Vedic Mythology c9.s3.35

c9.s3.35

§ 76. The Pitṛs. — The blessed dead who dwell in the third heaven are called Pitṛs or Fathers. By this term are generally meant the early or first ancestors (10, 15^8. 10), who followed the ancient paths, seers who made the paths by which the recent dead go to join them (10, 14^2. 7. 15). They are connected with the (third) step of Viṣṇu (10, 15^3 cp. 1, 154^5). Two hymns of the RV. are devoted to their praise (10, 15. 54).