When one prepares to perform the sacred rite of śrāddha, it is essential that the performer observes certain disciplines: he must refrain from carrying burdens, from sexual intercourse, from travel, and even from recitation during this time. Should he disregard these injunctions, the consequences are dire; he is destined for a terrible hell and, upon rebirth, may find himself as a pig. If his actions are even more sinful, his next birth could be as a worm in filth. Such a person incurs the grave sin akin to killing a brāhmaṇa and is born among animals. For the entire month following such a flawed śrāddha, his ancestors must subsist on food made of earth, or, in even worse cases, on filth itself. Therefore, the performer must be vigilant: free from anger, devoted to purity, diligent in his actions, and master of his senses. He should draw water for the rite from the southernmost tip, ensuring he takes it up with its roots and that the water is exceedingly pure. The place chosen for the rite must be clean and secluded, smeared with cow dung to sanctify it. Offerings made in such secluded and pure places are always pleasing to the ancestors. If people act out of ignorance or delusion, it is the duty of the wise to restrain them. It is also said that anything without a rightful owner should not be appropriated for the rite. Should any item be tainted by demonic influence, it can be purified either by sesame seeds or by the touch of a pure person. With sincerity and according to his means, the performer should prepare abundant food and water for sipping. Approaching the rite in the proper manner, he should offer a tooth-cleaning stick. All offerings should be given in vessels made of udumbara wood, and the Vaiśvadeva rite must be performed first. Water for washing the feet and for sipping should be offered in the prescribed order. Seats must be arranged for the ancestors facing east, each seat adorned with three darbha grasses. These grasses, their tips pointing south, should be sprinkled with water mixed with sesame seeds. Inviting the ancestors with the words, “Be seated,” he should offer each a separate seat, including seats for the divine maternal ancestors. Care must be taken not to make excessive arrangements, as five particular things can lead to excess. The performer should also be endowed with learning, good conduct, and free from any inauspicious marks. In the shrine of the deity, he should first make an offering to the deity before proceeding with the rest of the rite. Even if only a single learned Brahmin is present, he should be fed. Additionally, any among those seated at the śrāddha who desire food should also be served. The Brahmins must make every effort to honor all guests at the śrāddha. Failure to properly honor these guests results in both the unhonored and the giver being reborn as crows—there is no doubt about this. Cocks, pigs, and dogs must be kept far from the rite. Those wearing blue or ochre garments, as well as heretics, should also be avoided. All these preparations and offerings must be preceded by the Vaiśvadeva rite. With fragrant waters, head coverings, incense, and ointments, the performer continues the ritual. Facing north, as prescribed, and reciting the “Viśve devāḥ” verse, he sprinkles water while chanting the “Śaṃ no devyā” verse and similarly scatters barley grains. According to his ability, he should offer perfumes, garlands, incense, and other such items. Next, the invocation is performed with the “Uśantastv” verse, as befits a learned person. He sprinkles water into the vessel with the “Śaṃ no devyā” verse and does the same with sesame seeds. For the ancestors, he places a vessel inverted, following the proper rite. When permitted with the words “Do,” one who wears the sacred thread should offer the oblations. Throughout, the ancestral rite is performed with the sacred thread worn to the right, just as the Vaiśvadeva rite is conducted in the manner of a homa. In this way, with devotion, purity, and attention to every detail, the performer honors his ancestors and fulfills his sacred duty.