O Mādhavi, listen with care. The world itself depends upon you, the auspicious one; when something is left behind as your remnant, it brings about destruction. Those who partake of such remnants, O beautiful one, fall into terrible hells as a result. Therefore, when making an offering for the departed, it is essential to state clearly the name and lineage of the one for whom the rite is performed. One must not give the offerings to members of other lineages, nor allow those who do not partake in the ritual to receive them. When the offerings are made properly in this way, those who have departed to the realm of the ancestors are truly pleased. Afterwards, the one performing the rite should proceed to the great river, and there, still clothed, bathe to purify himself. Once cleansed, he should quickly bring the brāhmaṇas to the ritual site. With boldness and due nourishment, O Mādhavi, he is to offer arghya (water for respectful greeting) and pādya (water for washing the feet). With reverence, let him recite: “This seat is given to you; let rest be taken, O twice-born.” Once the brāhmaṇa is seated, he should provide an umbrella for shade and protection. This is done not only for the brāhmaṇas, but also for the benefit of the departed, for by sustaining the brāhmaṇas, one pleases the gods, the gandharvas, yakṣas, hosts of siddhas, and even the great asuras. The umbrella, offered for protection, is to be given to the twice-born. The gandharvas, asuras, siddhas, rakṣasas, and flesh-eating beings all observe these rites. If the performer is careless and feels shame, the asuras and rakṣasas mock and laugh at him. All those who have gone to the realm of the departed, as well as the gods and ancient sages, observe these actions. Then, a dreadful day and night arrives, during which ashes rain down, darkness is thick and uneven, impassable and terrifying to behold. Alone, the soul must travel that unbearable path through the world. In that dreadful day and night, O Mādhavi, the performer of the rites leads the departed soul onward. The ground is made of burning sand and covered with thorns, making the journey harsh. After these rites, incense and a lamp should be offered with the proper mantras. Then, reciting the name and lineage, the offering is made to the departed, with the mantra: “Having left this world, you have gone to the highest state.” For the fragrances, the mantra is: “All fragrance, all flowers, incense, and likewise the lamp—these are offered.” All garments and ornaments are to be given to the brāhmaṇa in this way, and every item offered is meant as enjoyment for the benefit of the departed. For Shudras, the same rituals are performed, but without the recitation of mantras. Once all these offerings have been completed, the brāhmaṇa must be fed with cooked food. Importantly, the first portion must always be offered to the departed; no one else should touch it beforehand. In the context of the funeral offering, divinity and the state of brāhmaṇa are conferred. This offering must be made in the place of the ancestors, with all the proper rites and mantras. After the meal, the hands should be washed again and the prescribed purification performed. From whatever the brāhmaṇa eats, a share should always be given for the departed, for whom the rite is performed. It is vital that this share is given properly; whoever obstructs the offering incurs the terrible sin equal to slaying a teacher. Such an act destroys righteousness and leaves the departed unsatisfied. If, however, someone distributes the food meant for the departed among relatives and kin, he stands as if false—he sees, but does not attain satisfaction. But if it is known that the brāhmaṇa is truly satisfied with the cooked food, O Mādhavi, and the rites are complete, then, seeing that he has departed, one should not discard the leavings. All these actions, performed with care and reverence, uphold righteousness and ensure the well-being of the departed.