पितृ तर्पण

Pitru Tarpan

Ancestral

20–30 min Daily after sandhya, Amavasya, Pitru Paksha, on a parent's tithi.

Offering of water with black sesame and darbha grass to the departed ancestors so that they receive peace and bless their lineage.

Step-by-step Vidhi

1
Snana & Sankalpa
Bathe, wear clean clothes, sit facing south. Wear the pavitri and state the sankalpa with gotra and ancestor's name.
2
Deva Tarpan
Facing east, offer water through the finger-tips to the devas.
3
Rishi Tarpan
Facing north, offer water through the base of the little finger to the rishis.
4
Pitru Tarpan
Facing south, offer water with black sesame through the space between thumb and index finger to the pitrs.
5
Closing
Pray for their peace and onward journey; donate food or dakshina to a person in need.

Pitru invocation

ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः।

Om Pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.

Gaya / Bihar

Pind daan at Vishnupad and Phalgu river is considered to liberate ancestors permanently.

South India

Tila tarpan performed on every Amavasya, especially Mahalaya Amavasya; rice pinda offered.

Bengal

Mahalaya tarpan at the Ganga ghats on Mahalaya morning marks the start of Devi Paksha.

Watch a recorded vidhi for additional reference.

Practices vary by region, sampradaya and family tradition. Consult a qualified priest for your family's vidhi.