O Mādhavi, listen attentively to the sacred instructions regarding the śrāddha, the rite performed for the ancestors. There are certain persons who must not be seen at the śrāddha offerings, for if one disregards this, the ancestors of such a person endure terrible suffering for six months. One must be mindful and offer what is held with devotion into the fire, all the while gazing upon the sun as witness. It is proper to present fragrance, flowers, incense, arghya, and water mingled with sesame seeds at the śrāddha. Now, O beautiful one, hear further truths: those who never partake of food offered to the dead are set apart, but twice-born men who do partake of such food are indeed worthy to perform the śrāddha. Yet, if anyone, out of hypocrisy, leaves remnants after eating, know for certain that such a person surely goes to hell. In the auspicious month of Māgha, on the twelfth day, one should offer rice cooked with ghee to the ancestors. With a desire for self-purification, one ought to give a tawny cow along with her calf. After bathing and anointing the body with earth, the host should invite brāhmaṇas with the proper mantras. Care must be taken to feed a married couple at the śrāddha, and once they are satisfied, to respectfully let them depart. However, be warned, O Mādhavi: a fool who chews a tooth-stick on the new moon day, after the night has passed and the sun has risen, acts improperly. On this day, one should perform the shaving of hair and the cutting of nails, ensuring that the body is clean and pure. The food prepared for the śrāddha must be well-cooked, thoroughly cleansed, and pure. Upon welcoming the brāhmaṇas, one should offer them pure water to wash their feet. After arranging suitable seats, the guests should be invited formally. Then, incense, a lamp, cloth, and water mixed with sesame seeds should be offered as part of the ritual. To remove any faults in the line of guests, a circle should be drawn with ashes. Here, no formal resolve is necessary; instead, one should address the ancestors directly, O beautiful one. The wise should recite mantras for warding off evil spirits, ensuring the sanctity of the rite. After giving an upper garment and a seat to the brāhmaṇas, the host should perform the inquiry regarding the piṇḍa offerings. Piṇḍas—balls of rice—should be offered to three generations, beginning with the father. With self-control and devotion, one should give to a brāhmaṇa that which is inexhaustible, signifying enduring merit. As long as the three balls of rice remain on the earth, the host, having purified himself by touching water and becoming clean, should offer the waters of appeasement. These sacred waters are known as Vaiṣṇavī, Kāśyapī, and Akṣayā. The third water, Akṣayā, should be offered at the śrāddha, as prescribed by tradition. By such giving, both the ancestors and the gods are satisfied—there is no doubt of this. The śrāddha should be offered according to rule to brāhmaṇas who are excellent in knowledge. If a twice-born performs śrāddha without proper mantras or rites, or if a brāhmaṇa lacking knowledge lifts the vessel, the rite is incomplete. Thus, O blessed one, I have described to you the unsurpassed rite for the ancestors. And now, O Earth, tell me, what else do you wish to hear? So concludes the one hundred and ninetieth chapter, entitled "The Determination of the Śrāddha and Ancestor Rite," in the glorious Varāha Purāṇa. Now begins the section on the origin, offering, and mixing of madhuparka. Having heard many dharmas, ascertained from the treatises on righteousness, the Earth spoke: "Though I have heard much and often, I am not yet satisfied. For my own benefit, you should reveal the secret. Tell me, what substances are to be given, and to whom?