According to scriptures, feeding food or Annadhanam is believed to be the greatest donation. This act of generosity is a sacred practice which can earn the merits (Punya) of performing good deeds. The Puranas, Upanishads and Manusmriti emphasize the importance of food feeding. Performing the sacred act of food feeding helps absolve all sins and negative karma, enables purification of consciousness, helps accumulation of positive karma, enhances spiritual awareness, helps form a deep connection with the Divine, gives merits (Punya) of good deeds or actions and grants Divine grace and blessings.