Vedic Mythology c9.s3.38

c9.s3.38

The Fathers receive oblations as their food, which in one passage (10, 14^3) is referred to with the term *svadhā* as contrasted with *svāhā*, the call to the gods²; so too in the later ritual the portion of the gods at the daily pressings was strictly distinguished from that of the Pitṛs (ŚB. 4, 4, 22). They receive worship, are entreated to hear, intercede for and protect their votaries, and invoked not to injure their descendants for any sin humanly committed against them (10, 15^2. 5. 6 cp. 3, 55^2). Their favour is implored along with that of the dawns, streams, mountains, heaven and earth, Pūṣan and the Ṛbhus (6, 52^4. 75^10; 7, 35^12; 1, 106^3). They are besought to give riches, offspring, and long life to their sons (10, 15^7. 11; AV. 18, 3^14. 4^62), who desire to be in their good graces (10, 14^6). The Vasiṣṭhas collectively are called upon to help their descendants (7, 33¹ cp. 10, 15⁸); and individual ancestors, as Turvaśa, Yadu, and Ugrādeva, are invoked (1, 36¹⁸).