History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c73.t1.69.5

v5.c73.t1.69.5

Many people returned from Gayā thoroughly dis-illusioned and disgusted with the conduct of the brāhmaṇas at Gayā. In the Varāhapurāṇa⁹¹¹ it is said that two verses were sung by the pitṛs viz 'Would such a blessed and intelli-gent man be born in our family who will offer piṇḍas (i. e. śrāddha) to us without being stingy about wealth and who would bestow on brāhmaṇas with reference to us (i. e. for our benefit) jewels, clothes, land, costly vehicles and all other kinds of wealth including water, when he has riches enough?' Here lavish expenditure on all śrāddhas (not only at Gayā-śrāddha) appears to be strongly recommended. Devala prevides that on the days of *śrauta* sacrifices, of the celebration of charitable acts, of śrāddhas on the anniversary of death or on amāvāsyā, on lucky occasions (*vṛddhi*), on Aṣṭakā days, one should never give a frugal or poor dinner to the worthy brāhmaṇas invited for dinner.