History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c73.t1.197.7

v5.c73.t1.197.7

For maternal ancestors also the same procedure is to be followed (from invoking the Viśvedevāḥ to offering piṇḍas). Then he should give water to the brāhmaṇas for sipping. Then (he should say to the brāhmaṇas 'pronounce benediction'); after making the brāhmaṇas say '*svasti*', he should offer water into their hands for saying 'let it be inexhaustible (after he requests them 'let it be inexhaustible'). Then after giving to the brāhmaṇas dakṣiṇā (fee or presents)⁹⁹⁶ according to the ability of the performer, he should say to the brāhmaṇas "may I request you to repeat the word '*svadhā*'" and when they permit him in the words 'do request us', he should say 'let svadhā be pronounced for the persons concerned' (i. e. the pitṛs and maternal ancestors). Then the brāhmaṇas should say 'let there be svadhā'. On the brāhmaṇas saying so, he should sprinkle water on the ground and say 'let the Viśvedevāḥ be pleased' and when the brāhmaṇas have responded with 'let the Viśve-devāḥ be pleased' he should mutter the following : ⁹⁹⁷ 'May donors increase in our family, may the (study or teaching of) Vedas prosper and progeny increase (in our family); may our faith (in rites for pitṛs) not vanish and may there be plenty of things for us to make gifts'⁹⁹⁸. Having muttered this, having spoken pleasing words to the brāhmanas, ⁹⁹⁹ having fallen at their feet (after going round them) he being pleased in his heart should dismiss the brāhmanas with the mantra 'Vāje vāje' (Rg. VII. 38.8, Vāj. S.