ding in the
midst of human habitations, and in crossings of streets. The man who
gives lights always illumines his race, attains to purity of soul and
effulgence of form. Verily, such a man, after death, attains to the
companionship of the luminous bodies in the firmament. I shall now
discourse to thee upon the merits, with the fruits they bring about, that
attach to Vali offerings made to the deities, the Yakshas, the Uragas,
human beings, spirits, and Rakshasas. Those unscrupulous and wicked men
that eat without first serving Brahmanas and deities and guests and
children, should be known as Rakshasas. Hence, one should first offer the
food one has got ready unto the deities after having worshipped them duly
with restrained senses and concentrated attention. One should offer the
Vali unto the deities, bending one's head in reverence. The deities are
always supported by food that householders offer. Verily, they bless such
houses in which offerings are made to them. The Yakshas and Rakshasas and
Pannagas, as also guests and all homeless persons, are supported by the
food that are offered by persons leading the domestic mode of life.
Indeed, the deities and the Pitris derive their sustenance from such
offerings. Gratified with such offerings they gratify the offerer in
return with longevity and fame and wealth. Clean food, of agreeable scent
and appearance, mixed with milk and curds, should, along with flowers, be
offered to the deities. The Valis that should be offered to Yakshas and
Rakshasas should be rich with blood and meat, with wines and spirits
accompanying, and adorned with coatings of fried paddy.[444] Valis mixed
with lotuses and Utpalas are very agreeable to the Nagas. Sesame seeds,
boiled in raw sugar, should be offered to the spirits and other unearthly
Beings. He who never takes any food without first serving therefrom the
Brahmanas and deities and guests, becomes entitled to first portions of
food. Such a man becomes endued with strength and energy. Hence, one
should never take any food without first offering a portion thereof to
the deities after worshipping them with reverence. One's house always
blazes forth with beauty in consequence of the household deities that
live in it. Hence, he that desires his own advancement and prosperity
should worship the household deities by offering them the first portion
of every food."' Even thus did the learned Kavi of Bhrigu's race discourse
to Vali, the chief of the A