Yajurveda Amavasya Tharpanam
In simple terms, *tharpanam* usually means offering something to one’s ancestral beings to satisfy them. Many believe that *tharpanam* is as important as any other worship procedure. The *tharpanam* that is carried out on the day of Amavasya is known as *Amavasya tharpanam*.
If you already know the traditional way of performing *tharpanam* along with the traditional mantras, or if you are someone who follows family traditions, it is best to stick to your own practices.
Essentials for Amavasya Tharpanam
What You Will Need
- A mat made of *darbha* grass to sit on, or a wooden plank or clean cloth made of natural fibers.
- A clean plate made of wood, copper, brass, or silver. Avoid using glass or steel.
- Clean water in a glass made of wood, copper, brass, or silver. You may also keep some extra water in a separate bowl.
- Sesame seeds: Use black sesame seeds for males and white sesame seeds for females.
- Darbha grass.
- *Pavitram* made from *darbha* grass to wear on the ring finger of your right hand.
According to the traditional practices, we have many spiritual debts that we need to pay every day. One of these debts is to our ancestors. *Pitru tharpanam*, performed on the day of Amavasya, is one way to pay this debt. This worship procedure doesn’t take long and can be completed in about ten minutes.
*Pitru Tharpanam* means to satisfy one’s ancestors. In this part of *tharpanam*, we specifically offer our respects to 12 of our recently departed ancestors. These may include your parents, grandparents, and so on. Only those from your parental line are included in this *tharpanam*. So, while uncles, aunts, and cousins are not part of *Pitru tharpanam*, they are included when we perform *karunya tharpanam*.
For more details, you can download the Yajurveda Amavasya Tharpanam PDF using the link provided below.