motion.  Hence the gift of light, which is energy, enhances the energy of men[441].  There is a hell of the name of Andhatamas.  The period also of the sun’s southward course is regarded as dark.  For escaping that hell and the darkness of this period, one should give lights during the period when the sun is in his northward course.  Such an act is applauded by the good.[442] Since, again, light has an upward course and is regarded as a remedy for darkness, therefore, one should be a giver of light.  Even this is the conclusion of the scriptures.  It is owing to the lights offered that the deities have become endued with beauty, energy, and resplendence.  By abstention from such an act, the Rakshasas have become, endued with the opposite attributes.  Hence, one should always give lights.  By giving lights a man becomes endued with keen vision and resplendence One that gives lights should not be an object of jealousy with others.  Lights, again, should not be stolen, nor extinguished when given by others.  One that steals a light becomes blind.  Such a man has to grope through darkness (in the next world) and becomes destitute of resplendence.  One that gives lights shines in beauty in the celestial regions like a row of lights.  Among lights, the best are those in which ghee is burnt.  Next in order are those in which the juice of (the fruits yielded by) deciduous herbs is burnt.  One desirous of advancement and growth should never burn (for light) fat or marrow or the juice that flows from the bones of creatures.[443] The man who desires his own advancement and prosperity should always give lights at descents from mountains, in roads through forests and inaccessible regions, under sacred trees standing 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 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