The Correct Way of Performing Tarpan During Pitru Paksh

Pitru Paksh, a significant period in Hindu culture, is dedicated to paying homage to the ancestors, seeking their blessings, and helping their souls attain peace and salvation. One of the most important rituals during this time is Tarpan, a way of offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and other sacred ingredients to the departed souls.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform Tarpan and the mantras associated with it, along with methods to help ancestors attain peace and liberation.

How to Perform Tarpan During Pitru Paksh

1. Preparation:
   • Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, preferably white clothes.
   • Gather the necessary items: sesame seeds, barley, sacred water (preferably from the Ganga River or any other river), kusha grass, and a clean copper or silver vessel.
   • [ if the river water is unavailable, groundwater will also work]
   • Choose a clean, quiet place to perform the ritual, usually near a river, pond, or any water body.
   • [if this is also not possible you can choose your pooja room as well]
2. Performing the Ritual:
   • Sit Facing South: Sit on a mat facing the south direction, as it is considered the direction of the ancestors.
   • Invocation: Begin by invoking the deities and ancestors. Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the universe, seeking his blessings for the ritual.
   • Offering Water: Take water in your palm, add a few sesame seeds and barley grains, and offer it to the ancestors by pouring it onto the ground or into a small bowl. Recite the Tarpan mantras during this process.
   • Reciting Mantras: Chant the Tarpan mantras with full devotion. Below are some common mantras used during the ritual.

Mantras for Tarpan

1. Tarpan Mantra:
   “ॐ सर्वपितृभ्यः सर्वयज्ञात्मभ्यः सर्वस्वधाभ्यः नमः।”
   (“Om Sarvapitrubhyaḥ Sarvayajñātmabhyaḥ Sarvaswadhābhyaḥ Namaḥ.”)
2. Offering to Devas (Divine Beings):
   “ॐ देवतारूपाय विद्महे महाशक्तिरूपाय धीमहि। तन्नो देवा प्रचोदयात्।”
   (“Om Devatarupaya Vidmahe Mahashaktirupaya Dhimahi Tanno Deva Prachodayat.”)
3. Offering to Rishis (Sages):
   “ॐ ॠषिभ्यो नमः। ॐ आचार्याय नमः। ॐ पुरोहिताय नमः।”
   (“Om Rishibhyo Namah, Om Acharyaya Namah, Om Purohitaya Namah.”)
4. Offering to Ancestors:
   “ॐ पितृरूपाय विद्महे महातमोरूपाय धीमहि। तन्नः पितरः प्रचोदयात्।”
   (“Om Pitrurupaya Vidmahe Mahatamorupaya Dhimahi Tannah Pitarah Prachodayat.”)

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Ways for Ancestors to Attain Peace and Salvation

1. Pind Daan:
   • This ritual involves offering Pind (rice balls mixed with sesame seeds and ghee) to the ancestors. It is believed that Pind Daan provides nourishment to the departed souls, helping them attain peace and liberation.
2. Feeding the Poor and Crows:
   • Offering food to the needy and feeding crows is considered a way to satisfy the ancestors. Crows are believed to be messengers of the ancestors.
3. Charity and Donations:
   • Donating clothes, food, and other essentials to Brahmins and the underprivileged during Pitru Paksha is said to bring peace to the ancestors.
4. Reciting Scriptures:
   • Reading sacred texts such as the Garuda Purana, Bhagavad Gita, and other scriptures during this period is believed to provide solace to the souls of the departed.
5. Performing Shraddha:
   • The Shraddha ceremony involves offering food to Brahmins, along with Tarpan, to appease the ancestors. This ritual is traditionally performed on the specific tithi (lunar day) corresponding to the ancestor’s death.

Performing Tarpan during Pitru Paksha is a way to express gratitude to our ancestors and seek their blessings and peace. The mantras chanted during the ritual hold immense significance in bringing tranquility to the souls of the departed. Along with Tarpan, rituals like Pind Daan, charity, and feeding the needy contribute to the peace and salvation of our ancestors, helping them find their way to Moksha (liberation).