Home
Downloads
Search
Site Index
Contact UsTharpanam - Iyengars
Tharpanam - Iyengars
[Oblations to the Manes]
Compiled by P. R. Ramachander
Introduction
Tharpanam means "That offering which satisfies". But what we
mean by the word Tharpanam is the offering of water mixed with
gingelly to the manes (dead ancestors). Though we have several
ancestors, this offering is addressed to three generations of
father, grandfather and great grandfather along with their wives
in our family and maternal grandfather, his father and
grandfather along with their wives in our mothers birth family.
Only those whose father is dead are eligible to do Tharpanam. If
maternal grandfather is alive Tharpanam should not be done for
his family but restricted to our family.
All the manes are supposed by our religion to live in the Pithru
loka for some time and either be reborn as any being or go to
lokas like deva loka, Vaikunta etc or even attain salvation by
getting mixed with god. The pithru loka is populated by three
group of pithru devas viz, Vasu, Rudra and Adhithya. These devas
receive our oblations and make it reach to our manes wherever
they are and in whichever form they are. The pithru loka is
supposed to be on the unseen side of the moon. This portion gets
exposed to sun on the new moon days. It is according to our
concept lunch time for the people populating the pithru loka.
These pithrus, since they have left the world are solely
dependent on only their progeny to feed them. This feeding is
done through Tharpanam. It is believed that if Tharpanam is not
done out Pithru devas will curse us so that we may not have male
descendents to offer tharpanam to us.
There are several type of tharpanams:
1. Gunda tharpanam - the tharpanam which is done in the first
ten days of death.
2. Brahma yagna tharpanam - This is the oblation supposed to be
done daily to the devas, rishis and pithrus.
3. Parheni tharpanam - this is the tharpanam which is supposed
to be done on the next day after annual sraddha. This at present
is being done after sraddha on the same day, because the priest
does not have time to come the next day. Here the tharpanam is
offered only to ones pithru varga (paternal side)
4. The regular tharpanam which is supposed to be done on all
amavasyas. Four Month beginnings viz mesha, karkidaga, thula and
makara and eclipses. Our books have asked us to perform
tharpanam on 96 days in a year but this is not being done
nowadays. Several acharyas have codified the method of
tharpanam. Some of them are Apasthabha, Bodhayana and
Drahyayana. What is given below is the manthras and method of
the Apasthabha sutra of Yajur veda. There is slight differences
in the sankalpam among Iyers and Iyengars. The version followed
by both groups of Sri Vaishnavas viz., Thenkalai and Vadakalai
are given here. It is understood that the tharpanam for rik
vedis is almost similar but that for Sama Vedis is different.
There is also differences brought about by local practice and
family tradition. People are advised to follow their traditions
strictly. They have precedence over what is written down here.
For example in many families tharpanam is done without wearing
Thiruman but there are certain families who do tharpanam wearing
it. Some people do avahanams of Pithrus on two koorchas. Some on
one koorcha and some on spread durbhas.
There are several rules regarding tharpanam though many of them
are not being followed by most of the people. They are:
1. On the day of Tharpanam, till tharpanam is completed we are
not supposed to drink/eat anything.
2. On the day of tharpanam, the daily rituals like Sandhya
vandhana have to be first performed. Then before tharpanam one
more bath has to be taken.
3. Wet cloth should not be worn during tharpanam nor is it right
to wear cloth which was washed a day before and dried. The cloth
has to be made wet the same day and dried. Pure white silk cloth
can also be worn, but wearing this silk cloth you should not
have eaten any food. If wet cloth is not dry, it should be seven
times shaken dry in wind before wearing it.
4. Except the tharpanam during eclipse all other tharpanams are
to be done after 12 noon. Considering the difficulty, our law
givers have agreed that it can be done after 8.30 AM.
5. As mentioned earlier nothing should be eaten or drunk before
performance of Tharpanam.
6. Oblations should be done with hand full of water and not
drops or spoon full of water.
7. The water should be poured out using the space between the
thumb and the four fingers.
8. Every time a pinch of black til has to be taken. Care should
be taken not to take it using the thumb and the index finger.
9. Pithru tharpanam should always be done with poonal hanging
from the right shoulder to the left side of the body.
10. The pavithram for pithru tharpanam should be made out of
three durbha and the koorcham should be made of 7 or 9 durbhas.
11. We should preferably sit on seat made of durbha(durbhasanam)
while doing tharpanam and in its absence put few durbhas on the
place we are going to sit,
12. Silver vessels are prescribed for used during tharpanam. If
not available copper vessels can be used. Under no circumstance
should steel or other metal vessels are to be used.
13. Tharpanam should be done facing east or south. It is
believed that it either should be done in our homes or in public
holy places like shore of the river, sea active you happen to do
it in the place belonging to someone else. We are supposed to
compensate the owner of the property.
14. If Amavasya and the first of the month in which tharpanam
has to be performed comes on the same day, then tharpanam for
the sankramanam(first of the month) should be done.
Tharpanam
1. Perform Achamanam
Take minute quantities of water (just sufficient to soak one
grain of black gram) three times in the right hand and take it
with the following manthra.
