Tarpan FAQs
Can women perform Tarpan in Varanasi?
While traditionally male-centric, there is increasing acceptance and scriptural basis for women (daughters, daughters-in-law, wives) to perform or participate actively in Tarpan, especially if no suitable male heir is available. Some Pandits in Varanasi facilitate this, possibly with slight variations in the ritual (e.g., using white sesame). Participation alongside male family members is very common
What is Tarpan and why is it important in Prayagraj?
Tarpan is the sacred Hindu ritual of offering water, typically mixed with black sesame seeds (til) and barley (jau), to gratify deities, sages, and primarily, departed ancestors (Pitrus). Performing Tarpan in Prayagraj holds exceptional significance because it is done at the Triveni Sangam, the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers. This location is revered as ‘Tirtharaj’ (King of Pilgrimage Sites), making the offerings immensely potent for ancestral peace and liberation (Moksha).
Who is eligible to perform Tarpan in Varanasi?
Traditionally, the eldest son performs Tarpan for his parents and ancestors. In his absence, younger sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, or other male relatives can perform it. The performer should ideally be accompanied by his wife if married
Who is eligible to perform Tarpan in Gaya?
Traditionally, the eldest son is the primary person authorized (adhikari) to perform Tarpan and Shraddha for parents and ancestors. If the eldest son is unavailable or deceased, a younger son, grandson, great-grandson, brother, or other male relatives (sapindas, samanodakas) can perform it. A married son performs it along with his wife
What is the approximate cost Dakshina for performing Tarpan in Gaya?
The cost (Dakshina given to the priest) varies widely. If performed as a standalone ritual, it might be less, perhaps in the range of INR 1000-3000. However, Tarpan is usually part of the larger Pind Daan ceremony. Costs for Pind Daan packages in Gaya can range from a basic INR 1200-5100 to more elaborate ones costing INR 11,000-21,000 or more, depending on the duration (1-day, 3-day, etc.), number of ‘vedis’ (altars) covered, and materials included. It’s advisable to agree on the Dakshina beforehand during the Sankalpa (vow). Additional costs include fees at different sites (INR 200-300 per site typically) and optional charity/donations
Are there online services available for performing the Tarpan in Varanasi?
Yes, several reputable platforms and organizations (like Prayag Pandits, etc.) offer online Tarpan services. They arrange for Pandits in Varanasi to perform the Tarpan rituals on the designated ghats on behalf of devotees who cannot travel. These services often include options for live streaming (via video call like Zoom) or receiving recorded videos of the ritual being performed with the devotee’s ancestral details. Costs vary based on the service provider and package inclusions.
Is Tarpan the same as Pind Daan often performed in Haridwar?
No, they are distinct but related rituals often performed together during Shradh.
- Tarpan: Offering water (with sesame seeds) to quench the thirst and provide satisfaction (Trupti) to ancestors.
- Pind Daan: Offering Pindas (food balls made of rice/barley flour) to provide nourishment and substance to ancestors in the Pitru Loka.
Tarpan usually precedes Pind Daan in a Shradh ceremony performed in Haridwar.
What is the difference between Tarpan and Pind Daan in Gaya Are they always done together?
- Tarpan: Offering of water (with sesame seeds, etc.) to satisfy the thirst of ancestors. It’s a libation.
- Pind Daan: Offering of Pindas (rounded balls of rice/barley flour mixed with ghee, honey, milk, sesame) representing the physical body, to nourish the ancestors.
While distinct, Tarpan is an integral and mandatory part of the larger Shraddha and Pind Daan ceremony performed in Gaya. Pind Daan is considered incomplete without Tarpan. They are almost always performed together during the main ancestral rites in Gaya
Who performs the Tarpan rituals in Gaya?
The rituals are traditionally conducted by Gayawal Pandas (also called Gayawal Brahmins or Brahma Kalpit Brahmins). They are a specific subcaste of Brahmins holding the hereditary right and specialized knowledge to perform Shraddha and Tarpan rites in Gaya. Pilgrims engage a Gayawal Panda upon arrival, who guides them through the entire process
Which are the most important locations for Tarpan in Varanasi?
While Tarpan can be performed at many ghats along the Ganga in Varanasi, some are particularly favoured:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: The main and most famous ghat, known for its vibrant spiritual atmosphere and proximity to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Assi Ghat: Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Assi rivers, it’s popular and offers a relatively serene environment for rituals.
- Manikarnika Ghat: Primarily a cremation ghat, but rituals like Tarpan are performed nearby due to its immense sanctity and association with Moksha.
- Harishchandra Ghat: Another major cremation ghat, also considered sacred for ancestral rites.
- Panchganga Ghat: Believed to be the confluence of five rivers, considered auspicious.
- Kedar Ghat: An Important ghat associated with the Kedareshwar Temple.
- Pishachmochan Kund: While not a Ganga ghat, this sacred pond in Varanasi is specifically renowned for rites aimed at liberating souls troubled by untimely deaths or negative influences.