A common approach to conducting the Shraddh ritual involves the following steps:
Shraddh rituals are conducted in honour of the ancestors from three preceding generations on their annual Remembrance Day. It is essential for a devout householder to engage in Shraddh to garner the blessings from their forebears. Initially, one should conclude their daily activities in the morning, cleanse themselves through a bath, engage in divine worship, and then solemnly recall and pay respects to their ancestors, reflecting on their virtues. Subsequently, invite a knowledgeable Brahmin within your means, offer them a meal, and conduct the Tarpan and Shraddh rites for your ancestors. Begin with a firm intention; for this purpose, hold water, flowers, and sesame seeds in your hand.
Chant Sankalp like this:
Om tatsat, adyagotrotpannah (say the gotra) - naamaaham (say the name) Ashvin maase Krishna pakshe -- tithouvasare sva pitre (father) / pitamahaya (grandfather) Matre (mother) matamahau (grandmother) nimittam tasya shraddhatithau yathesthaam, samathaam shraddhanusaram tarpanam / shraddh / Brahmin Bhojanam Cha Karishye.
Say this in your comfortable language:
Today, being a descendant of the ------ Gotra and on this day, the ----- of Krishna Paksha during the month of Ashwin, I present offerings of Tarpan, Shraddh, and meals to Brahmins in memory of my father/grandfather/mother/grandmother. This act is performed in accordance with my desire, ability, and the depth of my devotion.
How to Perform Shraddh
Subsequently, fill a large container with clean water, water from the Ganga, milk, yogurt, honey, black sesame seeds, and some flowers to prepare it for offerings. During this event, offerings are made not just to the ancestors (Pitru Tarpan) but also to the gods (Dev Tarpan) and sages (Rishi Tarpan). Begin by making offerings to the deity first. Take some Durva grass, holding it beneath the right thumb, ensuring its leaves are pointing outward (known as Dev Mudra). Chant "Om Bhurbhuvah Swah BrahmavishnuDrebhya; Tripayami." Then, with the little finger, pour water into the palm and press the grass beneath the thumb, twist the other hand around it and pull it out. Repeat this mantra seven times, dedicating each recitation to the divine beings. Following this, the wise individual will perform tarpan rituals for the seven sages, repeating the process seven times akin to the divine offering. Using the chant "Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Saptarshibhya; Tarpayami," they will honour the sages. Subsequently, they will remove the Durva grass from beneath their thumb and bring the five fingers together, forming what is known as the Pitra Mudra. They will then bury the Durva grass and proceed to offer tarpan to their ancestral deity seven times, chanting "Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Pitrebhyah Tripayami." After uttering such a mantra, they will scoop water from below the little finger and extend their hand, allowing the water to flow into the vessel between the fingers.
For father:
Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Pitrebhyah Tripayami.
For mother:
Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Matrebhyah Tarpayami.
For grandfather:
Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Pitamahebhyah Tarpayami.
For Grandma:
Om Bhurbhuvah Swah Matamahibhyah Tarpayami.
Great-grandfather would be addressed as Prapitamahebhya.
In detail, the ritual of tarpan involves reciting five or seven generations of paternal lineage and five generations of maternal lineage, a task typically guided by a knowledgeable teacher. This practice is most suitable for common individuals. Following the tarpan, prepare a meal preferred by your ancestors and arrange it on a plate alongside six puris, parathas, or rotis. Divide the meal into six portions and place a small amount of each item on a puri, then sprinkle water over them twice. One portion is designated for cow, another for crows, a third for dogs, a fourth for ants, a fifth for all gods, and a sixth for the outcastes. The portion for crows should be placed on the rooftop or in an accessible area for them to consume. The remaining puris are to be fed to cows, followed by feeding a Brahmin or, if unavailable, a religious preacher or a deserving individual. Offer Dakshina to the Brahmin, bid farewell by touching their feet, and then partake in the meal yourself.
At MahaTarpan, we bridge tradition with convenience, offering you a seamless way to honor your ancestors. Our team of experienced purohits is dedicated to conducting rituals like tarpan, Pind Daan, Shraaddh, Asthi Visarjan and other puja with unparalleled devotion, ensuring every ceremony resonates with your family's values and the strict adherence to the almanac.
Our Services Include
Expert Purohits for Personalized Rituals
Hassle-Free Online and Offline Ceremony Options
Comprehensive Travel and Stay Arrangements
Choose Maha Tarpan for a deeply spiritual journey, honoring your loved ones with the respect and devotion they deserve. Connect with us for a sacred experience, where tradition meets tranquility.
Let's preserve the essence of our heritage, together.
Comments