Every year during Pitru Paksha, many Hindu families across India pause their regular routines to perform Tarpan (water offering) to express their gratitude to their deceased parents, grandparents and ancestors.

It is commonly performed during Pitru Paksha, on Amavasya days throughout the year, and on an ancestor's specific death tithi. Let's understand in detail what exactly Pitru Tarpan is, why it is performed, and the correct vidhi to do it.

What Is Pitru Tarpan And Why Is It Performed?

The word 'Tarpan' comes from the Sanskrit root 'tarpayati,' which means to satisfy or gratify. Pitru Tarpan is basically a sacred ritual in which water is offered to ancestors with devotion.

Along with water, many people also offer sesame seeds, kusha grass or rice depending on family and regional tradition.

It is believed this ritual brings peace to the soul of ancestors, removes Pitru Dosh and invites happiness, prosperity and blessings in an individual's life.

Pitru Tarpan is basically a sacred ritual in which water is offered to ancestors with devotion (Image: Pexels)

When Is Tarpan Traditionally Performed During Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Tarpan is generally performed as part of the Shradh observed on an ancestor's specific tithi (lunar date), or on Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the day of Pitru Paksha. Traditionally, Tarpan should be performed during the Kutupa period, which falls around midday.

Who Can Perform Pitru Tarpan?

Pitru Tarpan can be performed by anyone, and it depends largely on the family, region, community, and tradition.

Traditionally, Pitru Tarpan is performed by the eldest male; however, it is not a universal rule. Some families and traditions also allow their daughters or other family members, such as other sons or grandsons, to perform the ritual, particularly when there is no male heir.

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Puja Samagri List For Pitru Tarpan

The puja items needed for Pitru Tarpan can be easily found at home. Here are the items you may need:

  • Black sesame seeds (til)
  • Unbroken rice grains (akshat) or barley grains (jau)
  • Kusha or darbha grass
  • A clean vessel, such as a copper or brass lota
  • Clean water
  • White flowers and tulsi leaves, in some traditions
  • A small piece of cloth or dhoti for the person performing the ritual
  • A seating mat

How Do You Perform Pitru Tarpan Step-by-Step?

To perform Pitru Tarpan, these are a few steps one should follow to honour the ancestors. However, exact procedures can vary according to the tradition followed by the family.

1. The individual who has to perform the tarpan needs to bathe first and wear clean, simple clothing. If the person wears a sacred thread, they should shift it to the apasavya position ( over the right shoulder and under the left arm).
2. Then choose a quiet place where the ritual can be performed. It can be any corner of the house, a riverbank, or a temple space.
3. The individual should face the south direction, as this direction is generally considered the ancestral realm.
4. Then prepare the samagiri by placing water in the copper vessel with black sesame seeds and kusha grass mixed with it.
5. Before offering it, a short Sankalp should be taken in which the individual should state their name, gotra, and the intention behind the ritual.
6. To perform the tarpas, the individual generally needs to cup the water in both palms, with black sesame mixed in, and allow it to fall through the space between the thumb and the base of the index finger rather than off the fingertips.
7. During the offering, chanting specific mantras related to Pitrus, like ‘Om Sarva Pitru Devataabhyo Namah’ or ‘Om Pitribhyo Namah,’ is done.
8. Once the offerings are complete, the sacred thread is returned to its usual position, and the ritual generally ends with a short prayer seeking peace for the ancestors and well-being for the family.

When performing the ritual, one should always face south (Image: Pexels)

Important Pitru Tarpan Rules

  • When performing the ritual, one should always face south, as it is associated with the ancestral realm.
  • The water should pass through the space near the base of the thumb and index finger rather than off the fingertips.
  • Clean vessels should be used while making the offering.
  • Tarpan should be performed at auspicious times.

ALSO READ: Pitru Dosha: Are Your Life Challenges Rooted In Ancestral Karma?

So these were the few rules and steps that one should follow when performing pitru tarpan.

FAQs

1. Can Tarpan be performed if the ancestor's death tithi is unknown?

Yes, if the family does not know when the ancestor passed away, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the concluding day of Pitru Paksha, is traditionally treated as the appropriate day to perform Tarpan and Shradh on that ancestor's behalf.

2. What is the difference between Shradh and Tarpan?

Tarpan is the water offering itself, while Shradh is the fuller ceremony that typically includes Tarpan along with Sankalp, food offerings, and other elements.