Hindu Dharma is full of religious rituals. In Hindu Dharma there are significant rituals and for each aspect of one’s life. Right from the mother’s pregnancy to the kid’s birth, him getting marriage, death, and even after the death. Hindus believe that their ancestors are always with them and give blessings. Thus, it is very important for Hindus to give respect to their ancestors even after their death.
Pitru Paksha Pooja is one such religious ritual observed by Hindus. To remember their ancestors they show their respect and thank them for blessings. Also people believe that the deceased visit earth and bless their successor with prosperity. And the Hindus offer food, money, and other gifts to their ‘Pitrus’ as a symbol of reverence. Hindus worship their ancestors as god and they rightfully say, ‘त्वदीयं वस्तु गोविन्द: तुभ्यमेव समर्पये’. (meaning, Oh Lord! Whatever you give us, we offer it back to you.)
Shradh is also a very important part of Pitru Paksha. Shradh is a sixteen-day-long period to pay respects to one’s ancestors. Shradh denotes the offerings that makes success to their ancestors in sixteen days. According to the holy verse, people believe that those who have gone beyond the living come to earth. And accept the offering of their successors.
What is Tarpan?
As per Hindu beliefs, celebrations for the life and beyond life begin with Mahalaya. Because it is the day when our Goddess descends on Earth. Another very important ritual is to focus on this day is for the life of human beings on earth, called Tarpan. Which is also observed on this day.
Tarpan word deprives from Sanskrit word ‘TRUP’ which means satisfying or pleasing others. Pitru Tarpan is a way of gratifying one’s ancestors. It is also meant to free the ancestors from any unfulfilled desires. So they can complete their journey with peace, satisfaction, happiness and move forward.
Objectives of Tarpan
The main objective of performing tarpan is that God’s and ancestors’ souls. Whose names are pronounced while performing Tarpan. They should bless with happiness.
In the holy early morning hours of the Mahalaya. Hindus visit the ghats of Ganga or any other holy water body to pray to the ancestors.
Methods to perform Tarpan
According to ancient mathematician and Jyotish, Baudhayana. ‘Tarpan should perform at the riverside’. Because while performing Pitru Tarpan at the riverside. Though if going to a river is not possible and one can go to any holy water body. One should stand in the water so that the water level touches their torso. Or should perform Tarpan by sitting on the riverbank.
Tarpan for God should perform by facing East. And for ancestors should perform by facing South.
Besides Tarpan is performed by remembering the ancestors. Chanting mantras, and offering water, milk, and black sesame seeds. Either cooked rice or any special food of the ancestors’ choice offers with a wish that it will please the ancestor’s desires. Show our fondness and respect for them, and help them progress in their journey beyond.
The offering of water to the ancestors should held. By using the fingertips of the third finger and thumb.
Conclusion
Now that you know what Tarpan is all about, seek your ancestor’s blessings and show them your respect. Kumar Funeral Services in Bangalore helps you to organize the Tarpan Pooja with proper rituals and utmost respect!