Om Achyuthaya nama
Om Ananthaya nama
Om Govindaya nama
Then
Touch with thumb both cheeks saying kesava - Narayana
Touch with ring finger both eyes saying Madhava - Govinda
Touch with the first finger both sides of nose saying Vishno -
Madhusoodana
Touch with little finger both ears saying Trivikrama - Vamana
Touch with the middle finger both shoulders saying Sreedhara -
Hrishi kesa
Touch with all fingers the belly button saying Padmanabha
Touch with all fingers the head saying Damodara
A: For Sri Vaaishnavas of Vada Kalai
2. Do Pranayamam.
Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of
the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tatsa vithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhi mahi dhiyo yona
prachodayath
Om Apa
Jyothj rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om
3. Chant the following Manthras:
1. Srimad venkata nadarya kavi kargika kesari
Vedanthacharya varyo me sanni datham sada hruthi
2. Gurubhya tad gurubyascha namo vaga made mahe,
Vruni mahe cha tatrath you dampathi jagatham pathi
3. Swasesha bhoodeth mayaa sweeyai sarva parichadai,
Vidahthum preethamath manam deva prakramade swayam
4. Shuklam baradaram vishnum sasi varnam chadur bhjam
Prasanna vadanam dyayeth sarva vigno upa santhaye
5. Yasyad viratha vakthradhya parishadya para satham,
Vignam nignanthi vishvaksenam tham asraye.
B. For Sri Vaishnavas of Then Kalai:
2. Do Pranayamam.
Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of
the hands and recite the following Manthra:
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Tatsa vithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhi mahi dhiyo yona
prachodayath
Om Apa
Jyothj rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Touch the ears three times saying
Om, Om, Om
3. Chant the following Manthras:
1. Shuklam baradaram vishnum sasi varnam chadur bhjam
Prasanna vadanam dyayeth sarva vigno upa santhaye
2. Yasyad viratha vakthradhya parishadya para satham,
Vignam nignanthi vishvaksenam tham asraye
WHAT FOLLOWS IS COMMON TO THENKALAI AND VADAKALAI.
Adya Sri Bhagavatha maha purushasya Vishnor Agnaya
pravarthamanasya Adhya Brahmana Dweethiya parardhe Swetha Varaha
kalpe Vaivaswatha manvanthare ashta vimsathi thame kali yuge
prathame padhe,jambu dweepe, Bharatha varshe, Bharatha Khande,
Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe asmin varthamane vyvaharike
Prabhavadeenam sashtya samvatsaranam madhye (name of the year)*
Nama samvatsare, (dakshina / uttara ayane, (name of the season)
rithou, (name of the month in Sanskrit) mase, (Krishna/shukla)
pakshe, Adhya (Name of the thidhi-moon phase) Punya thithou
(name of the day in Sanskrit) vasra yukthayam (name of the star
in Sanskrit) nakshatra yukthayam Shubha yoga - Shubha karana,
Evam guna viseshana visishtayam asyam (Name of the thidhi) Punya
thithou,
(Change the position of poonal from left shoulder to right
shoulder (LEFT MODE)
(Your Gothram) Gothranam (Names of father, grandfather, great
grandfather)** Sarmanam, Vasu-Rudra-adithya swaroopanam asmad
Pithru - Pithamaha-Pithru Pithamahanam, (your Gothram) Gothraa
(Names of mother. Grandmother, great grandmother)*** Namnee,
Vasu-Rudra-Adithya swaroopa Asmad Mathru**** -
pithamahi-Prapithamahischa, (Your maternal grandfather's
gothram) gothraanam (names of maternal grandfather, his father
and his grandfather) Sarmanam vasu - rudra - adithya swaroopanam
asmad mathamaha, mathru pithamaha, mathru prapithamahanam, (Your
maternal grandfather's gothram) gothraa (Names of maternal
grandmother, maternal great grandmother, Grandmother of maternal
grandfather) Namnee, vasu-rudra - adithya swaroopa asmad
mathamahi***** - mathru pithamahi, mathru prapithamahinam Ubhaya
vamsa pithrunaam akshayya thripthyartham amavasya****** punya
kale Thila tharpanam karishye.
(throw away the Durbha (only) held round the fingers along with
Pavithram. Change position of poonal to the left shoulder (usual
mode), touch water with finger, change position of poonal to
right shoulder (left mode)
* Refer to Panchangam (almanac) for the names or get the
particulars. For Sanskrit names refer at the end of compilation.
** It is recommended that you substitute these names in various
places and take a print out for your use. Contact family elders
if you do not know this information.
*** Names of grandmother, great grandmother, Fathers great
grandmother if mother is alive
**** In case mother is alive, this would be
pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithruprapithamahischa
***** In case mother?s mother is alive, this would be
mathamahasya mathu-pithamahi-prapithamahischa
****** Mesharavi punya kale for tharpanam done on Mesha
sankramam (chittirai-makaram first) Karkadaga ravi punya kale
(for tharpanam done during adi-Karkidaga Sankramam (Adi first),
Thula ravi punya kale for tharpanam done during thula masam
first (Iyppasi first), makara ravi punya kale for tharpanam done
on makara sankramam (Thai first), Suryoparaga punya kale for
tharpanam done during solar eclipse, Somoparaga punyakale for
tharpanam done during Lunar eclipse and In case of Paraheni
tharpanam done after Sraddham, "Purvedya maya krutha mathru
pithru prathyabdhika sradhangam thila tharpanam karishye. Please
note in case of paraheni tharpanam, the offering (tharpanam) is
made to only paternal side pithrus.
