Pitri Paksha Shraddha Tarpan Vidhi

Pitri Paksha Shraddha Tarpan Vidhi and Mantras: How to Offer Water to Ancestors

According to Hindu scriptures, performing Shraddha and Tarpan during Pitri Paksha is essential to honor one’s ancestors. This period, dedicated to departed souls, is meant for offering food and water to the ancestors to satisfy their spirits. Just like Navratri is considered the Devi Paksha, the period from Ashwin Krishna Paksha to Amavasya is referred to as Pitri Paksha.

It is believed that during this period, the souls of ancestors visit their families on earth. They long to receive offerings in the form of food and water from their descendants, which gives them strength to continue their journey in the afterlife. The blessings received from ancestors during this time bring prosperity and peace to the family.

Pitri Paksha Shraddha Tarpan Rules (Pitri Paksha 2024 Rules)

As per the Garuda Purana, those whose parents or both parents have passed away should perform Tarpan from Ashwin Krishna Pratipada to Ashwin Amavasya. The Tarpan is done using water, sesame seeds, and flowers. On the death anniversary of the deceased, food should be offered to Brahmins without giving any Dakshina (charity).

Pitri Paksha Tarpan Vidhi (Pitri Paksha 2024 Tarpan Vidhi)

The act of offering water to ancestors is called Tarpan. Here’s the proper method and the mantras used during Tarpan:

Mantra:
Om agacchantu me pitaram evam grahantu jalanjalim.
(Meaning: O ancestors, please come and accept the water offering.)

Mantra for Offering Water to Father

Taking the family name (Gotra), say: “Gotre asmatpita (father’s name) Sharma vasurupat tripyatamidam tilodakam Ganga jalam va tasmay swadha namah.”

While reciting this mantra, offer water mixed with sesame seeds, milk, and barley to the father three times.

Mantra for Offering Water to Grandfather

Gotre asmatpitamah (grandfather’s name) Sharma vasurupat tripyatamidam tilodakam Ganga jalam va tasmay swadha namah. Recite this mantra and offer water to the grandfather three times.

Mantra for Offering Water to Mother

The Tarpan for the mother is done more times than for the father and grandfather. The mantra is:
“Gotre asmanmata (mother’s name) Devi vasurupast tripyatamidam tilodakam Ganga jalam va tasmay swadha namah.”
Offer water 16 times in the east, 7 times in the north, and 14 times in the south direction.

Shraddha is incomplete without devotion. The ancestors only accept food and water offered with sincerity and respect. Without Shraddha, the offerings remain unaccepted by the ancestors.