The wise are instructed to perform the apyāyana rite for the ancestors, using the Agniṣomīya mantras. Even if there is no fire present, a devoted brāhmaṇa may use his breath or water as a substitute, ensuring the rite is not neglected. The proper places for these ancestral offerings are also praised: whether at the root of an ajākarṇa or aśvakarṇa tree, in a cowshed, or near water, the southern direction is especially honored as the seat of the ancestors. When performing these rites, certain materials are deemed appropriate. Water should be poured with the hand to the east, and the use of sesame seeds, darbha grass, pāṭhīna fish, cow’s milk, and sweet flavors is recommended. Sword beans, meat, honey, kusa grass, black grain, rice, barley, wheat, mudga beans, sugarcane, white flowers, and clarified butter (ghee) are all especially dear to the ancestors and are always commendable in these rites. However, not everything is suitable for śrāddha. There are items which should be avoided: masūra lentils, śaṇa, niṣpāva, rājamaṣa, kusumbha, lotus, bilva, arka, dhattūra, pāribhadra, and aṭarūṣaka are not to be offered. Nor should one use goat’s milk, kodrava, udāra, caṇaka, kapittha, madhuka, or atasi. Whoever wishes to gain the favor of the ancestors must not offer these things. But whoever pleases the ancestors with devotion will find their ancestors pleased in return. The ancestors, when pleased, bestow nourishment, health, heaven, and offspring upon their descendants. Indeed, the rites for the ancestors are said to surpass even those performed for the gods. Among the gods, the ancestors are remembered as the earliest source of fulfillment—they are quick to show favor, free from anger, without weapons, and steadfast in friendship. Peaceful in mind, devoted to purity, always speaking kindly, attached to their devotees, and bringers of happiness, the ancestors are revered as the primordial deities. The sun is regarded as the presiding deity over all offerings made to the ancestors. Thus, the sacred and purifying account of the ancestral lineage has been recounted, a story that is life-giving and always to be praised. Having heard all these teachings, Manu approached Keshava with further questions. He asked about the proper times for performing śrāddha, and the different types of śrāddha rites. He wished to know which twice-born should be fed at śrāddha, and which should be avoided, and at what time of day the rite should be performed. Manu further inquired: “O Madhusudana, when and how does the offering at śrāddha reach its destination? By what method should it be performed, and how does it please the ancestors?” The answer was clear: one should perform śrāddha daily, using food, water, milk, roots, or fruits, thereby bringing satisfaction to the ancestors. Śrāddha is of three kinds: regular, occasional, and desired. The regular śrāddha omits the offering of water and welcoming rites. This rite, known as pārvaṇa, is not meant for the gods but is to be performed on festival days. Pārvaṇa itself is threefold. For pārvaṇa, certain persons are to be appointed: one who maintains five sacred fires, one who has completed his studies, one versed in the three suparṇas, and one who knows the six limbs of the Vedas. Also suitable are a Vedic scholar, his son, one skilled in ritual texts, one who knows all, a Veda-knower and mantra-reciter, one familiar with his lineage, and one from a noble family. Those versed in the Purāṇas, knowledgeable in dharma, devoted to recitation and study, worshipers of Shiva, those dedicated to the ancestors, devotees of the sun, and followers of Vishnu are also worthy. One devoted to Brahman, tranquil in yoga, self-controlled, and virtuous should be included, as well as a grandson, one’s friends, and teachers. Others suitable to be fed are a wit, maternal uncle, relative, officiating priest, teacher, soma-drinker, one who expounds doctrine, and one who investigates the sacrifice. Those skilled in the tones and methods of the Sāma Veda, purifiers of the ritual line, singers of Sāma, celibate students, those versed in the Vedas, and knowers of Brahman are also to be honored. Where these persons partake in śrāddha, that rite is considered of the highest value. However, there are also those who should be avoided: one fallen, accused, impotent, slanderous, deformed, diseased, with bad nails, dark teeth, and those who tend pigs, donkeys, or horses. Also to be avoided are those whose minds are set on others’ wealth, the careless, mad, fierce, those with the habits of cats and herons, and hypocrites such as the Devalakas. One should also avoid the ungrateful, atheists, and those dwelling in the lands of the Mlecchas—Triśaṅku, the Barbarians, Dravidas, and Konkans. All those with the marks of heretics should be avoided, especially at the time of śrāddha, though on the previous or following day, a disciplined person may invite them. When the proper Brāhmaṇas are invited, the ancestors themselves approach, becoming like the wind, and as the invited guests are seated, the ancestors are attended to. Touching the right knee, one should say, “You have been invited by me,” and announce the rules to the relatives of the ancestors. Both host and guest must be free from anger, devoted to purity, and steadfast in celibacy. After completing the ancestral sacrifice called tarpaṇa, one who maintains the sacred fire should always perform the śrāddha with piṇḍas at the waning of the moon. On a spot smeared with cow dung, sloping to the south, the śrāddha should be performed with devotion, either in a cowshed or near water. If there is fire, the ancestral oblation and the rice cake should be offered in equal handfuls, saying, “I offer this to the ancestors,” and placing everything to the south. After sprinkling, three offerings are to be made in front, each elongated and four fingers wide. Three ladles of khadira wood, adorned with silver, each the size of a finger, well-smoothed, and with a handle shaped like a hand, should be prepared. A water vessel, a bronze vessel, a strainer, sacred sticks, sesame seeds, vessels, clean garments, fragrant incense, and ointments are also to be brought. All these, held in the left hand, should be brought slowly from the south and placed on the ground before the house. On a spot smeared with cow dung, a circle is drawn with cow urine, and it is worshipped with unbroken rice and flowers, using the left hand. In this way, with care and devotion, the śrāddha for the ancestors is to be performed, ensuring their lasting favor and blessings for the family.