Matsyapurana 18.21

18.21

agniṣvāttādimadhyatvaṃ prāpnotyamṛtamuttamam
sapiṇḍīkaraṇādūrdhvaṃ tasmai tasmānna dīyate //

Similarly, four balls of food should be offered, and, after reciting *yê samânâh samansah*, the balls meant for the departed spirit should be divided into three parts and mixed with the balls of food meant for the Pitṛis. Excepting in Sapiṇḍî-karaṇa śrâddha, there is no separate rite for the deceased in any other ceremony. The departed spirit becomes delighted by the performance of sapiṇḍî-karaṇa, for it then joins the Pitṛis (and ceases to be a preta). The departed spirit joins the *Agniṣvâtta* group of Pitṛis and drinks with them nectar; and it is for this reason that no Piṇḍî-dâna is performed for the departed spirit after the sapiṇḍî-karaṇa. The ball of food (piṇḍa) should only be offered to those who join the group of Pitṛis. After sapiṇḍî-karaṇa, three balls are offered on the occasion of an eclipse or when the sun or any planetary body passes from one zodiacal sign into another; and on the date of demise only one ball is offered. If on the date of death one leaves the Ekoddiṣṭa śrâddha and performs the Pârvaṇa, he commits a sin equal to that of murder of father, mothers and brother, and goes to hell.—19-25.