Namaste,
When offering the sacred water (jala) during Tarpan to our revered ancestors (Pitṛs), how many times offer water Tarpan is the correct measure? It is a detail rooted in the profound wisdom of our ancient scriptures, designed to ensure the offerings are made with propriety and respect, aligning with the specific energies we are invoking.
As a humble servant who has spent lifetimes immersed in the study and practice of our traditions, drawing wisdom from the sacred Puranas, I shall endeavour to illuminate this for you. The number of offerings is not arbitrary; it reflects a cosmic understanding articulated in texts like the Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, and Garuda Purana.
The Sacred Count: How Many Times Should Water Be Offered in Tarpan Rituals?
In the performance of Tarpan, we acknowledge different categories of beings to whom we owe respect and gratitude: the Devas (Gods), the Rishis (Sages), and the Pitṛs (Ancestors). Our scriptures often differentiate the manner of offering, including the number of libations, for each category. This distinction is crucial for understanding the correct procedure for our ancestors.
The Foundational Principle: One, Two, Three Añjalis
The clearest guidance on the basic count comes from the Varaha Purana and the Skanda Purana. They establish a fundamental principle regarding the number of handfuls of water (añjali – अञ्जलि) offered:
- Devas (Gods): One añjali of water is sufficient.
- Rishis (Sages): Two añjalis of water are prescribed.
- Pitṛs (Ancestors): Three añjalis of water are the customary offering.
The Varaha Purana explicitly states: “In propitiating the gods, sages and manes, the number of handfuls of water is said to be respectively one, two and three.” The Skanda Purana echoes this precisely: “Devis desire one handful of water libation, sages like Sanaka desire two, and the Pitrs desire three handfuls.”
This threefold offering to the ancestors is the most widely accepted and practiced standard based on these direct Puranic injunctions. It signifies a complete and respectful measure specifically designated for the Pitṛs.
Delving Deeper: Three Times Per Ancestor?
The Varaha Purana provides further valuable detail, especially relevant when performing Tarpan for specific, named ancestors. It mentions performing Tarpan at a sacred bathing spot (Tīrtha) while standing in water, offering water mixed with sesame (til). Here, it specifies offering “three times for each of the manes, uttering their Gotra and name along with ‘Svadha’ and the prayer ‘may my manes be pleased’.”
- Implication: This suggests that the “three offerings” rule applies per individual ancestor being invoked. If you are performing Tarpan and specifically naming your father, then grandfather, then great-grandfather, you would ideally offer three añjalis for each of them individually.
- Calculation: Thus, for the primary paternal line (Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather), this would amount to 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 offerings. Similarly, for the maternal line (Maternal Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Great-great-grandfather), another 9 offerings would be made.
- General Offering: If making a general offering to all ancestors collectively (using a mantra like “Om Pitṛbhyo Namaḥ”), making three añjalis would suffice as a representation.
This detail from the Varaha Purana explains why some elaborate Tarpan procedures involve numerous offerings – they are accounting for multiple individual ancestors within the lineage, applying the “three times each” rule.
Contextual Variations: Specific Rituals and Deities
Our ritual tradition is rich and diverse, and sometimes specific contexts call for different counts.
- Yama Tarpan: The Skanda Purana provides an excellent example. When detailing a specific ritual offering libations to Lord Yama (the God of Death, closely associated with the Pitṛs), it instructs offering “three handfuls of water with gingelly seeds with each of the fourteen names/mantras dedicated to Yama.” Here, the count is determined by the number of mantras or names being recited (14 names x 3 offerings = 42 offerings in total for this specific Yama Tarpan). This shows that while the baseline for a Pitṛ is three, specific deity invocations within the ancestral sphere might follow their own numerical structure.
- Saṃkṣepa Tarpaṇa (Brief Tarpan): The Garuda Purana mentions a concise form of Tarpan. It suggests sprinkling three handfuls of water while uttering a comprehensive prayer: “May everything in the world from Brahma to a blade of grass be pleased” (ābrahma-stamba-paryantaṃ… tṛpyantu). Here, three añjalis serve as a complete, albeit brief, offering encompassing all beings, including ancestors. This again reinforces three as a significant and potent number for Tarpan.
Insights from Other Puranas
While Varaha and Skanda Puranas give the most direct answers regarding the number, other texts contribute to the overall understanding of Tarpan:
- Linga Purana: Focuses on the manner of offering to Pitṛs (facing leftward, water flowing down the right thumb – Pitṛ Tīrtha) but doesn’t specify the number in the cited verse. This detail about the hand posture complements the count.
- Garuda Purana (General): Mentions performing Tarpan to Devas, Rishis, and Pitṛs after Veda study, using “Om,” “Namah,” and “Tarpayāmi,” but doesn’t give the count in those specific verses. Its value lies in confirming Tarpan as a standard practice.
- Agni Purana: Discusses offering jalaañjali or Arghya (respectful water offering) in specific contexts like Shiva worship, using particular mantras ending in “Svāhā” (for Devas). This highlights water offerings are common but doesn’t directly address the Pitru Tarpan count.
- Brahma Purana: Mentions water libation at sunrise and during Shraddha (using both hands), but in the cited verses, it doesn’t specify the number of offerings for a general Pitru Tarpan.
These references confirm the ubiquity and importance of Tarpan but reinforce that Varaha and Skanda Puranas provide the most explicit guidance on the number of offerings for Pitṛs.
Practical Guidance: How Many Times Should You Offer Water?
So, faced with this information, how many times offer water Tarpan in your personal practice?
- For General Ancestors: If you are performing a simple, daily, or occasional Tarpan meant for all your known and unknown ancestors collectively (using a general mantra like Om Pitṛbhyo Namaḥ or Sarva Pitṛbhyo Namaḥ), offering three handfuls of water is the standard, sufficient, and scripturally supported practice. This aligns with the basic principle (Varaha, Skanda) and the brief Tarpan method (Garuda).
- For Specific Ancestors: If you are performing Tarpan during Pitrupaksha or on a specific tithi (death anniversary) and are invoking individual ancestors by name and Gotra (e.g., Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather), then offering three handfuls of water for each individual is the more traditional and complete method, as detailed in the Varaha Purana.
- Listen to Your Tradition: Sometimes, family (kula) or regional traditions might have specific customs. If you follow a particular sampradāya or family practice, it’s wise to adhere to that as well.
- Emphasis on Shradh: Remember, while the number is important for procedural correctness, the most crucial element is Shradh– faith, sincerity, devotion, and heartfelt remembrance. An offering made with true feeling, even if procedurally imperfect, carries immense weight. Conversely, mechanical offerings without feeling, even if numerically correct, may lack potency.
Conclusion: Three is the Sacred Number for Pitṛs
Navigating the beautiful intricacies of our Dharma brings great understanding. Based on the clear injunctions found predominantly in the Varaha Purana and Skanda Purana, and supported by the Garuda Purana, the customary answer to how many times offer water Tarpan for your ancestors (Pitṛs) is three. This can be interpreted as three offerings for all ancestors collectively in a simple Tarpan, or three offerings for each specific ancestor invoked in a more detailed rite.
Let this knowledge guide your practice. Whether you offer three añjalis or more based on invoking individuals, do so with a pure heart, focused mind, correct posture (facing South, using Pitṛ Tīrtha hand posture), appropriate materials (water and black sesame seeds), and sincere devotion. It is this combination that truly satisfies the Pitṛs and draws their invaluable blessings upon you and your lineage.
May your connection to your roots deepen with every sacred offering you make.
|| कल्याणमस्तु ||