In the ancient days, among the householders, some would eat their meals at the proper time, accompanied by their wives. For Brahmins and their spouses, the consumption of cooked sacrificial food was always held in high esteem. Yet, it was taught that food, excrement, water, and urine that had not been offered to Vishnu were considered nothing but filth. If a Brahmin, driven by desire, partook of food on the sacred day of Hari, it was strictly forbidden—such food must not be eaten, must not be eaten, must not be eaten, O Nārada. Even householders, devotees of Śiva or Śakti, or Brahmins lacking in knowledge, if they consumed food spoiled by worms or infested with insects, that impurity remained with them. On special days—the eighth day of the lunar month, Rāma’s birthday, or the day of Hari’s birth—those unable to fast were permitted to take only fruits, roots, or water. But if one consumed sacrificial food or offerings made to Viṣṇu, even once, it was decreed that on Ekādaśī, both householders and Brahmins in Bhārata must abstain from food. This guidance, O Nārada, was given especially for householders who were devotees of Śiva or Śakti. Yet, the one who always partakes of offerings made to Śrī Viṣṇu alone is regarded as a true Vaiṣṇava. All holy places and deities long for the touch of such a person. Certain foods—rice washed twice, flattened rice, or pure food from special regions—were forbidden for ascetics, widows, and those observing celibacy. Betel leaf was also prohibited for these groups. Listen well, O Nārada, to what is forbidden for all Brahmins: drinking milk from a copper vessel, eating clarified butter from another’s leavings, and coconut water kept in bronze or copper vessels, which is considered light and not nourishing. If a twice-born person drinks water with his left hand upon rising, it is improper. Food not offered to Hari or the habit of always eating leftovers is forbidden. During the month of Kārtika, speech, betel nut, fruit, and beef are all prohibited. White-colored palm fruit, tāla fruit, lentils, and fish are likewise forbidden. If one eats fish out of desire, he should observe a fast and reside apart for three days. On the lunar day of Pratipat, pumpkin is unfit to eat, as it brings loss of wealth. Patola gourd is also prohibited, for it greatly increases enmity. Eating bilva fruit on the fifth lunar day causes blemish, and for men, tāla fruit brings about disease. Consuming coconut fruit on the eighth lunar day destroys intelligence. On the eleventh day, beans are prohibited; on the twelfth, putikā beans are likewise forbidden. On the fourteenth day, eating black gram is considered a grievous sin. For householders, meat sprinkled with water is permitted on other days. Mustard oil and well-cooked oil are praised, O Nārada. Yet, on days of śrāddha, during vows, and on Sundays, oil pressed by women is considered impure. Sleeping and eating turtle meat consecrated with mantras are forbidden. At night, curd is prohibited, as is sleeping during twilight. Food from a woman who draws water, or from a promiscuous woman, is unfit to eat. O best of sages, food belonging to a low-caste woman is also prohibited. Food given first to a non-brāhmaṇa, or from one who practices medicine, is likewise forbidden. Thus, the sacred guidelines for food and conduct were established, ensuring purity and devotion in the lives of those who follow the path.