O Mādhavi, know that the śrāddha, the sacred rite performed by the twice-born to honor their ancestors, is accomplished solely through the wondrous power of my māyā. Yet, there are certain people whose presence at such offerings brings impurity. These include eunuchs, painters, those who speak ill of the protectors of wealth, dancers, singers, and those who earn their livelihood through stage performances. Likewise, those who serve kings, all manner of traders, those who act without proper rites, or live by the work suited for śūdras, must also be avoided. The initiated who carry pigs, twice-born barbers, thieves, scribes, priests-for-hire, laborers, and all who sell goods, together with those who travel far for a living or subsist by such means—these, when present at the time of śrāddha, render the rite rājasa, or impure. Therefore, O Mādhavi, one should not see these persons at offerings made to the ancestors. If one fails in this, the ancestors of such a person suffer terrible distress for six months. When performing śrāddha, one should make the offering into the fire and gaze upon the sun, presenting fragrance, flowers, incense, arghya, and water with sesame seeds. Listen further, O beautiful one, to another truth. Those who never partake of food offered to the dead are not fit for this rite. Only twice-born men who accept such food are worthy to perform the śrāddha. But if one, out of hypocrisy, leaves remnants after eating, he surely falls into hell. In the month of Māgha, on the twelfth day, rice cooked with ghee should be offered. Seeking self-purification, one should give a tawny cow along with her calf. After bathing and anointing the body with earth, the Brāhmaṇas should be invited with sacred mantras. With care, after feeding a married couple at the śrāddha, one should respectfully let them depart. However, the fool who chews on a tooth-stick on the new moon day, after sunrise, acts improperly. On that day, shaving and the cutting of nails should be performed. The food prepared for the rite must be well-cooked, thoroughly cleansed, and pure. Upon welcoming the guests, pure water should be offered for washing their feet. After arranging their seats, they should be properly invited. Incense, a lamp, cloth, and water mixed with sesame should then be presented. A circle of ashes should be drawn to remove any faults in the line of guests. Here, no formal resolve is needed; one should address the ancestors directly, O beautiful one. The wise should recite mantras to ward off evil spirits. After giving an upper garment and a seat, the piṇḍa inquiry should be performed. Piṇḍas—balls of rice—should be offered to the three generations, beginning with the father. With self-control, one should give to a brāhmaṇa that which is inexhaustible. As long as the three rice balls remain on the earth, the performer, having purified himself by touching water, should offer the waters of appeasement. These waters are known as Vaiṣṇavī, Kāśyapī, and Akṣayā. The third water should be offered at the śrāddha, as tradition declares. Through these acts of giving, both the ancestors and the gods are satisfied—of this, O Mādhavi, there can be no doubt.