Mahalaya Tarpan is a sacred Hindu ritual performed to honor and offer oblations (tarpan) to the departed ancestors (Pitrs). It is observed on Mahalaya, the day that marks the beginning of the Pitru Paksha — a fortnight dedicated to remembering and appeasing ancestors through various rites.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

  • Mahalaya Tarpan is believed to liberate the souls of ancestors and bring peace to their spirits.
  • Performing tarpana ensures the ancestors’ blessings for the wellbeing, prosperity, and protection of the family.
  • The ritual involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusa grass to the departed souls.
  • It marks the transition from the auspicious period of Navratri to the solemn period of Pitru Paksha.

📅 When is Mahalaya Tarpan Performed?

  • Usually performed on Mahalaya Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Bhadrapada (September).
  • Falls a few days before the start of Pitru Paksha.

🙏 Mahalaya Tarpan Ritual Procedure

🛕 1. Preparation

  • Choose a clean, serene place near a holy river, pond, or water body (if not possible, a clean container with water).
  • Gather puja items such as sesame seeds (til), barley grains, kusa grass (darbha), water, and flowers.

🪔 2. Items Needed

  • Water in a vessel
  • Sesame seeds and barley grains
  • Kusa grass (darbha)
  • Flowers and fruits
  • Panchamrit (optional)
  • Holy scriptures or mantra book (optional)

🌺 3. Performing Tarpan

  • Begin with Ganesh Puja and invocation of ancestors.
  • Offer water mixed with sesame seeds and barley grains while chanting the Pitru Tarpana Mantras, such as:

“Om Pitrya Namah”
“Om Apam Napataye Svaha”
“Om Krittivasanaya Vidmahe Mahadevaaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat”

  • Use kusa grass to pour water in a circular motion as an offering to ancestors.
  • Recite the names of forefathers and mentally invite their presence.
  • Offer flowers and fruits after the water oblation.
  • Conclude with prayers for the peace of departed souls and blessings for the family.

🌟 Benefits of Mahalaya Tarpan

  • Honors and appeases ancestors, ensuring their blessings.
  • Helps the souls attain peace and liberation (moksha).
  • Protects the family from negative influences and brings harmony.
  • Fulfills the sacred duty (pitru rin) towards ancestors.

🎉 Additional Notes

  • Ideally, Mahalaya Tarpan is performed by male descendants or priests.
  • It is part of the broader Pitru Paksha Shraddha rituals observed for 15 days after Mahalaya.
  • Performing this ritual with devotion is believed to bring prosperity and remove ancestral curses.