In ancient times, the sacred rites for honoring ancestors were performed with great care and reverence. The offerings included a variety of grains and sesame seeds, as well as different kinds of sugar. These were carefully selected, apart from fruits, roots, and beverages, to ensure purity and suitability for the ritual. The one performing the rite was instructed never to touch the food with his foot, nor to shake it, for such disrespect would taint the offering. It was believed that Yatudhanas—malignant spirits—would steal food that was prepared while people were talking, and in that very form, the hungry ancestors themselves would come to partake. Food was never to be served in iron vessels, nor offered without faith, for both would diminish its sanctity. What was given with sincerity became inexhaustible, especially if offered with a sword as a symbol of commitment. However, those who consumed the sacrificial food improperly, as well as the officiating priest, would suffer in a terrible hell. Likewise, those who begged for offerings, those who compelled others to give, and those who gave without proper intent, all faced dreadful hells. The ancestors would only partake so long as the qualities of the oblation were not spoken aloud; if the details were revealed, their connection would be lost. Among the gathered, if someone ignorant took food out of turn while many watched, he would incur sin. It was also advised not to forbid meat, nor to gaze upon another’s food, for such actions led to undesirable consequences. After death, those who violated these rules would be reborn as animals, enduring this state twenty-one times. The histories, the Purāṇas, and the auspicious rites for ancestor offerings guided these rituals. After the offering, the performer would ask the assembled, “Are you satisfied?” and only if they responded positively would he proceed to offer food to those who were content. Immediately after, the Brāhmaṇas would bless the offering, saying, “May the offering be yours.” The performer was to act strictly according to their instructions, having received their permission. He would then declare, “It is accomplished,” or pray, “May the divine favor be upon it,” facing the southern direction with heartfelt wishes for his excellent ancestors. He would pray, “May our faith not fail, may our offerings be abundant.” Then, the wife who desired a son would eat the middle portion of the offering, followed by the husband and his wives consuming the remaining food. Both husband and wife were to observe celibacy for that night, maintaining the sanctity of the ritual. Those who disregarded these rules would reach great hells and be reborn as insects. On this day, the performer was to avoid study, travel, and acting as either performer or consumer in other rituals, for such actions led to hells equal to those suffered by great sinners. One who truly understood the rite would always conduct himself with detachment. With devotion, he would make the offering into the fire and place the balls of food as prescribed. Yogis who followed these rules attained a state free from all defects, and through this, the eternal Lord was properly worshipped. Alternatively, after bathing with focus, one could offer water mixed with sesame seeds to the ancestors. Some traditions held that the father of the ancestors should make the offering on their behalf. The rite was to be performed for the one whose relative had died, not for anyone else. It was taught in the scriptures that one should not give offerings bypassing a living person. If one was born by appointment, he would take half the share from the Vedic portion. The rice-ball was to be offered to the begetter; otherwise, to the field-owner. The performer would mention first the begetter, then the field-owner, depending on the circumstances. If impurity or depletion occurred, or if desired, the rite could be performed again. Every act was to be done as for the gods, and the sesame rite was performed with barley. Finally, the performer would recite, “May the ancestors with auspicious faces be pleased,” completing the sacred ritual with devotion and respect.