Thus, when the Lord had spoken, Brahmā—he who was born from the lotus—addressed the assembly. Before him blazed the sacred fire, Agni, radiant and all-consuming, the divine eater of offerings. Brahmā turned to Agni and spoke, “Listen, O eater of offerings. When you have consumed what is offered, the deities, along with the Maruts, will partake of it as well. Thereafter, the sacrificial cake that has been offered is to be eaten together with Soma. Then, the deities, accompanied by Soma, depart, O Earth.” Brahmā continued, “Therefore, O Earth, the first śrāddha offering should always be given to Agni. Afterwards, one should place darbha grass upon the ground and offer the cakes. These are to be dedicated to the grandsire and to the middle portion, born from Rudra. In this way, men perform the śrāddha rite, reciting the prescribed mantras and following the proper procedure.” He explained further, “The śrāddha performed by twice-born men is accomplished solely by the power of my māyā. Yet, there are those who are to be avoided in these rites: eunuchs, painters, those who revile the guardians of wealth, dancers, singers, and those who earn their living upon the stage. Those who serve kings, buyers and sellers in trade, those who act without proper rites, and those who live by the work of śūdras—all these are unfit. So too are the initiated who carry a pig on their back, twice-born men who are barbers, thieves, scribes, priests-for-hire, and those who work on stage. Laborers of all kinds, those who sell various goods, and those who have traveled long distances for a living—all these, when present at a śrāddha, render it rājasa, or impure.” “O Mādhavi,” Brahmā advised, “one should not allow such persons to be present at offerings made to the ancestors. If they are, the ancestors of such a person suffer terrible affliction for six months.” He continued with the proper procedure, “One should offer what is held into the fire and look upon the sun. Fragrance, flowers, incense, arghya, and water mixed with sesame seeds should also be given. Now, listen as I reveal another truth, O beautiful one. Those who never eat food offered to the departed, O Mādhavi, should not partake in the śrāddha. Only twice-born men who do eat such food are worthy to perform these rites. But one who, out of hypocrisy, leaves remnants after eating will surely go to hell.” Brahmā gave further instructions: “In the month of Māgha, on the twelfth day, one should offer rice cooked with ghee. Desiring purification, one should gift a tawny cow with her calf. After bathing and anointing the body with earth, the Brāhmaṇas should be invited with mantras. With care, after feeding a married couple at the śrāddha, one should let them depart.” He warned, “A fool who chews a tooth-stick on the new moon day—when the night has passed and the sun has risen—commits a fault. At this time, one should perform shaving and cut the nails. Then, well-cooked food, thoroughly cleansed and pure, should be prepared. After welcoming the guests, pure water should be offered for washing their feet. Once seats are arranged, the guests should be invited. Then, incense, a lamp, cloth, and water mixed with sesame seeds are to be offered. Finally, a circle should be drawn with ashes to remove any faults in the line of guests.” Thus did Brahmā instruct, revealing the sacred procedure and the spirit in which the śrāddha rite should be performed, ensuring the satisfaction of the ancestors and the purity of the offering.