Giving alms to the poor, holding recitations of the Bhāgvat, performing the Vishnu Yāg, Gāyatri-purashcharan and the Chāndrāyan vrat are also believed to make the passage of the soul to heaven easy.[133]
In order that the departing spirit may meet with no obstruction on the way, cows, articles of dress, shoes and food are presented to a Brāhman for one year after death.[134]
Places for offering water to passers by, and houses in which to feed the needy, are also established by well-to-do people with the same object.[135]
The gift of sacks for holding corn, of umbrellas, blankets and bedding to travellers, is also believed to smooth the passage of the soul to heaven.[136]
The performance of the shrāddhas and other ceremonies mentioned above is believed to prevent the return of the spirit to this world.[137]
Observing fasts by the survivors of the deceased on the Rishi Panchami (the 5th day of the bright half of Bhādrapad), the Janmāshtami (the eighth day of the dark half of Shrāvan) and the Rāmnavami (the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra) is also believed to prevent the return of a spirit from heaven. Some worship the Pipal with the same object.[138]
Reading the Garud Purān for nine days after death is also believed to be a means of preventing the return of the soul to this world.[139]
Some people believe that performing shrāddha in sixty-eight holy places secures this end.[140]
Daily offerings of rice and water to the departed spirits also prevent them from revisiting this world.[141]
The same means which are adopted to help the spirit to the other world and to prevent its return also secure its good-will to the survivors.[142]