Listen attentively as the story unfolds, for it begins with the praise of Ganga, the foremost and eldest of all rivers, whose greatness has already been explained. Now, let us delve into the profound mysteries of the ancestors and the supreme rite of Shraddha. A seeker, eager to understand, approaches with reverence and inquires: “There are many ancestors, and others as well. O blessed one, I wish to hear from you about the supreme Shraddha rite. Whose sons are remembered in these rites, and how do their ancestors come to be? How were the ancestors born, whose children are they, and what is their nature?” He continues, “It is said that in heaven, some ancestors are even deities among the gods. I long to hear of the supreme origin of the ancestors, and how the Shraddha we perform truly pleases them. For what purpose do they appear in such realms, and what cause is remembered? Which ancestors dwell in heaven, and which reside in hell?” He asks further, “When we think of our father, our father’s father, and our grandfather, we make offerings in three portions, each by name. Which offerings should be given, and how do they reach the ancestors? And how can those who are in hell receive the fruit of these offerings again?” With deep curiosity, he continues, “Who are truly called ancestors here, and whom should we worship? We have even heard that the gods themselves worship their sons in heaven. Please, O learned one, explain all this in detail, for you are worthy to speak clearly on such matters.” Having listened to these heartfelt questions, the wise Sūta, who understood the true meaning of the sages’ words, began to recount what he had heard and learned. He said, “In the cycles of creation known as manvantaras, the ancestors are born as the sons of the gods. Among those who have passed and those yet to come, there are elders and juniors in order. Some ancestors existed with the gods in previous cycles, and some exist now; I shall speak of them.” He continued, “The Shraddha for these ancestors is performed by humans. In the beginning, Brahmā created the gods, but they did not partake of food. Desiring the fruits of enjoyment, they abandoned that state and created themselves anew. But, cursed by Brahmā, they became deluded and lost their awareness, knowing nothing, and thus the world was left confused.” “Then, all the gods, bowing humbly, begged the Grandfather Brahmā for his favor. The Lord, for the sake of the worlds, spoke to them: ‘Perform penance for your transgression. Ask your own sons, and then you will regain knowledge.’ Desiring to atone, the gods approached their own sons with controlled minds and questioned each other as prescribed.” “The sons, disciplined in mind and knowing righteousness, instructed their fathers in many ways about penances—those born of speech, mind, and action. Regaining their awareness, the gods joyfully said to their sons, ‘You are indeed our ancestors, for you have awakened us. What boon of knowledge, righteousness, or desire shall we grant you?’” “Then Brahmā spoke again: ‘You are speakers of truth. Therefore, what you have said shall indeed be so, and not otherwise.’ And so it was declared: ‘These are our ancestors,’ meaning their own sons. Thus, the sons became the ancestors, and this boon was given to them.” “By Brahmā’s very word, the sons became ancestors, and the ancestors became sons again. Therefore, these ancestors are sons, and in them is remembered the state of ancestorhood. Remembering ancestors as sons and sons as ancestors, Brahmā spoke again for the growth of the ancestors’ selves.” Sūta explained further, “Whoever, without offering Shraddha to the ancestors, performs any rite—the fruit of that rite will go to the Rākṣasas and Dānavas. The ancestors, nourished by offerings of Shraddha, partake of the inexhaustible Soma. As you replenish them, they will continually increase.” “When Soma is nourished by Shraddha offerings, he, in turn, nourishes the worlds—the mountains, forests, and all beings, both moving and unmoving. Those humans who perform Shraddha desiring nourishment, the ancestors will always grant them nourishment and offspring. To those for whom three balls are given at Shraddha, named and identified by lineage, the ancestors and forefathers, present everywhere, will nourish their descendants through the gift of Shraddha.” “Thus, the command was given by Brahmā, the supreme lord. Therefore, giving, study, and austerity are accomplished in every way. Indeed, your ancestors are the givers of knowledge—there is no doubt. These ancestors are gods, and the gods are again ancestors; they are mutually ancestors and gods.” Having heard these words of Brahmā, as spoken by the wise Sūta, the sages, their curiosity not yet sated, questioned the Sūta further: “How many groups of ancestors are there, and at what times do they exist, O best among the gods, those who nourish Soma among the gods?” The Sūta replied, “I will now declare to you the supreme origin of the ancestors, as Śaṃyu once asked of Bṛhaspati. Śaṃyu, the devoted son, approached Bṛhaspati, who was versed in all knowledge, and respectfully asked: ‘Who are these ancestors by name, how many are there, and what are their names? How did they arise, and how did they attain the status of ancestors?’” “Śaṃyu further asked, ‘Why are the ancestors always joined in sacrifice from the beginning, and why do all rites of the great-souled proceed with Shraddha at the forefront? To whom should Shraddha offerings be given, and what is the great fruit of these offerings? In which places is Shraddha imperishable—in holy sites and rivers? Where does a best of twice-born attain everything by performing Shraddha? What time is proper for Shraddha, and what is the correct procedure?’” “O revered one,” Śaṃyu implored, “please explain all this in detail and in proper sequence, as I have asked.” Bṛhaspati, of great intellect and foremost among those skilled in answering questions, then spoke in proper sequence, ready to reveal the mysteries of the ancestors. Thus ends this part of the sacred story, where the seekers’ questions are met with wisdom, and the origins and rites of the ancestors are reverently unveiled.