TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive guide on performing Tarpanam during Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring ancestors in Hinduism. It details the necessary materials, preparation methods, and step-by-step instructions for conducting the ritual, including specific mantras and procedures for different categories of ancestors and deities.
- Explains the significance and method of preparing the Tarpanam water with specific ingredients.
- Provides detailed instructions for performing Tarpana for deities, sages, divine humans, and ancestors.
- Covers specific procedures for different family members and concludes with instructions for disposing of the Tarpanam water.
Materials Needed for Tarpanam [0:00]
The video begins by listing the essential materials required for performing Tarpanam during the Shradh Paksha. These include a brass plate or any suitable vessel for the ritual, Kusha grass (used in specific arrangements), rice, white sandalwood, black sesame seeds, barley, and Tulsi leaves (holy basil). It is important to avoid plucking Tulsi leaves on certain days like Amavasya, Sankranti, Vyatipat, or Sundays; instead, they should be collected the day before. White flowers, which are dear to the ancestors, are also needed, along with milk and a copper vessel for preparing the Tarpana water.
Preparing the Tarpana Water [2:04]
The process of preparing the Tarpana water is described in detail. Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges River) is added to a larger vessel, followed by normal water, milk, white flowers, and Tulsi leaves. A Kusha grass is also placed in the water. After adding white sandalwood, the water is mixed and set aside. Following this preparation, it's recommended to recite the seventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, along with the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
Invocation and Initial Procedures [10:29]
Before starting the Tarpana, the Pithru Gayatri mantra is chanted three times. A Sankalpa (resolution) is made by taking Akshat (unbroken rice grains), water, and flowers in hand, reciting the name of Vishnu three times, stating the Gotra (lineage), and declaring the intention to perform Dev Rishi Manushya Pithru Tarpanam. The Akshat, water, and flowers are then offered. The deities and Rishis (sages) are invoked by taking water in a copper pot, adding rice, and covering it with a Trikusha (three Kusha grass tied together), while reciting the invocation mantra. The water is then placed in the large plate or thali.
Performing Tarpana for Devas (Deities) [13:31]
The video explains the procedure for performing Tarpana for the Devas (deities). The individual should face the east, wear the Janeu (sacred thread) on the left shoulder (or a Gamcha, a cloth, if not wearing Janeu), and have the right knee touching the ground. The Kusha is held in the right hand, and water is offered from the Dev Tirth (part of the hand). Mantras are recited while offering water to various deities, including Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Prajapati, and others, as well as to the Vedas, Rishis, and various entities like Gandharvas, Apsaras, Nagas, and humans.
Performing Tarpana for Rishis (Sages) [16:36]
The process for performing Tarpana for the Rishis (sages) is similar to that of the deities. The individual remains seated in the same position, with the Gamcha on the left shoulder and the right knee on the ground. Water is taken in a copper pot, rice is added, and mantras are recited while offering water to various Rishis, including Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, and others.
Performing Tarpana for Divya Manusyas (Divine Humans) [17:26]
For the Tarpana of Divya Manusyas (divine humans), the individual faces the north, with the Gamcha worn like a garland. The Kusha is folded in half and held in the right hand, with the open part towards the thumb. Water is offered from this position while reciting mantras for divine humans like Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and others.
Performing Tarpana for Pitrus (Ancestors) [19:25]
The procedure for performing Tarpana for the Pitrus (ancestors) involves facing the south, placing the left knee on the ground, and wearing the Janeu or Gamcha on the right shoulder. Black sesame seeds are added to the Arghya Patra (water vessel). The Kusha is folded and held between the thumb and first finger, and water is offered from the Pitru Tirth (part of the hand). Mantras are recited while offering water to various Pitrus, including Kavya Vahnala, Soma, Yama, and others.
Performing Yama Tarpana [22:13]
Yama Tarpana involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to Yama, the god of death. The individual remains facing south and mantras are recited to honor Yama and his various names and forms, such as Dharmaraja, Mrityu, Antaka, and others.
Performing Tarpana for Family Ancestors [24:18]
This section details the Tarpana for family ancestors, divided into three categories: paternal side, maternal side (Nanihaal), and other relatives. The individual continues to face south, with the left knee on the ground and the Janeu/Gamcha on the right shoulder. Specific instructions are given for offering water to deceased fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, with the option to use "Rama" or "Shyama" if the names of the ancestors are unknown.
Performing Tarpana for Maternal Ancestors [29:03]
The process for offering Tarpana to maternal ancestors is similar to that of paternal ancestors. The individual offers water to deceased maternal grandfathers, great-grandfathers, great-great-grandfathers, maternal grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and great-great-grandmothers, following the same procedures and mantras.
Performing Tarpana for Other Relatives [31:52]
This section advises offering Tarpanam to other deceased relatives, such as uncles, aunts, cousins, and any other family members who come to mind. The video provides specific mantras for male and female relatives and suggests pausing the video to allow sufficient time for offering the Tarpanam.
Tarpana for All Beings and Pitrus in Naraka [32:55]
The video explains the importance of offering Tarpana to all beings, including deities, demons, Yakshas, Nagas, Gandharvas, and others, to bring satisfaction to them. The individual faces east, holds the Kusha as in the beginning, and offers water while reciting mantras. Additionally, Tarpana is offered to Pitrus who are suffering in Naraka (hell) or who are in need of water. The individual faces south, holds the Kusha as before, and offers water while reciting mantras for their benefit.
Vastra Nishpeedan (Garment Wringing) [36:07]
Vastra Nishpeedan is performed for unborn children who died in the womb. Black sesame seeds are placed in a cloth, which is then folded four times. Water is poured over the cloth and wrung out on the left side while reciting a specific mantra.
Performing Tarpana for Bhishma Pitamaha [37:26]
The final step is to offer Tarpana to Bhishma Pitamaha. The individual faces south and holds the Kusha as for the Pitrus, offering water while reciting a mantra in his honor.
Concluding the Tarpana [37:58]
To conclude the Tarpana, the Gamcha is placed on the left shoulder, and Akshat and water are taken in hand to offer all the performed actions to the Pithru Swaroopini Janardana Vasudeva. The Akshat and water are then released into the vessel. The remaining water, sesame seeds, and Kusha are offered to a Peepal tree or any other sacred tree, or they can be disposed of in a body of water.