Aurva, the revered sage, addressed the king with wisdom about the sacred rite of śrāddha. He explained that when one performs śrāddha with faith, it brings satisfaction not only to the ancestors, but also pleases the great deities—Brahmā, Indra, Rudra, the Aśvins, the Sun, Agni, the Vasus, the Maruts, the Viśvedevas—as well as entire lineages, humans, and animals. Indeed, Aurva declared, such a rite performed with devotion gratifies all beings in the world, including reptiles, the groups of sages, and the mysterious entities known as 'bhūtas.' He instructed the king that on the fifteenth day of the dark fortnight each month, and on the days called aṣṭakā, one should perform the śrāddha at the proper times. Whenever suitable materials or a distinguished Brahmin arrives, the rite should be performed, especially during the sun’s southern course. Aurva also mentioned other auspicious occasions: at the solstices, during lunar or solar eclipses, or when the sun enters a new zodiac sign. The sage continued, saying that during times of planetary affliction or after seeing troubling dreams, voluntary śrāddhas may be performed. The arrival of new grain is also an appropriate occasion. Aurva detailed the special significance of certain constellations: when the new moon falls under Maitra, Vishakha, or Swati, offerings please the ancestors for eight years; if it occurs in Pushya, Rudra, or Punarvasu, satisfaction lasts twelve years. When the new moon is in Vasavajaikapada, or in Varuna, even the gods find it difficult to obtain such satisfaction as the ancestors receive. Aurva explained that whenever the new moon falls in any of nine special constellations, offerings bring profound satisfaction to the ancestors. He then invited the king to hear more on this topic, recounting that Sanatkumara had once sung these teachings to the great-souled Ila, who approached him with humility and devotion. Sanatkumara described four days of immense merit, as declared in the Purāṇas: the third day of the bright half of Vaishakha, the ninth of the bright half of Karttika, the thirteenth and fifteenth days of the dark half of Nabhasya, and in Magha. These days, along with lunar and solar eclipses, the three Ashtakas, and the two solstices, mark the beginnings of the ages and are filled with endless merit. On such occasions, Sanatkumara advised, one should offer water mixed with sesame seeds to the ancestors with devotion. Performing the rite then is as if a thousand years have been completed—a secret revealed by the ancestors themselves. If, during the dark half of Magha, the fifteenth day coincides with the constellation Varuna, that time is supreme for ancestor worship and is not attained by those with little merit. If Dhanishtha is present at that time, offerings of water and food bring satisfaction for ten thousand years. If the early Bhadrapada constellation is present and rites are performed properly, the ancestors attain supreme satisfaction and rest for a thousand ages. Bathing in sacred rivers—Ganga, Shatadru, Yamuna, Vipasha, Sarasvati, or Naimisha Gomati—and then worshipping the ancestors with reverence destroys their misfortunes. The ancestors themselves sing, longing for the time when, at the end of the dark half of Magha, they will again receive offerings from their children at the pure waters of holy fords. Sanatkumara emphasized that purity of mind and wealth, the proper time, prescribed procedure, appropriate vessel, and supreme devotion—all these together grant the desired results. Aurva then invited the king to hear the verses sung by the ancestors, urging him to act with a devoted heart. The ancestors declared: Blessed is the wise man born in our lineage who, without deceit regarding wealth, offers rice-balls and food. Whoever possesses riches and gives gems, garments, vehicles, and all enjoyments to Brahmins on their behalf, or feeds excellent Brahmins with devotion and humility according to his means—even if his wealth is modest—earns their satisfaction. If one cannot give food, he should offer uncooked grain as he is able, or even a small token to the foremost of the twice-born. If even that is not possible, he should bow to a distinguished Brahmin and offer a few sesame seeds held at the tips of his fingers. With seven or eight sesame seeds, or a handful of water offered with devotion and humility, the offering is dedicated on earth for the ancestors. Whatever is available—be it from any source, or the daily yield from cows, or in their absence, whatever can be obtained with faith—should be offered to please them. If he has nothing at all, he should go to the forest, point to the roots of trees, and loudly declare to the Sun and the guardians of the worlds: “I have no wealth, no riches, nor anything suitable for śrāddha; I bow to my ancestors. May my forefathers be satisfied with devotion by these two arms raised on the path of the wind.” Aurva concluded, saying that these verses, sung by the ancestors, teach what should be done in both prosperity and adversity. Whoever follows these instructions, his śrāddha is accomplished. Turning to the practical aspects, Aurva explained that Brahmins should be fed at the śrāddha, and described the qualities they should possess: one who knows the three fires, the threefold honey, the three Suparṇas, who is learned in the six limbs of the Veda, a knower of the Veda, a Śrotriya, a yogin, and the eldest Sāmagā. Also suitable are the priest, maternal uncle, daughter's son, son-in-law, father-in-law, maternal uncle, those devoted to austerity, those engaged in the five fires, disciples, relatives, and those devoted to mother and father. These individuals should be engaged first in the śrāddha, followed by other Brahmins in proper order for the satisfaction of the ancestors. Aurva cautioned against inviting certain individuals: one hostile to friends, with deformed nails, impotent, with black teeth, a Brahmin who violated a maiden, one who abandoned the sacred fire, or who sells Soma; one who is cursed, a thief, a slanderer, a village priest, or one who teaches or is taught for hire; one who has married another’s former wife, abandoned his mother or father, supports or marries a Śūdra woman, or is her husband; and likewise a temple priest—none of these are fit for śrāddha. On the first day, the wise should invite those who are praiseworthy, such as Śrotriyas, and inform them of the duties to be performed for the ancestors and the gods. Thus, Aurva imparted to the king the sacred wisdom of śrāddha, its proper times, procedures, and the qualities of those who should be honored, ensuring that the ancestors, gods, and all beings are satisfied through heartfelt devotion.