On (my father) saying this, I, saluting him with folded hands, said "O most exalted person, with your being propitiated I have achieved all my objects (31). O you of great effulgence, if I am again entitled to a favour, I wish to put a question which I desire you to answer yourself (32)." My virtuous-souled father then said to me "O Bhishma, tell me whatever you like. O Bhārata, I will remove your doubt about what you will ask me" (35). Filled with curiosity I asked my father who had repaired to the region of the performers of good deeds and who then disappeared from that place (34). Bhishma said:—"I have heard that the ancestral manes are the gods of the gods. Are they the gods or they are others to whom we offer our adoration (35)? How the _Pindas_ offered at Srāddhas propitiate the Pitris who have gone to the other world? What are the fruits of a Srāddha (36)? To whom the people, accompanied by the gods, Dānavas, Yākshas, Rākshasas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras and huge serpents, dedicate their offerings (37)? O you conversant with virtue, I consider you as omniscient—I have grave doubts in this and great is my curiosity—do you explain it to me." Hearing these words of Bhishma his father said (38). Shantanu said:—Hear, O sinless descendant of Bharata, I will describe in brief the origin of the Pitris and the fruits of Srāddhas. Do you hear with a concentrated mind the object of performing Srāddhas for the Pitris. The sons of the Prime Deity are known in heaven as Pitris (39–40). The gods, Asuras, men, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras and huge serpents, dedicate offerings to them (41). Propitiated by Srāddhas they please the world with the gods and the Gandharvas—such is the command of Brahmā (42). Therefore, "O great one, worship them with excellent Srāddhas. They grant all desired-for objects and they will encompass your well-being (43). When you will worship them by reciting their names and families, we also, O Bharata, will be welcomed by them in heaven (44). Markandeya will explain to you the remaining portion. O descendant of Bharata, this ascetic, devoted to his father and having a knowledge of atman, is present to-day at the Srāddha for extending his favour unto me. Ask him, O great one, about this." Saying this he disappeared (45–46). ²⁶ An oblation to deceased ancestors as a ball or lump of meat or rice mixed up with milk curds, flowers etc and offered to the manes at the several _Sraddhas_ by the nearest surviving relations. ²⁷ One of the six _Vedangas_ and comprehending the description of religious rites. It is called _Kalpa Sutra_. CHAPTER XVII. THE SAME STORY CONTINUED. Bhishma said:—Thereupon at the words (of my father) I put to Markandeya with attention the same question which I had put to my father before (1). The great and virtuous ascetic Markandeya too said to me:—"O sinless Bhishma, hear with attention, I will describe everything" (2).