawn and the sun rises, the ritual continues. With care and concentration, the remains are taken to a pure place. The share offered should be prepared with precision, made sixty-four times as much as the good deed, to ensure its efficacy. The place for the rite may be in the shade of an elephant, by a riverside, or beneath a tree, but it must be a spot unsullied, where chickens, dogs, or pigs have not gazed or touched. Even the wind stirred by a chicken’s wings, or the presence of a caṇḍāla, must be avoided in these sacred moments. The wise know to steer clear of such defilements during funeral rites. Serpents, spirits, sacrifices, and all that moves or stands still—these are sustained by the world, which itself is extended by the power of Viṣṇu. After the rites, let all bathe upon the earth, for the world depends on purity. If remnants of the offering are left to the earth, O auspicious one, they are destroyed, and those who leave such remnants fall into terrible hell. With the name and lineage of the departed clearly stated, the offering is made. It should not be given to those of other lineages, nor to those who do not partake, for by proper giving, those who have passed to the realm of the ancestors are pleased. The one performing the rite must then go to a great river and bathe, garments and all, to purify himself. Once cleansed, he should quickly bring the Brāhmaṇas and offer them arghya and pādya—water for drinking and washing—with generosity and nourishment. With reverence, he says, “This seat is given to you; let rest be taken, O twice-born.” The Brāhmaṇa is then seated, and an umbrella is arranged for his comfort and protection, for the gods, gandharvas, yakṣas, hosts of siddhas, and great asuras are all sustained by these offerings made for the benefit of the departed. The giving of an umbrella, too, is recommended for the protection of the twice-born. Yet, the Gandharvas, Asuras, Siddhas, Rakshasas, and flesh-eating beings observe these rites. If the performer falters or feels shame, the Asuras and Rakshasas mock and laugh at him. All these acts are watched by those who have gone to the realm of the departed, as well as by the ancient gods and sages. There comes a dreadful day and night, when a rain of ashes falls and thick, uneven darkness spreads—impassable and terrifying to behold. Alone, the soul must travel this unbearable path in the world. On that dreadful night and day, O Mādhavi, the performer of the rite leads the departed across this fearsome journey. The ground is scorching sand, covered with thorns, making the passage all the more harrowing. Thus, by these sacred rites, the living fulfill their duty, guiding and sustaining the departed through the trials of the other world, ensuring their peace and ascent.