The Power of Til: Why Black Sesame Seeds Are Crucial in Shradh Rituals

Pranaam,

Til, the humble sesame seed, specifically the black variety, and its place in the profound rituals of Shradh. These tiny seeds, dark as the night sky, hold within them an ocean of significance, deeply intertwined with our connection to the Pitris, our revered ancestors. Let us explore the enduring power and crucial black sesame seeds Shradh significance, drawing light from the wisdom of our ancient Puranas.

The Power of Til: Why Black Sesame Seeds Are Crucial in Shradh Rituals

In the intricate tapestry of Shradh rituals, where every element holds symbolic weight and spiritual purpose, black sesame seeds (Krishna Til) stand out for their ubiquitous presence and profound impact. They are offered in water libations (Tarpan), sometimes mixed into the Pindas, scattered on the sacred ground, and given as gifts (Daan). This isn’t mere custom; it’s a practice rooted in divine origins, potent purifying properties, and the ability to grant deep satisfaction (tripti) to our ancestors. Understanding the black sesame seeds Shradh connection is essential for appreciating the depth and efficacy of these ancestral rites.

Divine Origins: Til Sprung from Lord Vishnu’s Being

Like many sacred elements used in our rituals, the reverence for Til begins with its divine genesis.

• Born from Vishnu’s Perspiration: The esteemed Garuda Purana and the vast Skanda Purana recount a fascinating origin. While Darbha grass sprang from the hairs of Lord Vishnu during His Varaha Avatar, these sacred black sesame seeds are said to have originated from His very perspiration (sveda) during moments of cosmic effort or deep meditation.
• Inherent Sanctity: Consider this, my child: anything emanating directly from the body of Bhagavan Vishnu carries His divine energy and inherent purity. This sacred origin instantly elevates Til beyond a mere agricultural product. It becomes a substance imbued with spiritual potency, uniquely suited for bridging the earthly and ancestral realms during Shradh. Using Til is akin to incorporating a fragment of divinity into the ritual itself.

Potent Purifiers: Dispelling Negativity and Absolving Sins

Shradh is a time when the veil between worlds is thin, and ensuring purity (shuddhi) is paramount. Black sesame seeds are renowned for their powerful purifying capabilities.

• Destroyers of Negative Influences: The Garuda Purana explicitly states that sesame (Til) is held sacred and possesses the power to destroy evil spirits or negative entities (Rakshasas, Asuras). In rituals where we invoke subtle beings like our ancestors, creating a protected and pure environment is crucial. Til acts as a spiritual shield, warding off disturbances. This resonates with practices mentioned in texts like the Agni Purana, where mustard seeds (similar in protective function) are used to repel demonic influences during sacrifices.
• Absolution of Sins: The Garuda Purana further mentions that sesame can help burn away the sins (paapa) committed by the deceased. Our offerings in Shradh aim not only to nourish but also to aid the departed souls in their onward journey, liberating them from karmic burdens. The purifying energy of Til contributes significantly to this process, helping to cleanse residual negative karma associated with the ancestors.
• The Three Pure Things: Underscoring its purity, the Skanda Purana lists “sesamum-seed” as one of the three supremely pure things in a Shradh ceremony, alongside sacrificial grass (Darbha) and the sesamum plant itself. This tripartite classification highlights its fundamental role in maintaining ritual sanctity.

Essential Ingredient in Tarpan: Quenching the Ancestral Thirst

Tarpan, the ritual offering of water, is a core component of Shradh, symbolizing the quenching of the Pitris’ thirst and offering them respect and sustenance. Black sesame seeds are almost invariably included in this offering.

• Mandatory for Pitri Tarpan: The Brahma Purana notes the general practice of performing Tarpan with gingelly seeds (sesame) and water for Devas, Rishis, and Pitris. More specifically for ancestral rites, the Skanda Purana advises that Tarpan for the Manes (Pitris) must be performed using Darbha grass held in the hand and gingelly seeds mixed with the water. The combination is crucial.
• Ensuring Satisfaction (Tripti): The inclusion of Til is believed to transform the simple water offering into a profoundly satisfying libation for the Pitris. It adds a subtle energetic nourishment that they can readily absorb, bringing them deep contentment (tripti). Pleasing the ancestors is a primary goal of Shradh, and Til is a key ingredient in achieving this.
• Ritual Precision: The Skanda Purana even provides specific cautions, such as avoiding gingelly seeds for libations on certain days like Sundays or specific solar transits (Sankranti), or preferring white sesame if unavoidable on restricted days. This level of detail emphasizes that the use and type of sesame are not arbitrary but follow specific ritual injunctions, proving the black sesame seeds Shradh importance.

Presence in Pinda Daan and Other Offerings

While Tarpan is a prominent use, the significance of Til extends to other aspects of the Shradh ceremony.

