' After the celestial messenger had said these
words connected with righteousness and duty, the deities who were seated
towards the east, the Pitris also, applauding that ranger of the sky,
began as follows.'
"The Pitris said, 'Welcome art thou, and blessings upon thee! Do thou
listen, O best of all rangers of the sky! The question thou hast asked is
a high one and fraught with deep meaning. The Pitris of that man who
indulges in sexual congress on the day he performs a Sraddha, or eats at
a Sraddha have to lie for the period of a whole month on his vital seed.
As regards the classification of the rice-balls offered at a Sraddha, we
shall explain what should be done with them one after another. The first
rice-ball should be conceived as thrown into the waters. The second ball
should be given to one of the wives to eat. The third ball should be cast
into the blazing fire. Even this is the ordinance that has been declared
in respect of the Sraddha. Even this is the ordinance that is followed in
practice according to the rites of religion. The Pitris of that man who
act according to this ordinance become gratified with him and remain
always cheerful. The progeny of such a man increases and inexhaustible
wealth always remains at his command.'
"The celestial messenger said, 'Thou hast explained the division of the
rice-balls and their consignment one after another to the three (viz.
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