History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c73.t1.174.4

v5.c73.t1.174.4

since the Brāhmaṇa text says 'fire is verily the mouth of the Fathers'. If he offers in the hands of the brāhmanas⁹⁷⁵, then he assigns other food to them after they have sipped water and the food (that remains) is mixed with the food that is served to the brāhmaṇas, since it is said 'what is abandoned and given to (brāhmaṇas)⁹⁷⁶ brings prosperity'. When he sees that the brāhmaṇas are satiated (with the food served at the dinner) he (the performer) should recite to the brāhmaṇas the verses containing the word 'madhu' (Ṛg. I. 90.⁹⁷⁷ 6-8) and also the verse 'they have eaten, they have enjoyed themselves' (Ṛg. I. 82.2). Having asked the brāhmaṇas 'was the dinner perfect?' (they should reply that it was) and then having taken (portions of) the different foods that were enjoyed by the brāhmaṇas together with the sthālīpāka food in order⁹⁷⁸ to make lumps (piṇḍas) thereof he should present all (the rest of the food) to the brāhmaṇas. After the brāhmaṇas have either accepted (the rest of the food) or given him permission (to use it for his family and friends), and after they have finished eating he should, before they have sipped water (performed ācamana after finishing their dinner), put down the lumps⁹⁷⁹ (piṇḍas) for the Fathers. According to some teachers (piṇḍas are put down) after the brāhmaṇas have sipped water (on getting up from the dinner).