Arrangement of Koorcham [in some families they only use one
koorcham]
East - Pithru Varga Koorcham
North South - Mathamaha varga koorcham
Durbha Durbha - West
5. Avahanam for Pithru Varga (Fathers side)*
Wear the poonal in the left mode, take little ellu (black
gingelly) and along with water keep on the Koorcha meant for
Pithru varga while chanting the following manthras:
a. Aayatha pithara somya gambhirai padhibhi poorvai
prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayuthwam cha satha
saaradam cha.
b. Om bhorbuvaswarom
c. Asmin koorche (Your Gothra) gothran (Father's, grandfather's
and great grandfather's name) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya
swaroopan asmad pithru-pithamaha-pithrupithamahaan (Your Gothra)
gothraa (Names of mother, grandmother, great grandmother) namnee
vasu Rudra adithya swaroopa asmad mathru**,
pithamahi-pithrupithamahischa dyayami avahayami.
* People using only one koorcha, please do avahanam chanting
"Asmin koorche vargodhaya pithroon dhyayami avahayami".
** In case mother is alive, this would be
pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithruprapithamahischa
6. Asanam for Pithru Vargam
Chanting the manthra below place gingelly on the koorcha
a. Sakrudacchinnam barhirurnna mrudhu,
Syonam pithrubhyasthwa baramyaham
Asmin taseedanthu me pithara somyaa,
Pithamahaa prapithamahaaschaanugai saha.
b. Pithru-pithamaha,pithru pithamahanam mathru* - pithamahi -
prapithamahinaam cha idam asanam, thiladhi sakalaradhanai
swarchidham
*In case mother is alive, this would be
pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithruprapithamahischa
7. Avahanam for Mathamaha Varga (maternal grandfathers side)
Wearing the poonal in the left mode, take little ellu (black
gingelly) and along with water keep on the Koorcha meant for
mathru varga while chanting the following manthras:
a. Aayatha mathu pithara somya gambhirai padhibhi poorvai
prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayathwam cha satha
saaradam cha.
b. Om bhorbuvaswarom
c. Asmin koorche (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothran (Names
of maternal grandfather, maternal great grandfather and
grandfather of maternal grandfather) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya
swaroopan asmad mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru prapithamaha
(maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Names of maternal
grandmother, maternal great grandmother, grandmother of maternal
grandfather) namnee vasu Rudra adithya swaroopa asmad mathamahi*
- mathru pithamahi-mathru prapithamahischa dyayami avahayami.
* In case mother?s mother is alive, this would be mathamahasya
mathu-pithamahi-prapithamahischa
8. Asanam for Mathru Vargam
Chanting the manthra below place gingelly on the mathru varga
koorcha
a. Sakrudacchinnam barhirurnna mrudhu,
Syonam pithrubhyasthwa baramyaham
Asmin taseedanthu me pithara somyaa,
Pithamahaa prapithamahaaschaanugai saha.
b. Mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru prapitha mahaanaam,
Mathamahi-mathru pithamahi-mathru prapithamahischa idam asanam,
thiladhi sakalaradhanai swarchidham
9. Pithru Varga Tharpanam
Offer tharpanam with hand full of water mixed with black ellu on
the koorcham for Pithru vargam after each manthra
a. Pithru tharpanam (Oblation to father)
i. Udheerathamvara uthparasa,
Unmadhyama pithara somyasa
Asum ya eeyuravyaka ruthagna
Sthene avanthu pitharo harveshu,
(Your gothram) Gothran (Father's name),
Sarmana vasu roopan mama pithrun swadha namastharpayami.
ii. Angeeraso na pitharo navagwa,
Adharvano byagava somyaasa,
Thesham vayugum sumathou yagniyanaa mapi
Badre soumanase syama
(Your gothram) Gothraan (Father's name),
Sarmana vasu roopan mama pithrun swadha namas tharpayami.
iii. Aa yaanthu na pithara somyaso agni
shwatha* prathibhir deva yanai
asmin yagne swadhaya maadhayanthwadhi bruvantha** they
avanthasman,
(Your Gothram) gothraan (Fathers name),
sarmana vasu roopan mama pithrun swadha namas tharpayami.
* Some books say "pitharo manoja vaso agnishwatha"
** Some books say "madantho adhi bruvanthu"
b. Pithamaha tharpanam (oblation to grandfather)
i. Oorjam vahanthiramrutham grutham paya keelalam
Parisrutham swadha sdha tharpatatha me pithroon,
(your gothram) Gothraan (Grandfathers name),
Sarmana Rudra roopan mama pithaamahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
ii. Pithrubhya swaadhavibhya swadha nama
pithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
Prapithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
(Your gothram) Gothraan (Grandfather's name),
Sarmana Rudra roopan mama pitha mahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
iii. Ye cheha pitharo ye cha neha,
Yagscha vidmayagm u cha na pravidma,
Agne thaan veththa yadi the jathaveda
Sthaya praththagm swadhaya madanthu
(Your gothram) Gothraan (Grandfather's name) ?
