Because of a fault in the performance of a śrāddha ritual, the king’s ancestors at that time were plunged into distress. They were constantly tormented by hunger and thirst, crying out again and again in their suffering. One day, the king, accompanied by two or three attendants, went out hunting. In the course of his journey, he came upon some beings in a pitiable state. Moved by compassion, he asked them, “Who are you who have arrived here, enduring such misery?” The ancestors replied, “We are your own forefathers, about to fall into hell.” Hearing these words, the king was filled with sorrow and concern for their plight. Medhātithi, the king, then inquired, “By what fault in action are you about to suffer such a fate?” The ancestors answered, “It is by that very fault in action—the improper performance of the śrāddha—that we are doomed to this suffering. There, after enduring great pain, we may again ascend to heaven, but the suffering is great.” They continued, “Innumerable cows, with abundant gifts, have been given by you. Yet, there, no food could be found by which true satisfaction could be attained.” Hearing these words, Medhātithi returned home, his mind heavy with worry for his ancestors. Once at home, Medhātithi declared, “Invite all the Brāhmaṇas who are free from the faults of Kuṇḍa and Golaka.” As soon as he gave this command, his priest, Candraśarmā, gathered together those who were virtuous, patient, well-born, of good conduct, and free from blame. After the śrāddha was properly performed, Medhātithi carefully offered the rice-balls, as tradition prescribed. To his great relief, the king saw his ancestors now cheerful, nourished, and endowed with strength. Those who were humble and grateful spoke to him with affection, saying, “Now you must accomplish this supreme good for us.” They explained further, “The śrāddha that was previously given to those two is declared fruitless by the wise. One should resolve to give food to cows according to the proper rules. It should not be given to the unworthy, to atheists, or to those hostile to the teacher.” Having spoken thus, all the ancestors ascended to heaven, their suffering ended. Filled with joy, Medhātithi faithfully carried out everything his ancestors had instructed. Indeed, he delivered them from their difficulties and dangers—of this, there was no doubt. Therefore, O Earth, it is said that a gift should be given to a worthy Brāhmaṇa. All, including Nimi and others, will perform the śrāddha, O Earth. Thus ends the one hundred and eighty-ninth chapter, entitled “The Origin of the Piṇḍa Ritual,” in the holy Varāha Purāṇa, the divine scripture. Now begins the section on the determination of śrāddha and ancestral rites: among gods, humans, animals, the departed, and those in hell. This world, it is said, is like a dream, and one’s own actions—good or bad—shape it. The goddess Earth asked, “O God, who are these ancestors who partake of the śrāddha by means of yoga? How should one assign the intention for the rice-ball offering, month by month? I wish to hear the true determination; I have great curiosity indeed.” The Blessed One, in the form of a Boar, replied to Vasundharā, “Well asked, O Earth of noble form, established in all dharma. I shall tell you what you have asked. The father, the grandfather, and likewise the great-grandfather—knowing the conjunction of the stars, when the fortnight of ancestors arrives—those wise people who perform śrāddha with faith will do so. Some twice-born perform the sacrifice, indeed the Brahma-yajña. And some maintain themselves, O slender-waisted one, by the bhūta-yajña.” In this way, the story of the origin and proper performance of the śrāddha ritual unfolds, teaching the importance of faith, intention, and worthy recipients in honoring the ancestors and ensuring their well-being in the worlds beyond.