Pitru Paksh is a significant period in Hinduism dedicated to honouring our ancestors and seeking peace for their souls. During this 15-day period, rituals such as Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are performed for the departed souls. The primary purpose of these rituals is to provide peace and salvation to the ancestors’ souls, ensuring prosperity, happiness, and tranquillity within the family.
- Liberation from Pitru Dosha: Performing Shradh and Tarpan during Pitru Paksha is believed to alleviate Pitru Dosha, bringing relief and blessings to the family.
- Family Prosperity and Peace: Receiving blessings from the ancestors is said to bring peace and prosperity to the household.
- Spiritual Growth: Remembering and paying homage to our ancestors fosters spiritual growth and strengthens our connection to the divine.
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Tarpan Ritual
Tarpan involves offering water to the ancestors. This ritual is generally performed by the eldest son of the family, but other members can also do it. Using sacred water, sesame seeds, and Kusha grass is considered auspicious for Tarpan. The following mantras can be chanted during the ritual:
- Tarpan Mantra:
“Om Pitrubhyo Swadhayibhyo Namah.” - Pind Daan Mantra:
“Om Sarva Pitru Devatabhyo Swadha Namah.” - Pitru Shanti Mantra:
“Om Pitriganaya Vidmahe Jagat Sakshine Dhimahi Tanno Pitarah Prachodayat.”
Special Prayers During Tarpan
Incorporating the following prayers at the beginning and end of the Tarpan ritual enhances the effectiveness and devotion of the practice:
Beginning of Tarpan:
“To the best of my abilities, I am hereby offering Tarpan to all the Devas, Rishis, other divine beings, and all my Pitr. Please accept this Tarpan, which I am doing with utter sincerity, and stay satisfied. Guide me in my journey and accomplishments of goals.”
Conclusion of Tarpan:
“I have hereby completed this Tarpan to the best of my abilities to all the Devas, Rishis, other divine beings, and all my Pitris. Please stay satisfied and shower your entire grace upon me. Guide me in my journey and accomplishments of goals.”
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Who Can Offer Water to the Ancestors
Traditionally, Tarpan is performed by the eldest son of the family. However, if he is not available, other family members can also perform this ritual. The key is to conduct Tarpan with a pure and focused mind. All family members, whether male or female, can participate in this ritual with devotion and reverence towards the ancestors.
Best Time to Offer Water to the Ancestors
The most auspicious time to offer water to the ancestors is at sunrise. Morning time is considered pure and sacred for performing Tarpan. Using water from the Ganga River or other holy rivers is highly recommended for the ritual, however, you can also use underground water as well.
Procedure for Tarpan
- Offering Water:
Take a clean vessel filled with water, adding sesame seeds and Kusha grass. Hold it in your right hand, face east, and slowly pour the water onto the ground while chanting the mantras. - Number of Tarpans:
Tarpan is usually performed three times, representing three generations of ancestors – the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. - Feeding Crows:
After Tarpan, offering the food meant for the ancestors to crows is considered auspicious, as crows are seen as representatives of the ancestors.
The rituals of Shradh and Tarpan performed during Pitru Paksha provide peace and contentment to the souls of the ancestors. Honouring and remembering the ancestors through these rituals brings their blessings, leading to peace, prosperity, and growth in life. Tarpan, Pind Daan, and the chanting of mantras are essential ways to please the ancestors, and these rituals should be followed with devotion and dedication.