Sarmana rudra roopan mama pithamahaan swadha namastharpayami
c. Prapithamaha tharpanam(oblations to great grandfather)
i. Madhu vaathaa ruthaayathe madhu ksharanthi sindhava
maadweer na santhwashadhi
(Your Gothram) Gothraan (Great grandfather's name),
Sarmana adithya roopaan mama prapithamahan swadha namas
tharpayami.
ii. Madhu nakthamuthoshasi madu math parthivagam
raja madhu dhourasthu na pitha
(Your gothram) Gothraan (great grandfather's name),
Sarmana adithya roopan mama prapithamahaan swadha namas
tharpayami
iii. Madhumanno vanaspathir madhu magma asthu soorya,
Maadweer gavo bavanthu na
(Your gothra) Gothraan (great grandfather's name),
Sarmana adhithya roopan mama prapithamahaan swadha namas
tharpayami.
d. Mathru tharpanam* (Oblations to mother)
i. (Your gothra) Gothraa (mother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathu swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Mother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathu swadha namastharpayami
iii. (Your Gothra) (Gothraa (Mother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathu swadha namastharpayami
* If mother is alive instead of mathru tharpanam perform
pithamahi tharpanam. In the manthras replace mathu with
pithamahi.
e. Pithamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to paternal grandmother)
i. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
iii. (Your gothra) Gothraa (Grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
* If mother is alive instead of pithamahi tharpanam perform
prapithamahi tharpanam. In the manthras replace pithamahi with
prapithamahi
f. Prapithamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to paternal great
grandmother)
i. (Your Gothra). Gothraa (Great grandmother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Great Grandmother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami
iii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Great Grandmother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami
* If mother is alive instead of prapithamahi tharpanam perform
pithru prapithamahi tharpanam. In the manthras replace prapitha
mahi with pithru prapithamahi.
10. Jnaatha Jnatha Pithru Varge Tharpanam (Oblation to unknown
manes of paternal sides)
a. Jnaatha jnatha pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
b. Jnaatha jnatha pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
c. Jnaatha jnatha pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
Oorjam vahantheeramrutham grutham paya keelalam parisrutham
swadha stha tharpayatha me pithroon trupyatha thrupyatha
thrupyatha.
11. Mathamaha Varga Tharpanam (oblations to ancestors of
maternal grandfather)
Offer tharpanam with hand full of water mixed with black ellu on
the koorcham for Pithru vargam after each manthra
a. Matha maha tharpanam(Oblation to maternal grandfather)
i. Udheerathamvara uthparasa,
Unmadhyama pithara somyasa
Asum ya eeyuravyaka ruthagna
Sthene avanthu pitharo harveshu
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
name),
Sarmana vasu roopan mama matha mahaan swadha namastharpayami.
ii. Angeeraso na pitharo navagwa,
Adharvano byagava somyaasa,
Thesham vayugum sumathou yagniyanaa mapi
Badre soumanase syama
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
name)
Sarmana vasu roopan mama matha mahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
iii. Aa yaanthu na pithara somyaso agni
shwatha prathibhir deva yanai
asmin yagne swadhaya madhayanthwadhi bruvantha the avanthasman,
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
name),sarmana vasu roopan mama matha mahaan swadha namas
tharpayami.
b. Mathru pitha maha tharpanam (oblation to grandfather of
mother)
i. Oorjam vahanthiramrutham grutham paya keelalam
Parisrutham swadha sdha tharpayatha me pithroon,
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal great
grandfather's name)
Sarmana Rudra roopan mama mathu pithaamahaan swadha namas
tharpayami.
ii. Pithrubhya swaadhavibhya swadha nama
pithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
Prapithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal great
grandfather's name)
Sarmana Rudra roopan mama mathu pitha mahaan swadha namas
tharpayami.
iii. Ye cheha pitharo ye cha neha,
Yagscha vidmayagm u cha na pravidma,
Agne thaan veththa yadi the jathaveda
Sthaya praththagm swadhaya madanthu
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal great
grandfather's name)
Sarmana rudra roopan mama mathu pithamahaan swadha
namastharpayami
c. Mathu Prapithamaha tharpanam(oblations to great grandfather
of mother)
i. Madhu vaathaa ruthaayathe madhu ksharanthi sindhava
maadweer na santhwashadhi
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
grandfather'sname)
Sarmana adithya roopaan mama mathu prapithamahan swadha namas
tharpayami.
ii. Madhu nakthamuthoshasi madu math parthivagam
raja madhu dhourasthu na pitha
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
grandfather'sname)
Sarmana adithya roopan mama mathu prapithamahaan swadha namas
tharpayami
iii. Madhumanno vanaspathir madhu magma asthu soorya,
Maadweer gavo bavanthu na
(Maternal grandfather's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grandfather's
grandfather'sname)
Sarmana adhithya roopan mama mathu prapithamahaan swadha namas
tharpayami.
d. Mathamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to maternal grandmother)
i. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandmother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandmother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathamahi swadha namastharpayami
iii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandmother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathamahi swadha namastharpayami
* If maternal grandmother is alive instead of matha mahi
tharpanam perform matha mahasya mathu tharpanam. In the manthras
replace mathamahi with mathamahasya mathu.
e. Mathru Pithamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to grandmother of
mother)
i. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal great
grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama mathu pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal great
grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama mathu pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
iii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandmother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama mathu pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
* If maternal grandmother is alive instead of mathu pithamahi
tharpanam perform matha mahasya pithamahi tharpanam. In the
manthras replace mathu pithamahi with matha mahasya pithamahi
f. Mathu Prapithamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to great grandmother
of mother)
i. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandfather's grandmother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama mathu prapithamahi swadha
namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandfather's grandmother's name). .
