Tharpanam (तर्पणम्) literally means "satisfying" or "gratifying." It involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds (tilas) and barley (yava) to the Gods (Devas), Sages (Rishis), and Ancestors (Pitrs). The ritual is performed while reciting specific Vedic mantras, typically during the midday hours (Madhyahnika).

Usually, Tharpanam for Devas is done with "Svaha" and water is poured on the ground (not in a plate).

(Note: Depending on family tradition, Deva Tharpanam may be abbreviated or skipped for Amavasya Tharpanam, focusing mainly on Pithrus. Please consult your family priest.)

For each ancestor (Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather – and maternal side separately), the Sanskrit mantra follows a pattern:

"Om (Name of Ancestor) Gothraha (Your Gotra) Sharmana (Your Name) Pithaamaha... Swaha"

Do not guess the mantras. Read directly from your new PDF. Most 2024 PDFs have this repeated in a structured table to avoid skipping names.

Once you have downloaded the new Sanskrit PDF, follow this practical advice:

Sit facing South. Wear the Pavitram. Pour water with Sesame seeds (black til) through the Pithru Tirtha (between the thumb and the base of the index finger) into a plate or on the ground.

Invocation: Sanskrit: ॐ श्रीमन्नारायण इति उपास्य श्रीमन्नारायणाय नमः इति उपाविश्य पितॄन् स्मरामि। English: Om Srimannarayana Iti Upasya Srimannarayanaya Namah Iti Upavishya Pithrun Smarami.

1. Vasu Pithrus (Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather - Male Lineage) The arrangement of hands:

(Note: Some traditions use the right hand for the father’s side and left for the mother’s side. Below is the standard Yajur Veda sequence.)

Pithru (Father's side): Sanskrit: ॐ पितॄणां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Pithrunam Swadha Namah Tarpayami. (Pour one handful of water)

Pithamaha (Grandfather's side): Sanskrit: ॐ पितामहानां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Pitamahanam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

Prapithamaha (Great Grandfather's side): Sanskrit: ॐ प्रपितामहानां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Prapitamahanam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

2. Matru Pithru (Mother's Father, etc.) Sanskrit: ॐ मातामहानां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Matamahanam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

Sanskrit: ॐ प्रमातामहानां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Pramatamahanam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

3. Female Ancestors (Mothers) Usually, this is done for the Father's mother, Grandmother, etc.

Sanskrit: ॐ पित्र्यां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। (Father's Mother) English: Om Pitryam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

Sanskrit: ॐ पितामह्यां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। (Grandmother) English: Om Pitamahyam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

Sanskrit: ॐ प्रपितामह्यां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। (Great Grandmother) English: Om Prapitamahyam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

4. Matru (Mother's Female Lineage) Sanskrit: ॐ मात्र्यां स्वधा नमः तर्पयामि। English: Om Matryam Swadha Namah Tarpayami.

Om pitṛbhyaḥ svadhā vaṣaṭ ibhyaḥ svadhā vaṣaṭ pitāmahībhyaḥ svadhā vaṣaṭ prapitāmahībhyaḥ svadhā vaṣaṭ
(Then offer water through the fingers)