• Incorporation in Pindas: Though not universally mandated in every single scriptural description of Pinda preparation, black sesame seeds are very commonly mixed into the rice balls offered to the ancestors. Their purifying and nourishing properties enhance the potency of the Pinda.
• Scattering on the Vedi: Til seeds are often scattered on the consecrated ground (vedi) where the Shradh is performed, further purifying the space and invoking auspiciousness.
• Part of General Pitri Rites: The overarching principle is that Til is beneficial in all rites concerning the Pitris. As the Skanda Purana emphasizes its purity and merit in Shradh, its presence is felt throughout the various stages of the ceremony.

Source of Immense Merit (Punya) and Ancestral Blessings

Offering black sesame seeds during Shradh is not just ritually correct; it is considered an act of great merit (punya) that benefits both the ancestors and the performer.

• Pleasing the Ancestors: The Skanda Purana repeatedly states that performing Shradh and offering libations with gingelly seeds and water greatly pleases the ancestors. A satisfied ancestor bestows blessings upon their descendants.
• Liberation and Dispelling Sins: The offering of Til is linked to liberation. The Skanda Purana mentions that offering even a specific measure (Drona) of gingelly seeds with the appropriate mantra can sever bonds (bandhan) and dispel sins (paapa). This benefit extends to the performer as well.
• Aiding Troubled Souls: Remarkably, the Skanda Purana suggests that by offering balls made purely of gingelly seeds during Shradh, even ancestors who may have committed transgressions (prohibited actions) can attain their desired spiritual goals. This highlights Til’s potent ability to aid souls regardless of their past karma.

Amplified Benefits on Auspicious Occasions

The merit of using black sesame seeds in Shradh is further amplified when performed on specific astrologically significant days.

• Amavasya (New Moon) Significance: The Skanda Purana highlights that a Shradh performed on a Monday coinciding with the new moon day (Somvati Amavasya) yields everlasting benefits. On such occasions, the use of Til in Tarpan and other offerings is standard practice and considered especially potent. Amavasya is generally a day dedicated to Pitri rites, making Til offerings particularly relevant.
• Chaturmasya Period: The sacred four-month period of Chaturmasya is also emphasized in the Skanda Purana. Using gingelly seeds in offerings and donations during this time is said to bestow all happiness and destroy sins, making its inclusion in any Shradh performed during this period highly meritorious.

Tiladhenu: The Gift of Sesame Seeds

The high value placed on sesame seeds in ancestral rites is perhaps best exemplified by the practice of donating Tiladhenu.

• The Sesame Cow: The Skanda Purana describes the pious act of gifting Tiladhenu – a symbolic representation of a cow made primarily from a large quantity of sesame seeds (often black), along with other items like ghee, sugar, and cloth, gifted to a worthy Brahmin.
• Immense Heavenly Merit: The Purana states that the giver of a Tiladhenu is honoured in the heavenly realms (svarga loka) for as many thousands of years as there are sesame seeds in the offering. This illustrates the immense spiritual currency attributed to these seeds when offered with faith, particularly in the context of pleasing the Pitris and seeking merit.

Why Specifically Black Sesame Seeds for Shradh?

While white sesame seeds also have their uses (often preferred for Deva rites), black sesame seeds hold specific significance for Pitri rituals:

• Association with Shani and Yama: Black is associated with Lord Shani (Saturn) and Lord Yama (the God of Death and Dharma), who governs the ancestral realm. Using black Til is believed to appease these deities and facilitate the smooth passage and well-being of the Pitris.
• Absorption of Negativity: Black colour is traditionally associated with the ability to absorb negative energies. Offering black Til is thought to help absorb and neutralize any lingering negativity or suffering associated with the ancestors.
• Puranic Emphasis: As seen in the references, the Puranas often implicitly or explicitly refer to the dark variety when discussing Pitri Tarpan and Shradh offerings, solidifying the tradition.

Table: Summary of Black Sesame Seeds (Til) Significance in Shradh

Conclusion: Embracing the Sacred Power of Til

Therefore, never underestimate the power packed within these tiny black sesame seeds. Born from the divine, endowed with potent purifying capabilities, essential for the satisfying Tarpan of our ancestors, and a source of immense merit, Til is undeniably crucial in Shradh. The black sesame seeds Shradh connection is deeply affirmed by our sacred Puranas, particularly the Garuda and Skanda Puranas.

Their inclusion ensures the ritual’s sanctity, efficacy, and ability to truly reach and benefit our departed loved ones. Use them with reverence, understanding their profound purpose, and let their sacred power strengthen the bridge of love and duty connecting you to your Pitris.

||ॐ पितृ देवताभ्यो नमः ||