Namnee adithya roopa mama mathu prapithamahi swadha
namastharpayami
iii. (Maternal grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Maternal
grandfather's grandmother's name). .
Namnee adithya roopa mama mathu prapithamahi swadha
namastharpayami
* If maternal grandmother is alive instead of mathu prapithamahi
tharpanam perform mathamahasya prapithamahi tharpanam. In the
manthras replace prapitha mahi with matha mahasya prapithamahi.
12. Jnaatha Jnatha Matha Maha Varga Tharpanam (Oblation to
unknown manes of maternal grandfather side)
a. Jnaatha jnatha mathu pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
b. Jnaatha jnatha mathu pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
c. Jnaatha jnatha mathu pithroon swadha namas tharpayami
Oorjam vahantheeramratham grutham paya keelalam parisrutham
swadha stha tharpayatha me mathu pithroon trupyatha thrupyatha
thrupyatha.
13. Pradhakshinam
Change poonal to usual pattern from left shoulder
(Chant and rotate in the same place clock wise)
Devathabhya pithrubhyascha maha yogibhya eva cha
Nama swaadhai swaahayai nithyameva namo nama.
Some versions ask us to chant this Manthra for Pradakshinam:
Namo va pitharo rasaya,
Namo va pithara sushmaya,
Namo va pitharo jeevaya,
Namo va pitharo swadhayai.
Namo va pitharo manyave,
Namo va pitharo ghoraya,
Pitharo namo vo ya ethasmin lokestha,
Yushmagusthe nuye asmin loke,
Manthenu ya ethasmin lokesya,
Yuyyanthesham vasishta bhooyastha,
Asmin loke ahanthesham vasishto bhooyasam.
14. Namaskaram (Salutations)
Change poonal to the left side pattern from right shoulder
Recite with folded hands
Pithru-Pithamaha-Prapthamahebhyo nama
Mathru - pitha mahi - prapithamahebhyo nama*
Mathamaha -mathru pithamaha-mathru prapithamahebhyo nama.
Mathamahi-Mathu pithamahi=mathu prapathamaheebhyo nama.**
Some versions ask us to chant this Manthra for Namaskaram:
Uthishtatha pithara pretha soora yamasya pantha ma na vetha
puranam,
Dathadhaasmasu dravinam yachcha badhra prano bruthad bhagha dhan
devatha.
Change Poonal to usual mode from left shoulder
Recite with folded hands:
Devathhabhya pithrubhyascha maha yogibhya eva cha
Nama swaadhayai swahaayai nithya meva namo nama.
* If mother is alive recite Pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithru
prapapitha maheebhyo nama
** If maternal grandmother is alive then Mathamahasya
mathu-mathamahasya pithamahi-matha mahasya prapithamaheebhyo
nama.
15. Udwasanam*
Change Poonal to left mode i. e from right shoulder
a. Aayatha pithara somya gambhirai pradhibhi poorvai
prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayathwam cha satha
saaradam cha.
b. Om bhorbuvaswarom
c. Asmad koorchat (Your gothram) gothran (Names of father,
grandfather, great grandfather) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya
swaroopan asmad pithru-pithamaha-pithrupithamahaan (Your
gothram) gothraa (Names of mother, grandmother and great
grandmother) namnee vasu Rudra adithya swaroopa asmad mathru**,
pithamahi-pithrupithamahischa yada sthanam prathishtapayami.
Shobhanarthe kshemaya punaragamanaya cha.
d. Aayatha mathu pithara somya gambhirai pradhibhi poorvai
prajamasmabhyam dadhatho rayim cha deergayathwam cha satha
saaradam cha.
e. Om bhorbuvaswarom
f, Asmin koorche(maternal grandfather's gothra) gothran (Names
of maternal grandfather, maternal great grandfather and his
father) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya swaroopan asmad
mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru prapithamaha (Maternal
grandfather's gothra) gothraa (Names of maternal grandmother,
maternal great grandmother, grandmother of maternal grandfather)
namnee vasu Rudra adithya swaroopa asmad mathamahi*** -mathru
pithamahi-mathru prapithamahischa yadasthanam prathishtapayami.
Shobanarthe kshemaaya punaragamanaya cha
* People doing tharpanam on one koorcham chant "Asmad koorchat
vargodhaya pithrun yadastanam prathishtapayami."
** In case mother is alive, this would be
pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithruprapithamahischa
*** In case mother's mother is alive, this would be mathamahasya
mathu-pithamahi-prapithamahischa
16. Sarva Tharpanam (General oblations)
Change poonal to left shoulder (usual), remove Pavithram, keep
it in the ear, do Aachamanam, Wear the Pavithram, change poonal
to right shoulder,Untie the Koorchs, Take them in hand and along
with water and gingelly do a single Tharpanam chanting
Yesham na matha na pitha na bandhu na anya gothreena the sarve
trupthimayanthu mayoth srushtai kusodhakai*
Trupyatha, Trupyatha, Trupyatha
Remove pavithram, untie and throw it away, change poonal to
right shoulder and touch the water.
