Upon the beautiful, lofty peak of the Himalayas—a place graced by the presence of gods and gandharvas, and traversed by all the apsarases—the atmosphere was vibrant with celestial energy. Here, the gods and gandharvas served and attended, their minds pure and hearts uplifted. It was in this sacred setting that the revered ancestors, pleased and serene, addressed those assembled before them. With gentle voices, they said, “Choose a boon; we are pleased with you. What desire shall we fulfill for you?” As the ancestors spoke thus, Brahmā himself—the great creator of the three worlds and lord of all beings—turned to the Viśvedevas and addressed them. This radiant god, moved by the intensity and purity of their austerities, was deeply satisfied by their penance and asked, “What desire shall I grant you?” Hearing these words from Brahmā, the Viśvedevas, together and with one voice, spoke to him, the sustainer of all worlds: “May we have a share in the śrāddha. This is the boon we desire.” Brahmā, honoring their request, replied to these gods who are so greatly revered in heaven, “So it shall be; the boon you desire will indeed come to pass.” The ancestors, affirming this, declared, “There is no doubt about this.” Brahmā continued, “Whatever is performed here, you shall be associated with us; in the śrāddha dedicated to us, you will receive the first portion. This will take place among humans—I speak the truth to you. With garlands, fragrances, and food, you will receive the foremost offering. The giver will offer first to you, and then to us; after our dismissal, the gods will be honored. Thus, protection and hospitality—both prescribed rites—will be properly accomplished for beings, gods, and ancestors in the śrāddha ceremony, fulfilling everything according to the sacred method.” Having thus granted their boon, Brahmā, together with the hosts of ancestors, established this order. In the Vedas, it is declared that five great sacrifices are prescribed for men, and a man should always perform these five great sacrifices. Those who give in this way, upon departing from this world, go to an abode free from fear, pride, sorrow, pain, or fatigue—they attain the realm of Brahman, where all desires are fulfilled. Even a Śūdra should perform these five sacrifices, though without mantras; otherwise, anyone who partakes of food without doing so continually incurs a debt. The one who cooks for himself alone also partakes of this debt; therefore, the wise should always perform the five great sacrifices. There are some who, even while alive, do not desire offerings, despite others’ efforts. One should offer the bali with water first, and likewise a water-pot. The well-known bali offering should be made, placed either at a higher or lower spot as appropriate; for cows with others’ horns, the bali should be placed subtly in front. A rice-ball should not be offered to the ancestors while they are still alive; rather, one should feed them with proper food and delicacies as prescribed. The procedure for this is carefully explained according to the Veda. These ancestors—who are also great-souled gods and teachers—desire something after the offering of the rice-ball. The worship of Brāhmaṇas should always be performed in every way, for Brihaspati has declared this to be the path to righteousness, wealth, and skill. First, one should offer the rice-ball, and then feed the Brāhmaṇas. The ancestors, who are great souls established in yoga, are nourished by Soma, having attained yoga. Therefore, one devoted to this rite should, with purity, offer rice-balls to yogis; for the ancestors, this is as if an oblation were offered directly. If among a thousand Brāhmaṇas there sits a yogi in the foremost seat, he, like a boat in water, carries the sacrificer and all the participants across the ocean of existence. However, where unworthy persons are honored and the worthy are disrespected, divine punishment falls swiftly, like youth itself. When one abandons proper tradition and feeds an ignorant person, neglecting the primary rite, the giver is destroyed. Those who desire enjoyment should always carefully offer the rice-ball into the fire; those who desire progeny should give the middle one for a son, as prescribed. Those who seek supreme brilliance should always give the best portion to cows, for wisdom, honor, fame, and glory are always bestowed upon cows. Desiring long life, one should give to crows; seeking delicacy, one should give to chickens. Thus, the results of offering the rice-ball have been described. One should stand facing the south or a well-aligned southern direction, for the place of the ancestors is the sky, and the south is indeed their direction. The learned priests declare that the offering of the rice-ball should be performed first; and, when permitted by those priests, the rice-ball may be raised. Of flowers, fruits, and all edible foods, after taking the foremost portion of each, one should offer them all into the fire to Jātavedas. Edible food, cooked rice, drink, and excellent fruits—having offered these into the fire, one should then place the rice-balls facing south. With rich, fragrant foods and flavorful liquids, one should satisfy the ancestors, seated with reverence, hands joined, devoted and faithful. Such a person attains their desires. Freedom from meanness, gratitude, generosity, and respect—these qualities cause the ancestors to grant sacrifice and charity. After the twice-born have eaten, hear now the gentle rite prescribed. Having sprinkled the ground and lifted it up first, devoted to the ancestors, one should then scatter the offerings according to the prescribed rite. The priests should recite “svadhā” as prescribed, giving abundant gifts; after honoring the excellent twice-born and obtaining their permission for the remaining food, one should, with joined hands and devotion, accompany and bid them farewell. When the ancestors are worshipped with devotion in this manner, they become pleased. They are yogic, great-souled, free from sin, and endowed with great energy. After death, for the attainment of heaven, for desires, and for vast prosperity, those whom the ancestors favor also gain liberation in due course.