🙏 Tarpana Procedure
Water Offering to Ancestors - Complete Guide
📖 What is Tarpana?
Tarpana is a sacred Vedic ritual of offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors. The word comes from the Sanskrit root "trp" meaning "to satisfy". The purpose of Tarpana is to satisfy the souls of ancestors and receive their blessings.
There are three types of Tarpana: Deva Tarpana (to Devas), Rishi Tarpana (to Rishis), Pitru Tarpana (to ancestors). Usually Pitru Tarpana is performed on Amavasya and during Pitru Paksha.
📅 Occasions for Tarpana
📋 Tarpana Procedure
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1
Preparation (Sankalpa)
Take bath, wear clean clothes, face South direction. Take water in palm with darbha grass and sesame seeds.
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2
Invoke Ancestors (Avahana)
Invoke three generations of ancestors - father, grandfather, great-grandfather on both sides.
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3
Offer Water (Tarpana)
Offer water mixed with sesame seeds three times while reciting the mantras. Pour water from between thumb and index finger.
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4
Conclude (Visarjana)
Thank the ancestors and request them to leave. Offer namaskar and conclude the ritual.
📦 Required Items
- Sesame seeds (black til)
- Darbha grass
- Pure water
- Akshata (rice)
- Pavitra (darbha ring)
🕐 Timing
- Best: Kutapa Kala (11 AM-12 PM)
- Should be done in afternoon
- When tithi prevails on Amavasya
🧭 Direction & Posture
- Face South direction
- Wear yagnopavita in apasavya
- Right knee on ground
🔤 Tarpana Mantra
Pitru Tarpana Mantra:
Om _______ gotra, _______ sharma (nama), vasu rupam, pitaram swadha namah tarpayami
(Say separately for father, grandfather, great-grandfather)
Note: For father say "vasu rupam", for grandfather "rudra rupam", for great-grandfather "aditya rupam". Same procedure for maternal side.
❓ FAQs
What is Tarpana?
Tarpana is a sacred ritual of offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors. "Trp" means to satisfy. Tarpana means satisfying the ancestors.
When should Tarpana be performed?
Tarpana can be performed on Amavasya, Pitru Paksha, Shraddha Tithi, during eclipses, and Sankranti days. Performing on every Amavasya is ideal.
Who can perform Tarpana?
After the father's death, the son should perform Tarpana. Eldest son has priority. If no son, the daughter's husband can perform.