* Some books say "Yesham na matha na pitha na mithra gnanthi
bandhawa" and some others say "yesham na pitha na bratha na
puthro na anya gothrina"
17. Brahmarpanam
Offer a hand full of water chanting.
Om Tat sat Brahmarpanamasthu
Do Aachamanam.
Summary Meaning in English of various Manthras used in
Tharpanam
1. Aachamanam
This is a preliminary purification ceremony. Gods Achutha,
Anantha and Govinda are saluted and then the self is purified by
chanting the twelve names of Vishnu.
2. Dhyanam (Vadagalai)
This is a prayer to the God Ganapathi who is supposed to remove
all obstacles on our way in performance of any rite, in this
case, Tharpanam.
i. I keep always in my mind the devotees of the Lord of the
venkata mountain as my religious teacher.
ii. With all my attention I bow before that teacher of teachers
who are the first mother and father of this world.
iii. I keep my mind on him who lies on the Adhi Sesha attended
by Bhoo devi and Lakshmi.
iv. I meditate on the dark coloured Vishnu who has four hands
and wears white silk and is always gracefully happy.
v. I bow before Vishwaksena so that what I am starting is
completed without problems.
2. Dhyanam (Thenkalai)
i. I meditate on the dark coloured Vishnu who has four hands and
wears white silk and is always gracefully happy.
ii. I bow before Vishwaksena so that what I am starting is
completed without problems.
3. Pranayamam
This manthra is a guide to a breathing exercise as also a
prayer. While chanting Om bhoo,Om Bhuva, Ogum Suva, Om Maha, om
jana, om thapa, ogum satyam we are supposed to keep the left
nostril closed and inhale through the right nostril. While
chanting, "Om tat sa vithur varenyam bargo devasya dhee mahi,
dhi yo yona prachothayad", we are supposed to close both
nostrils and hold the breath. After this the left nostril is
opened and air exhaled till the end of the manthra.
Hindus believed that that there were six holy worlds above the
earth. These along with earth are remembered in the first part.
These worlds are bhooloka, bhuvarloka, suvarloka, maharloka,
janaloka, thapaloka and satya loka. The second part is the
famous Gayathri manthram. It means
"I meditate on that savitha (the sun or the enlightenment within
ourselves) which helps us in our though process, that god which
is within me and that all engulfing power."
Or
"I meditate on the most holy shining aspect of that God, who
helps in brightening our thought process. "
Then the third part means "Om is water, it is the light, it is
the earth which gives the food, it is the air which supports
life, and it is the ether which is spread all around. It is also
the holy seven worlds. "
By touching the nose the hands are supposed to get polluted and
this is removed by touching the ears thrice.
4. Sankalpam
This is a preliminary rite in every Vedic action. We tell why we
are doing what we do and we also tell, what we are going to do
every time. In some cases like the tharpanam we also tell when
we are doing it and where.
To attain the grace of God, through destruction of sins
committed by me, praying the lord of all worlds,
i. I pray god Lakshmi pathi and mention below the auspicious
hour, day, star, moon phase, my knowledge base and the strength
of God and salute the feets of Lord Vishnu.
ii. Whether one is in pure or impure state or whatever state one
is in, just by remembering Pundarikaksha that is Lord Vishnu, I
get cleaned both outside and inside.
iii. There is no doubt that the sins committed either by mind,
or words or by action go away by remembering the names of Lord
Rama. Rama. Rama
iv. The moon phase, the day, the star, the yoga and the
happenings are all Lord Vishnu and thus the whole world is
filled with Lord Vishnu. Govinda, Govinda, Govinda.
v. In the second ionic division of lord Brahma who acted
according to the wishes of the prime God Lord Vishnu, In the
great period of the white Varaha, in the extended reign of
Vaivasvatha manu, in the 28th time period which is the first
step of Kali yuga,
At the Indian sub-continent of the Indian continent of the great
Jambu island, In the south of the Meru mountain, In the year of
the saka timeperiod starting with the year Prabhava, in the
solstice, in the season, in the month of
In the waning/waxing period of the moon, in the day of the moon
crescents, in the day, in the star, in the holy period which is
for good action, which results in good, and in the period which
has many other good properties, in the day of moon crescents, I
do oblations with thil(gingelly) and water for destruction of
all my sins and for the favour of the god, to my father whose
name is who is of the form of vasu, who belongs to the gothra,
to my grandfather whose name is who is of the form of Rudra, who
belongs to the gothra, to my great grandfather whose name is who
is of the form of adithya and who belongs to the gothra, as also
to my mother(grandmother if she mother is alive) who is of the
form of vasu and who belongs to the gothra and whose name is, to
my grandmother (great grandmother if mother is alive) who is of
the form of Rudra who belongs to the gothra
And whose name is, to my great grandmother (her mother if mother
is alive) who is of the form of Adithya and who belongs to the
Gothra and whose name is, to my maternal grandfather who is of
the form of Vasu and who belongs to the gothra and whose name
is, to my maternal great grandfather who is of the form of
Rudra, who belongs to the gothra and whose name is, to my great
grandfather of my mother who is of the form of Adithya and whose
name is, to my maternal grandmother who is of the form of vasu,
who belongs to the gotra and whose name is, to my maternal great
grandmother who is of the form of Rudra, who belongs to the
gothra and whose name is, to my great grandmother of my mother
who is of the form of adithya who belongs to the gothra and
whose name is. for their perennial satisfaction,
5. Avahanam (For my father’s side)
i. Hey revered manes, who have observed soma yaga, please travel
through the royal path, and take part in this rite, which has
been adopted by your ancestors. And bless me with children
wealth and long life,
ii. Om is the sound of the holy lands, which are above this
earth.
