In the ancient teachings of the Kurma Purāṇa, there is careful guidance on the foods and actions that uphold purity and righteousness, especially for the twice-born. The wise are instructed to avoid food that is improperly cooked, food associated with a corpse, and food received from one’s father-in-law. Particular caution is advised against eating food offered by artisans or sellers of weapons, as well as food from those whose ability to procreate has been harmed or from those enveloped in grief. Even food from a teacher should not be accepted if it lacks proper preparation. It is taught that whoever eats another’s food partakes of that person’s sins. Such foods are considered suitable among Śūdras and those who dedicate themselves, and may be given for a modest price by the wise. Oil-cake and oil may be accepted by the twice-born from a Śūdra. There are further instructions to avoid onions, garlic, fermented foods, and exudations, as well as wilted or deformed foods, mushrooms, and fungi. A twice-born who consumes udumbara fruit or bottle gourd is said to fall from righteousness. Uncooked meat, offerings to the gods, and sacrificial oblations should also be avoided. Fruits such as nipa, kapittha, and plaksha are to be diligently given up, and curd mixed with sesame seeds at night should not be consumed. Food spoiled by improper action, by its nature, or by contact with impurity must be avoided. Food that has been smelled by a dog, cooked twice, or seen by an outcaste is unfit. Likewise, food that is not offered, stale, or leftover should always be avoided. Food smelled by humans or touched by a leper is also forbidden, as is food touched by someone wearing dirty clothes or by another person. Manu has declared that sheep’s milk and milk from a newly calved animal should not be drunk. Certain birds, such as the curlew, chakora, net-footed bird, cuckoo, pigeon, lapwing, and the village rooster, are not to be eaten. Nor should one consume the jackal, monkey, or donkey. These rules extend to creatures living both in water and on land. Manu, the lord of creatures, has stated that five-clawed animals are always fit for consumption, but only after they have been offered to the deities and Brahmins, and not otherwise. Birds such as the vādhrīṇa, the crane, and the fish-eating goose may be eaten if they have been defeated. Certain fish are declared fit for eating, following prescribed rules—even at the peril of life, it is permitted. Exceptions are made for medicinal purposes, when one is unable, by command, or for the sake of sacrifice. However, for every hair on the animal, so many hells does one enter. For the twice-born, intoxicating drink is always to be avoided. Drinking such beverages causes one to fall from their duties and become unfit for association with others. One is not qualified until he completely abandons such forbidden drinks. If a Brāhmaṇa drinks what is forbidden, he is destined for Raurava hell. Turning to the path of release from bondage, it is taught that day by day, Brāhmaṇas must perform their prescribed duties in order. They should contemplate the Lord of the mind, who is born from the hardship of bodily effort. Bathing in pure rivers, after performing purification according to rule, is encouraged. Therefore, with all effort, one should perform the morning bath, upholding the sacred traditions and ensuring purity in both body and soul.