Pitru Paksha Rules: Rules for Performing Tarpan during Pitru Paksha, Do’s and Don'ts | Read Here

Pitru Paksha Rules

In Sanatan Dharm, Pitru Paksha is the most sacred period to express our reverence for our ancestors. During these 16 days, beginning from the Purnima Tithi of Bhadrapada month and ending on the Amavasya of Ashwin month, ancestors visit the earth. During this period, Tarpan is performed for the peace of their souls. Some specific rules for performing Tarpan are described in the scriptures. Here, we will tell you about the rules for Tarpan during Pitru Paksha.

Rules for Tarpan during Pitru Paksha

The correct direction for Tarpan (offerings)

While performing Tarpan, one should always face towards the south direction. According to the scriptures, the south direction is considered the direction of ancestors and Yamaraj. One should face east when performing the deity offering and north when performing the sage offering.

The correct time for performing the tarpan (offering)

Tarpan should always be performed during the afternoon, which is during the Kutup period. Only deities are worshipped in the morning, so performing the tarpan early in the morning or after sunset is strictly prohibited.

Black Sesame Seeds and Kusha Grass

• Black Sesame Seeds: For ancestral offerings, only use black sesame seeds. Never use white sesame seeds for ancestral offerings.

• Kusha Grass: Perform the tarpan only after wearing a Kusha Grass ring on the ring finger. It is believed that performing the tarpan without Kusha Grass is incomplete.

The Correct Vessel

Use only copper, brass, silver, or bronze vessels for offering the water for the tarpan. Never use plastic, glass, iron, or steel vessels for tarpan.

Offering Water from the Pitru Tirtha

While performing the Tarpan, take water, raw milk, gangajal, and black sesame seeds in your palm. Then, slowly pour the water from the space between your thumb and index finger onto a vessel or Kusha grass.

Avoid doing this while performing the Tarpan.

• Avoid wearing black clothes: Men should wear a white dhoti or unstitched garment while performing the Tarpan or Shraddh rituals. Do not perform the Tarpan wearing black or dark-colored clothes.

• Avoid Tamasic Food: Completely avoid the consumption of Tamasic food at home during the Pitru Paksha period.

• Physical restraint: The person performing the Tarpan should not cut their beard, hair, or nails during this period and should observe complete self-restraint.

• Avoid Anger: Keep your mind calm and maintain patience. Do not insult any elderly person, helpless person, or any living being who comes to your home.

The importance of Panchbali after Tarpan

Tarpan is incomplete until you offer Panchbali (cow, dog, crow, ants, Brahmin). By doing so, the ancestors are pleased and bless the family with growth, health, and prosperity.