Special Pujas & Havans

Tarpan / Pitru Shraddha

45 minutes Anyone can perform Morning Priest Recommended
Tarpan / Pitru Shraddha

Purpose

Tarpan and Shraddha are rituals to honor and provide peace to ancestors (Pitru). They ensure ancestral blessings and remove Pitru Dosha.

Overview

Pitru worship is an important part of Hindu tradition. It's believed that ancestors can bless or cause issues for their descendants.

**Tarpan:** Water offering to ancestors with mantras. Can be done at home, temples, or holy rivers.

**Shraddha:** Elaborate ceremony with food offerings, usually on death anniversary or during Pitru Paksha.

**Pitru Paksha:** 16-day period specifically for ancestor worship. During this time:
- No new beginnings
- Avoid auspicious ceremonies
- Feed Brahmins and poor
- Offer food to crows (believed to carry food to ancestors)

**Pitru Dosha:** If ancestors are not at peace, it can cause issues in progeny, marriage, finances.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Preparation

Gather all required items and prepare the space.

2
Invocation

Begin with prayers and invocation.

3
Main Ritual

Perform the main ritual as prescribed.

4
Conclusion

Complete with final prayers and distribution.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • • Perform on tithi (death anniversary)
  • • Offer food to crows and Brahmins
  • • Visit Gaya or Varanasi if possible
  • • Do tarpan at holy rivers
  • • Feed poor and animals
Don'ts
  • • Don't skip Pitru Paksha shraddha
  • • Avoid non-veg on shraddha day
  • • Don't do auspicious work during Pitru Paksha
  • • Don't disrespect elders

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually performed by sons or male family members. Daughters can also perform in certain traditions.

Pitru Paksha (fortnight after Bhadrapada Purnima) is most important. Also on death anniversaries (Tithi).

Practices may vary by region, family tradition, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified elders or priests for guidance specific to your situation.
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Materials Needed
Essential
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Rice (Akshat)
  • Kumkum (Sindoor)
  • Incense Sticks (Agarbatti)
  • Diya (Oil Lamp)
  • Cotton Wicks
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