Listen with reverence to this sacred tale from the Varāha Purāṇa, which reveals the profound consequences of worthy and unworthy gifts, and the origin of the piṇḍa (rice-ball) ritual. It is said that a brāhmaṇa who accepts gifts without merit is likened to a stagnant well or a pit—rather than uplifting the donor, he leads him downward on his spiritual path. When such a brāhmaṇa is given gifts, the ancestors of the donor, upon witnessing this, become hopeless and are quickly cast into hell. Therefore, O illustrious listener, gifts must never be given to the unworthy. In the ancient land of Avanti, there lived a king of great righteousness. His chief priest was Candrasharma, a foremost and learned brāhmaṇa. This noble king made it his daily practice to give cows to brāhmaṇas, honoring them with generosity and faith. As time passed, the king’s son, Medhatithi, gathered brāhmaṇas to perform the śrāddha ceremony for his departed father. However, when Medhatithi saw the brāhmaṇas who had arrived, he was troubled by feelings of impurity. Still, he performed the śrāddha with careful adherence to the proper rites, offering rice-balls with devotion. Among those present was a brāhmaṇa named Golaka. Because of this error—inviting an unworthy recipient—the king’s ancestors were afflicted. They suffered from unending hunger and thirst, crying out for relief. One day, Medhatithi, accompanied by a few attendants, went hunting. During his journey, he encountered souls in great misery. He asked, “Who are you, suffering in such a wretched state?” The suffering souls replied, “We are your own forefathers, about to fall into hell.” Hearing these words, Medhatithi’s heart was filled with sorrow. He asked, “By what fault in action are you condemned to such a fate?” The ancestors answered, “By this very fault—gifts given to the unworthy—we are about to go to hell. After enduring great suffering, we may again ascend to heaven. Though you have given countless cows and abundant gifts, none brought us satisfaction, for the offerings were not received by the worthy.” Deeply moved, Medhatithi returned home and resolved to act. He instructed, “Invite all the brāhmaṇas who are free from the faults of Kuṇḍa and Golaka.” Candrasharma, the king’s priest, gathered those who were virtuous, patient, well-born, well-conducted, and free from blame. The śrāddha was performed again, with great care, and the rice-balls were properly offered. The king rejoiced to see his ancestors, now cheerful, nourished, and restored in strength. With affection, these humble ancestors spoke: “Now you must accomplish this supreme good for us.” It is declared by the wise that the śrāddha performed for the unworthy, such as Kuṇḍa and Golaka, bears no fruit. Therefore, having resolved to do so, food should be given to cows in the proper manner, and never to one unworthy, to an atheist, or to one who is hostile to the teacher. Having thus spoken, the ancestors ascended to heaven, their suffering ended. Medhatithi, filled with joy, fulfilled all that his ancestors had commanded. By such actions, one is delivered from difficulties and dangers—of this there is no doubt. Therefore, O Earth, gifts should be offered to worthy brāhmaṇas. All, including Nimi and the others, will perform the śrāddha. Thus concludes the chapter entitled “The Origin of the Piṇḍa Ritual” in the holy Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the section on the determination of śrāddha and ancestral rites among gods, humans, animals, the departed, and those in hell. Remember, this world is like a dream, shaped by one’s own actions, whether good or bad.