iii. I meditate on my father, grandfather, great grandfather
whose names are
who were belonged to the gothra and whose respective forms are
that of Vasu, rudhra and adhithya and my mother, grandmother and
great grandmother whose names are who belonged to the gothra and
whose respective forms are that of Vasu, Rudhra and Adhithya and
request them to occupy this koorcham.
6. Asanam (For my father’s side)
i. Hey leaves of Durbha plant, I spread thine very soft leaves,
which were only cut once here so that my manes can sit on you.
Let my father, grandfather, great grandfather who are of the
form of the moon sit on you along with their companions.
ii. I give seat to my father, grandfather, great grandfather and
my mother, grandmother and great grandmother and worship them
with gingelly.
7. Avahanam (For my maternal grandfather's side)
i. Hey revered manes, who have observed soma yaga, please travel
through the royal path, and take part in this rite, which has
been adopted by your ancestors. And bless me with children
wealth and long life,
ii. Om is the sound of the holy lands, which are above this
earth.
iii. I meditate on my maternal grandfather, maternal great
grandfather, grandfather of maternal grandfather whose names are
who were belonged to the gothra and whose respective forms are
that of Vasu, rudhra and adhithya and my maternal grandmother,
maternal great grandmother and grandmother of maternal
grandfather whose names are who belonged to the
gothra and whose respective forms are that of Vasu, Rudhra and
Adhithya and request them to occupy this koorcham.
8. Asanam (For my maternal grandfathers side)
i. Hey leaves of Durbha plant, I spread thine very soft leaves,
which were only cut once here so that my manes can sit on you.
Let my maternal grandfather, maternal great grandfather,
grandfather of maternal grandfather who are of the form of the
moon sit on you along with their companions.
ii. I give seat to my maternal grandfather, maternal great
grandfather, grandfather of my maternal grandfather and my
maternal grandmother, maternal great grandmother and grandmother
of my maternal grandfather and worship them with gingelly.
9. Oblations to paternal ancestors
a. Oblations to father
i. Let all those manes who are in the earth because they did not
perform dutiful rites. Those manes who are great because they
carried out fire sacrifices and those of average stature because
they performed the rites prescribed to them, receive my
oblations and bless me. Let those who do not trouble and know
about the rites that I perform save me. I offer this oblation of
this food mixed with water to my father whose name is and who is
born in the gothra and who is the form of vasu.
ii. Our manes who are known by names such as Angeeras, atharwas,
and brugus,are of very great character and they all have great
affection to their descendents. Let them who should be
worshipped by doing fire sacrifices be is our mind doing good
and bless us. I offer this oblation of this food mixed with
water to my father whose name is and who is born in the gothra
and who is the form of vasu.
iii. Let my manes who have not done fire sacrifices but have
reached pithru loka arrive here by the path taken by Gods. Let
them get satisfied by this offering of food mixed with water and
let them talk good of us in the other world and bless us with
further and further progress. I offer this oblation of this food
mixed with water to my father whose name is and who is born in
the gothra and who is the form of vasu.
b. Oblations to grandfather
i. Hey gods who love water, carry suitable food, nectar, ghee,
blood and toddy to my manes if by chance they are born as men,
tree, creeper and men of the lower caste and make it suitable
food for them and also become food for them. I offer this
oblation of this food mixed with water to my grandfather whose
name is and who is born in the gothra and who is the form of
Rudra.
ii. I salute my father, grandfather and great grandfather who
like the food called swadha which is mixed with water and offer
them the food which is swadha. I offer this oblation of this
food mixed with water to my grandfather whose name is and who is
born in the gothra and who is the form of Rudra.
iii. Hey God of fire who is all knowing, You know my manes who
are present here, who are not present here, those who are known
to me because they departed not long ago, those are not known to
me,. Please take this food with water, which I am offering to
them and let all my manes become happy. I offer this oblation of
this food mixed with water to my grandfather whose name is and
who is born in the gothra and who is the form of Rudra
c. Oblations to great grandfather
i. Let air do me (who is offering these oblations) good and
rivers and medicinal plants give me sweetness I offer this
oblation of this food mixed with water to my great grandfather
whose name is and who is born in the gothra and who is the form
of Adhithya.
ii. Let night and day do me good. Let earth give me sweetness
and very good quality food. Let the sky, which is like my father
not trouble me with no rain or excess rain and grant me pure
pleasure. I offer this oblation of this food mixed with water to
my great grandfather whose name is and who is born in the gothra
and who is the form of Adhithya.
iii. Let trees bless me by giving fruits. Let Sun god give me
energy without much hot weather. Let cows give me sweet milk. I
offer this oblation of this food mixed with water to my great
grandfather whose name is and who is born in the gothra and who
is the form of adhitya.
d. e. f. Mother, grandmother, great grandmother
Three oblations each are offered without any "riks(prayer chant)
to the lady ancestors with the manthra
"I offer this oblation of this food mixed with water to my
mother (grandmother, great grandmother) whose name is and who is
born in the gothra and who is the form of vasu. (Rudra for
grandmother, Adithya for great grandmother. ) "
10. Oblations to unknown manes of the father's side
This is offered thrice with the chant.
