There are sacred rites known as the aṣṭakās, each with its own form and purpose. The second of these is called Prājāpatyā, and the third is Vaiśvadevikī. The first should always be performed with offerings of cakes, while the others are to be observed each month, following the proper order and tradition. The third rite, Vaiśvadevikī, is specifically to be performed with vegetables, as prescribed. Alongside these, the Anvaṣṭakā is an offering dedicated to the ancestors and should also be performed regularly. If a fourth aṣṭakā arises, it too must be observed with special care. In all these rites, the wise should conduct śrāddha ceremonies with whatever means they possess, never neglecting their duty. One who faithfully performs these rites in this world and the next finds true happiness. Those who worship are uplifted, while those who do not believe or perform these rites descend to lower states. The ancestors, on their appointed lunar days, come to visit their descendants, just as cows make their way to water. Therefore, do not let these aṣṭakā rites, honored by the gods, pass by unobserved. For one who neglects them, the world becomes barren, and whatever has been gained is lost. Those who offer oblations reach the gods, while those who withhold offerings fall to lower realms. By giving, one gains children, prosperity, good memory, intelligence, sons, and even sovereignty. The timing of the śrāddha is also significant. Performing the rite on the full moon brings complete fulfillment even before the results manifest, and whatever is gained on the first day of the lunar fortnight is never lost. If performed on the second day, the performer becomes lord over all creatures that walk on two legs. For those seeking boons, the third day destroys enemies and removes sins. Śrāddha on the fourth day reveals the faults of one’s enemies, and on the fifth day, it grants great prosperity. When performed on the sixth day, the twice-born—those of the higher castes—honor the performer. One who always observes śrāddha on the seventh day attains the merit of a great sacrifice and becomes lord of groups. On the eighth day, complete prosperity is assured. The ninth day brings wealth and a wife of one’s desire, while the tenth day bestows the prosperity of Brahmā, mastery of all the Vedas, and the destruction of sin. On the eleventh day, one receives supreme gifts and unending sovereignty. The twelfth day brings kingdom, victory, and wealth. On the thirteenth day, the performer gains offspring, intelligence, cattle, wisdom, independence, supreme nourishment, long life, and prosperity. Special offerings are prescribed for those whose young men have died, and for those killed by weapons, the śrāddha should be performed on the fourteenth day. Likewise, for those born in adverse circumstances and for twins, the rite should always be performed with purity and care on the new moon day. He who, on the new moon, offers the great, nourishing Soma in accordance with truth attains all desires and enjoys endless heaven. Nourished thus, Soma sustains the three worlds and is constantly praised by Siddhas, Cāraṇas, and Gandharvas, who honor him with hymns, delightful flowers, desired offerings, dances, instruments, and songs performed by thousands of Apsarases. There are games, aerial chariots, and steadfast devotion to the ancestors, as the gods, Gandharvas, and Siddhas praise the performer. One who is devoted to the ancestors and performs rites on the new moon attains all desires, and the ancestors are directly worshipped by him. Because the ancestors are considered the deities of the Maghā constellation, that day is regarded as imperishable, and the wise especially perform ancestral rites on Maghā. Thus, the ancestors always desire Maghā, and those devoted to these deities attain the highest state. Bṛhaspati then spoke, recounting the śrāddhas which Yama taught to Śiva (also called Śaśabindu), each according to the lunar mansion. One who always performs śrāddha during Kṛttikā, having established the sacred fire, is blessed with sons and freedom from illness. If one desires offspring, performing śrāddha under Rohiṇī, with the gentle moon, brings vigor. For those of harsh deeds, it is generally advised to perform śrāddha under Ārdrā. By performing śrāddha under Punarvasu, one gains land and daughters, becomes wealthy in grain, and is surrounded by sons and grandsons. For satisfaction, one should observe the rite under Puṣya; worshipping the ancestors under Āśleṣā brings heroic sons. Performing śrāddha under Maghā elevates one among kin, and under Phalgunī, one attains good fortune. Under the Uttaras, with virtuous conduct and sons, one becomes eminent among the good. Satisfying the ancestors under Hasta makes one a chief among men. Under Citrā, one sees handsome sons; under Svāti, one attains the company of the learned. Desiring sons, one should perform śrāddha under Viśākhā; under Anurādhā, the wheel of prosperity is set in motion. Performing śrāddha under Jyeṣṭhā brings lordship and excellence; under Mūla, health is desired; under Āṣāḍhā, great fame is attained. During the Uttarāṣāḍhā and Śravaṇā constellations, one becomes free from sorrow, and in Śravaṇā, one achieves the highest state among the virtuous. In Dhaniṣṭhā, abundant wealth and a share in sovereignty are gained; in Abhijit, the fruits of the Ajāvika path are bestowed. The Vāruṇī constellation brings mastery in medicine, while Pūrvā Proṣṭhapadā also grants the fruits of the Ajāvika path. In the Uttarā constellations, thousands of cows are obtained; in Revatī, wealth of many kinds; in Aśvinī, horses; and in Bharaṇī, supreme longevity. Through the faithful performance of these śrāddha rites, Śaśabindu himself gained the entire earth and, having obtained all, praised these sacred observances. Thus concludes the teaching, describing the fruits of śrāddha according to the constellations, as revealed in the Vāyu Purāṇa by the sage Vāyu.