Quick Guide on Pitru Tarpan (पितृ तर्पण):

_Shokesh _
16 hours ago
2 min read

Here’s a Quick Guide on Pitru Tarpan (पितृ तर्पण):

🌿 What is Pitru Tarpan?

Pitru Tarpan is a sacred ritual in Hinduism performed to honor and offer gratitude to one’s ancestors (Pitru/forefathers). It is mainly done during Pitru Paksha or on occasions like Amavasya and Shraddha.

🕉️ Purpose

To express gratitude to ancestors.
To seek blessings for health, prosperity, and peace.
To help departed souls attain liberation (Moksha).

📅 When to Perform

Pitru Paksha (15 days dedicated to ancestors, usually in Bhadrapada/September).
Amavasya (New Moon day).
On death anniversaries (Shraddha).

🌊 How to Perform Pitru Tarpan

Preparation
- Take a bath early in the morning.
- Wear clean clothes (preferably dhoti for men, simple attire for women).
- Face South direction (symbolic of ancestors).
Materials Needed
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Barley, rice, darbha grass
- Water in a copper or brass vessel
- Flowers and kusha grass
- A clean plate (for offering).
Ritual Steps
- Sit near a river, pond, or at home with a kalash of water.
- Place darbha grass and prepare offerings.
- Mix water with sesame seeds, barley, and flowers.
- Offer water (with hands folded in a specific gesture) while chanting mantras, taking names of ancestors up to 3 generations.
- Pray for their peace and liberation.

🙏 Important Rules

Should be performed by the eldest son or male member, though women may also perform in some traditions.
Performed with devotion and silence.
Avoid anger, gossip, or impure thoughts on the day.
Food is offered to cows, crows, and Brahmins after the ritual.