Chapter 92

“Bhishma said, ‘After Nimi had acted in the way described above, all thegreat Rishis began to perform the sacrifice in honour of the Pitris(called the Sraddha) according to rites laid down in the ordinance.Firmly devoted to the discharge of all duties, the Rishis, havingperformed Sraddhas, began to also offer oblations (unto the Pitris) ofsacred waters, with attention. In consequence, however, of the offeringsmade by persons of all classes (unto the Pitris), the Pitris began todigest that food. Soon they, and the deities also with them, becameafflicted with indigestion. Indeed, afflicted with the heaps of food thatall persons began to give them, they repaired to the presence of Soma.Approaching Soma they said, ‘Alas, great is our affliction in consequenceof the food that is offered to us at Sraddhas. Do thou ordain what isnecessary for our ease.’ Unto them Soma answered, saying, ‘If, ye gods,ye are desirous of obtaining ease, do ye repair then into the abode ofthe Self-born. Even he will do what is for your good.’ At these words ofSoma, the deities and the Pitris then proceeded, O Bharata, to theGrandsire where he was seated on the summit of the mountains of Meru.’

“The deities, ‘O illustrious one, with the food that is offered us insacrifices and Sraddhas, we are being exceedingly afflicted. O lord, showus grace and do what would be for our good.’ Hearing these words oftheirs, the Self-born said unto them in reply, ‘Here, the god of fire issitting beside me, Even he will do what is for your benefit.’

“Agni said, ‘Ye sires, when a Sraddha comes, we shall together eat theofferings made to us. If ye eat those offerings with me, ye shall then,without doubt, succeed in digesting them easily.’ Hearing these words ofthe deity of fire, the Pitris became easy of heart. It is for this reasonalso that in making offerings at Sraddhas a share is first offered to thedeity of fire, O king. If a portion of the offerings be first made to thedeity of fire at a Sraddha, O prince of men, Rakshasas of regenerateorigin cannot then do any injury to such a Sraddha.[414] Beholding thedeity of fire at a Sraddha Rakshasas fly away from it. The ritual of theSraddha is that the cake should first be offered to the (deceased) sire.Next, one should be offered to the grandsire. Next should one be offeredto the great-grandsire. Even this is the ordinance in respect of theSraddha. Over every cake that is offered, the offerer should, withconcentrated attention, utter the Savitri Mantras. This other Mantra alsoshould be uttered, viz., unto Soma who is fond of the Pitris. A womanthat has become impure in consequence of the advent of her season, or onewhose ears have been cut off, should not be allowed to remain where aSraddha is being performed. Nor should a woman (for cooking the rice tobe offered in the Sraddha) be brought from a Gotra other than that of theperson who is performing the Sraddha.[414] While crossing river, oneshould offer oblations of water unto one’s Pitris, naming them all.Indeed, when one comes upon a river one should gratify one’s Pitris withoblations of water. Having offered oblations of water first unto theancestors of one’s own race, one should next offer such oblations toone’s (deceased) friends and relatives. When one crosses a stream on acar unto which is yoked a couple of oxen of variegated hue, or from themthat cross a stream on boats, the Pitris expect oblations of water. Thosethat know this always offer oblations of water with concentratedattention unto the Pitris, Every fortnight on the day of the New moon,one should make offerings unto one’s deceased ancestors. Growth,longevity, energy, and prosperity become all attainable through devotionto the Pitris. The Grandsire Brahman, Pulastya, Vasishtha, Pulaha,Angiras, Kratu and the great Rishi Kasyapa–these, O prince of Kuru’srace, and regarded as great masters of Yoga. They are numbered among thePitris. Even this is the high ritual in respect of the Sraddha, Omonarch! Through Sraddhas performed on earth the deceased members of onerace become freed from a position of misery. I have thus, O prince ofKuru’s race, expounded to thee agreeably with the scriptures, theordinances in respect of Sraddhas. I shall once more discourse to thee ongifts.”