Without rules, without the distribution of food, without mantras, without the priest's fee (dakṣiṇā), Destitute of faith (śraddhā), the sacrifice (yajña) is declared to be of darkness (tāmasa).
A sacrifice is governed by dark inertia when it violates the norms— empty of faith, omitting the ritual offering of food and chants and gifts.
(13) The sacrifice in which no proper rite is followed, no food distributed, no sacred words recited, no Brahmans' fees paid up, no faith enshrined,-—[such sacrifice] men say belongs to Darkness.
17.13 They declare that sacrifice as 'done through tamas' which is contrary to injunction, in which food is not distributed, in which mantras are not used, in which offerings are not made to priests, and which is devoid of faith.
17.13 That sacrifice which is bereft of authority, which uses offerings not sanctioned by the Śāstras, which is performed without recitation of hymns and bereft of gifts and faith --- that, they say, is marked by Tamas.
17.13 They declare that sacrifice to be Tamasic which is contrary to the ordinances of the scriptures, in which no food is distributed, which is devoid of Mantras, gifts and faith.