Essential Rules for Offering Tarpan
- Fasting: It is customary to perform Tarpan on an empty stomach. You should consume food only after completing the rituals.
- Clothing: Men traditionally wear a clean white dhoti (without any upper garment) while entering the holy water to perform the ritual.
- Holy Water: Offerings are made while standing knee-deep in a natural body of water (ideally the River Ganga) facing east.
- Sesame Seeds (Til): Black sesame seeds and water are essential ingredients for offering libations to the deceased ancestors.
Step-by-Step Tarpan Procedure
- Perform a self-purification (Achamana) and resolve to offer prayers to the ancestors.
- Cup your hands together, take water mixed with black sesame seeds and flowers, and tilt your palms forward.
- Pour the water through the tips of your fingers (Deva-Tirtha) or over the thumb (Pitri-Tirtha) depending on the specific deities or ancestors being addressed.
- Chant the corresponding mantras with focus, visualizing your ancestors being satisfied and at peace.
Sacred Tarpan Mantras (with English Meaning)
1. Pitru Tarpan Mantra (Offering to Father & Lineage)
"Om triptyataam suryakaantah, triptyataam sarva-pitarah namah."
Meaning: I offer this holy sesame water to satisfy my deceased father, grandfathers, and all ancestors of our lineage. May they be satisfied.
2. Sarva Bhuta Tarpan (Offering to All Spirits)
"Om a-brahma-bhuvanaal-lokaah devarshi-pitri-maanavaah,
Triptyantu pitaraah sarve mad-dattenaambhasaadhunaa."
Meaning: From the realm of Brahma down to the blades of grass, may all gods, sages, ancestors, and human souls be satisfied by the water offered by me today.