"I offer this swadha food which is mixed with water to my known
and unknown manes of my paternal side. "
Hey gods who love water, carry suitable food, nectar, ghee,
blood and toddy to my manes if by chance they are born as men,
tree, creeper and men of the lower caste and make it suitable
food for them and also become food for them. Oh manes please get
satisfied, please get satisfied and please get satisfied.
The Tharpanam for the manes of the maternal grandfather side (11
and 12) is same as that of paternal side except the manes of the
maternal grandfathers side are mentioned so as to avoid
repetition this meaning is not given.
13. Pradakshinam
Salutations to gods, manes and great sages.
Salutations to food, fire sacrifice daily
The meaning of the alternate manthra:
Oh manes salutations,
To your spirit,
Your strength,
Your soul,
Your food, which is swadha,
Your anger,
And your strong punishment.
Let those people whom you are with,
Obey you.
You kindly do as per our wishes.
Please be friends to those whom you are
Within Pithru loka and be a good home for them.
For those who are in this earth,
Let me a good home.
14. Namaskaram (Salutations)
Salutations to father - grandfather and great grandfather,
Salutations to mother - grandmother - great grandmother
Salutations to maternal grandfather, his father and his
grandfather
Salutations to maternal grandmother, maternal great grandmother
and great grandmother of maternal grandfather.
The meaning of alternate manthra.
Oh manes who are great in blessing and in action,
Be pleased to depart by either the old way
or through the land of yama or any other way,
Please grant us wealth and good luck.
Please tell the Vasu, adhithya and devathas,
About the food that I offered you.
15. Udwasanam
This is the same as Avahana manthra except that the manes are
asked to go their place and are requested to come again and
again.
16. Sarva Tharpanam (general oblations)
Let all those manes who do not have mother, father, friends,
others of their family or even others belonging to other gotras
to do tharpanam for them partake this water mixed with gingely
and be satisfied. , be satisfied, be satisfied.
17. Brahmarpanam
I do give all this to the great god Brahma so that faults are
pardoned.
Appendix:
1. Names of Nakshatras in Sanskrit for Sankalpa
S. No. Tamil
Malayalam Sanskrit
1. Aswathi Aswini
Aswini
2. Bharani Bharani
Apabharani
3. Karthigai Karthiga
Kruthiga
4. Rohini Rohini
Rohinee
5. Mriga Siarm Mageeram
Mriga Seersha
6. Thiruvathirai
Thiruvathira Arudhra
7. Punarpoosam Punartham
Punarvasu
8. Poosam Pooyam
Pushya
9. Ayilyam Ayilyam
Aslesha
10. Magam Makam
Magha
11. Pooram Pooram
Poorva Phalguni
12. Uthiram Uthram
Uthra Phalguni
13. Haastham Atham
Hastha
14. Chithirai Chithra
Chitra
15. Swathi Swathi
Swathi
16. Vishagam Vishakam
Vishaka
17. Anusham Anizham
Anuradha
18. Kettai Ketta
Jyeshta
19.. Moolam Moolam
Moola
20. Pooradam Pooradam
Poorvashada
21. Uthradam Uthradam
Uthrashada
22. Thiruvonam Thiruvonam
Sravana
23. Avittam Avittam
Sravishta
24. Chathayam Chathayam
Satha bishak
25. Poororattathi
Poororattathi Poorva proshta pada
26. Uthrattathi Uthrattathi
Uthara proshtapada
27. Revathy Revathy
Revathee
2. Names of Days of Week in Sanskrit for Sankalpa
1. Sunday
Bhanuvasara
2. Monday
Induvasara
3. Tuesday Bhouma
vasara
4. Wednesday Soumya
vasara
5. Thursday Guru
vasara
6. Friday Brugu
vasara
7. Saturday
Sthiravasara
3. Names of Months in Sanskrit for Sankalpa:
S. No. Tamil Malayalam
Sanskrit
1. Chitthirai Medam
Mesham
2. Vaikasi Edavam
Rishabha
3. Aani Midhunam
Midhuna
4. Aadi Karkidagam
Karkada
5. Aavani Chingam
Simham
6. Puratasi Kanni
Kanya
7. Iyppasi Thulam
Thula
8. Karthigai Vrischigam
Vrucchiga
9. Margazhi Dhanu
Dhanu
10. Thai Makaram
Makara
11. Masi Kumbham
Kumbha
12. Panguni Meenam
Meena
4. Names of the Seasons:
S. No. Sanskrit
Tamil Malayalam
1. Vasantha Ruthu
Chithirai-Vaikasi Medam-edavam
2. Greeshma Rithu Aani-Aadi
Mithunam-karkidagam
3. Varsha Rithu
Aavani-purattasi Chingam-Kanni
4. Sarad Rithu
Ippasi-Karthigai Thulam-Vrischigam
5. Hemantha Rithu
Margazhi-Thai Dhanu-Makaram
6. Sishira Rithu
Maasi-Panguni Kumbham-Meenam