Tarpana: Offering to Ancestors
Practices

Tarpana: Offering to Ancestors

Status · Anusandhāna
Source · Uncited
Period · Eternal

[BEGINNER] Tarpana is the Hindu ritual of offering water, sesame seeds, and sometimes rice to the ancestors (Pitris — departed fathers, grandfathers, and further ancestors) for their nourishment and spiritual progress. The word "Tarpana" comes from the Sanskrit "tarp" meaning "to satisfy, to nourish." The ritual is performed during specific occasions: the monthly Pithru Paksha (ancestor fortnight, typically September/October), the death anniversary (Tithi), and the daily Sandhya Vandanam practic