Let us now recount the sacred procedure for performing the śrāddha, the rite by which one honors the ancestors with reverence and devotion. First, the one who knows the rite begins by offering arghya to the gods, using water mixed with barley. Garlands, fragrant substances, incense, and lamps are presented to the gods in the prescribed manner, each offering made with care and devotion. For the ancestors, all these offerings are prepared in the left-handed manner, following the tradition. After seeking their permission, the performer gives darbha grass, split in two, as a mark of respect. With appropriate mantras, the wise invoke the ancestors, offering arghya and other items with water mixed with sesame, again in the left-handed way. Should a guest arrive at this time, seeking food—be it a king or a traveler—he may be fed, but only after receiving the Brāhmaṇas’ permission. For it is said that yogis, benefactors of humanity, wander the earth in many forms, their true nature hidden from ordinary sight. Thus, the wise honor any guest who arrives during śrāddha, knowing that neglecting a guest at such a time destroys the fruit of the rite. The performer then offers food—excluding condiments and salt—into the fire, three times, as permitted by the Brāhmaṇas. The first oblation is given to Agni, the carrier of offerings, with the invocation ‘svāhā’. Next, an offering is made to Soma, who is closely associated with the ancestors. The third oblation is given to Vaivasvata. The small portion of food remaining from these offerings is placed in vessels for the ancestors. A handful of well-prepared and desired food is then offered, and the performer may utter words as he wishes, but always gently and without harshness. This food is intended for ascetics whose minds are tranquil, gentle, and serene; it should be given to them with devotion, self-control, and without anger. Protective mantras are recited, sesame seeds are scattered on the ground, and the performer meditates upon the ancestors. He prays: “May my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, abiding in the bodies of the Brahmins, attain satisfaction today. May my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose forms are nourished by the oblation, attain satisfaction today. May my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather attain satisfaction from the rice-ball I have offered upon the earth. May they attain satisfaction through my devotion, by this which I have declared. May my maternal grandfather, his father, and his father before him attain satisfaction; may all the gods be supremely satisfied, and may all evil spirits be destroyed.” He invokes Hari, the Lord of sacrifice, the imperishable enjoyer of all offerings, declaring His presence so that all demons and asuras may depart from the sacred place. Once the ancestors are satisfied, the performer scatters food on the ground for the Brahmins and gives them water for sipping, again and again. When the Brahmins, fully satisfied, permit, he then concentrates and offers rice-balls mixed with sesame, following the proper order. Water mixed with sesame, drawn from the ancestral waters, is used to offer libations and rice-balls to the maternal ancestors. On darbha grass placed to the south, adorned with flowers, incense, and other offerings, the performer first offers the rice-ball to his own father, in the presence of the remnants. Another rice-ball is given to the grandfather, and likewise another to his father’s father, using darbha as the base, anointing and rubbing to please them. Similarly, rice-balls adorned with fragrance and garlands are offered to the maternal ancestors. After worshipping the foremost Brahmins, water for sipping is given to them. With devotion and a focused mind, the prescribed gift is offered to the ancestors, accompanied by the blessing, “May it be well,” according to one’s ability. Having given the gift, mantras for the Visvedevas are recited: “May all the Visvedevas here be pleased by this.” When the Brahmins respond, “So be it,” their blessings are requested. Before releasing the cattle, the ancestors are respectfully dismissed. This same order is remembered for the maternal ancestors, together with the gods, in offering food, gifts according to ability, and in their dismissal. Before performing rites for the gods and twice-borns, the performer purifies himself from head to toe. For ancestors and maternal forebears, the offering is made first. Words of affection and respect are offered, honoring them. Then, with their permission, the performer may depart, following them to the door. Afterward, the wise perform the daily rite called Vaiśvadeva, and eat together with those worthy of honor, servants, and relatives. Thus, the wise perform śrāddha for both paternal and maternal ancestors. When satisfied by these offerings, the forefathers grant all desires. Three things purify the śrāddha: the grandson, sacred grass, and sesame seeds. Additionally, the gift of silver, recitation of stories, and singing praises further sanctify the rite. When performing śrāddha, one should avoid anger, travel, and haste; these are not recommended even for those who partake in the offerings. The Viśvedevas, ancestors, maternal forebears, and the family itself are all nourished by proper performance of śrāddha. The group of ancestors is sustained by Soma; the moon is the basis of sacrifice. The union of yoga in śrāddha is therefore praised. If a yogi stands before a thousand Brāhmaṇas, he delivers all the eaters and the sacrificer as well. Aurva then explains the offerings suitable for śrāddha: sacrificial food, fish, meat of hare, mongoose, pig, goat, sheep, deer, and wild ox may be used. Similarly, meat of ram and wild ox, given according to the month, satisfies the ancestors; they are always pleased with the meat of the vadhrīṇasa. Swordfish meat, kālaśāka greens, and honey are especially excellent for the rite, O king, and give utmost satisfaction. Thus, following these sacred prescriptions, the wise honor their ancestors, ensure the satisfaction of gods and forebears, and secure blessings for themselves and their families.