In ancient times, O beloved one, it is said that the ancestors partook of the svadhā offering of milk, served in a vessel of shining silver. For those who yearn to honor the ancestors with svadhā, when it is offered in such a vessel, the blessing becomes inexhaustible. The very presence, sight, or gift of a black antelope skin is renowned for its power to dispel evil, to enhance the spiritual radiance of Brahmins, and to benefit the ancestors in manifold ways. Among the items most auspicious for these sacred rites are gold, silver, copper, a daughter’s son, a kutapa vessel, sesame seeds, pure garments, a triple staff, and the practice of yoga. These constitute the highest, eternal rule for the śrāddha ritual, which brings increase to one’s lifespan, fame, progeny, wisdom, and the flourishing of the family line. At the prescribed site, particularly in the southeast direction, a perfectly square space, measuring one ratni on each side, should be prepared. Let me explain, according to proper instruction, the place for honoring the ancestors—a place that brings prosperity, health, long life, strength, and a radiant complexion. There, one should make three pits and prepare three khadira sticks, each a ratni in length and adorned with silver. These sticks, each four finger-breadths thick, are to be placed lengthwise on the ground, facing east and south, without any holes. The pure-hearted performer should always wash them with water purified by darbha grass. Further purification is accomplished with cow’s or goat’s milk and with sacred words. Through such constant offerings, satisfaction is eternally assured for the ancestors. In this life and the next, one who fulfills all duties, who worships the ancestors after bathing three times daily and with the proper mantras and procedures, gains the fruit equivalent to that of the great Aśvamedha sacrifice. On the new moon, this ritual is performed by placing the offering in a pit four finger-breadths square. These rites, known as the thrice-seven, truly uphold the three worlds. Through them, one attains nourishment, wealth, long life, and children; good fortune of many kinds arises, and in the end, liberation is achieved. This ritual is supremely purifying, removes sin, and bestows the merit of the Aśvamedha sacrifice. When honored and performed by twice-born men, I shall now reveal the mantra for it—immortal, created by Brahma himself. It is a salutation, always offered to the deities, the ancestors, and the great yogis, as well as to Svadhā and Svāhā. At the beginning and end of the śrāddha, this mantra should always be recited three times, and again at the offering of the piṇḍa, with concentrated mind. Thus the ancestors arrive swiftly, and evil spirits flee. This mantra truly delivers the ancestors in all three worlds, when it is recited with devotion at the śrāddha by those dedicated to Brahman. Whoever desires sovereignty should recite this mantra diligently, for it increases strength, purity, wealth, virtue, glory, lifespan, and power. By its disciplined recitation, the ancestors are pleased. Now I will declare the Seven-flamed (Saptārciṣa) mantra, auspicious and bestower of all desires. To the ancestors, both formless and formed, radiant in their brilliance, I bow always—those contemplative ones with the eye of yoga. To those who are the progenitors of Indra and the others, and of Bhṛgu and Marīci, and the seven sages and all the ancestors—I bow to those granters of desires. I bow to all the ancestors of Manu and the other divine lords, and of the Sun and Moon, who grant well-being. To the ancestors of the stars, of the moving and unmoving beings, to the grandfathers, and to Heaven and Earth, I bow with joined palms. To the progenitors of the divine sages, honored by all the worlds and ever bestowers of fearlessness, I bow. To Prajāpati, Kaśyapa, Soma, Varuṇa, and the lords of yoga and union, I bow with joined palms. Salutations to the seven groups of ancestors in the seven worlds, and to the self-born Brahmā, the seer through yoga. This has been declared, honored by the groups of seven sages and brahmarṣis. It is supremely pure and destroys even great sins. A person who performs this method gains three boons: the ancestors grant him food, long life, and sons upon the earth. He who, with supreme devotion, faith, and self-control, recites the Seven-flamed with constant concentration, becomes the sole ruler over the earth, with its seven continents and oceans. Whatever is cooked or enjoyed in one’s house should never be consumed without first offering it. Now, listen as I describe in order the bali vessels and the fruits that each bestows. Bṛhaspati spoke: The palāśa vessel is for brahmic splendor; the aśvattha is for the attainment of sovereignty; the plakṣa is always prescribed for lordship over all beings. For one who desires nourishment, the nyagrodha is recommended. For intellect, wisdom, fortitude, and memory, the kāśmarya vessel is protective, famous, and a destroyer of demons. In this world, supreme good fortune is said to arise from the offering of honey. Whoever makes an offering in a vessel of phalgu fulfills all desires. Great radiance and special brilliance come to the performer; in a vessel of bilva, one gains prosperity, intelligence, and enduring longevity. For fields, gardens, ponds, and all crops, unceasing rain is bestowed by the clouds upon those who perform offerings in bamboo vessels. Those who make offerings in these excellent vessels, and who give the first portion, even once, are said to gain the fruit of all sacrifices. Whoever always gives garlands and fragrant substances to the ancestors, blessed with prosperity, shines like the sun. Whoever offers incense such as guggulu, mixed with honey and clarified butter, to the ancestors, gains the fruit of the horse sacrifice. One who offers incense, fragrant and pleasing, with devotion to the ancestors, obtains offspring among women both here and hereafter; one should always give to the ancestors, ever attentive. And whoever always offers a lamp to the ancestors with devotion, attains incomparable vision in this world and ever receives auspiciousness.