Why Black Sesame Til is Absolutely Essential in Pitru Tarpan

Namaste,

We often perform rituals, following the ways of our elders, but sometimes, the deeper meaning, the ‘why’ behind a particular practice, remains shrouded. Kala Til, the black sesame seed. Why is it so omnipresent, so utterly indispensable in the rites we perform for our departed Pitṛs (ancestors)?

Understand the role of Til in Tarpan, and it is a most worthy quest. This is not mere superstition or arbitrary custom. The inclusion of black sesame in ancestral offerings like Tarpan (libations) and Shraddha (food offerings) is deeply embedded in the wisdom of our sacred Puranas, reflecting a profound understanding of cosmic energies and the needs of souls in the afterlife.

The Indispensable Seed: Unveiling Why Black Sesame (Kala Til) is Essential in Pitru Tarpan

Our relationship with our ancestors is not severed by death; it transforms. They become Pitṛs, residing in Pitṛ Loka, and they continue to watch over us, their descendants. During Pitrupaksha, the veil between our world and theirs thins, allowing our offerings and remembrance to reach them more effectively. And in this sacred transaction, black sesame seeds play a starring, non-negotiable role. To understand this, we must first appreciate the sacredness attributed to Til itself in our scriptures.

Divine Origins: The Sacred Birth of Sesame (Til)

Unlike ordinary grains cultivated solely for sustenance, sesame seeds boast a divine origin story, elevating them far beyond the mundane. The revered Garuda Purana contains a fascinating revelation: it speaks of sesame seeds originating from the very perspiration of Lord Vishnu! Imagine, my children, a substance so pure, so potent, that it sprang forth from the divine body during cosmic exertion. This origin imbues Til with an inherent sanctity.

The Skanda Purana further extols its virtues, declaring gingelly seeds (sesame) as “unparalleled in sacredness.” It states they facilitate piety (puṇya), prosperity (dhana), and even salvation (mokṣa). It doesn’t merely suggest Til is beneficial; it proclaims its supremacy in sacred contexts. The Purana mentions that sesame seeds – whether black, white, or tawny (like cow’s urine) – possess the remarkable power to “burn sins.” Therefore, offering Til, or gifting it (Til Dāna), is considered one of the most meritorious acts one can perform.

This divine origin story isn’t just a myth; it’s a symbolic teaching emphasizing that certain elements in nature are inherently imbued with spiritual power and are designated conduits for specific divine energies or purposes. Til is one such element.

Why Black Sesame? The Specific Choice for Ancestral Rites

While all sesame is sacred, black sesame (Kala Til / कृष्ण तिल) holds a particular affinity with ancestral rites. White sesame (shweta til), conversely, is generally preferred for rituals honouring the Devas (Gods). Why this distinction? The reasons are multi-layered, reflecting ancient wisdom about colours, energies, and the realms beyond:

1. Connection to Shani and Yama: Black is the colour associated with Lord Shani (Saturn) and Lord Yama (the God of Death and Dharma). Lord Shani governs karma, discipline, and the passage of time, while Lord Yama presides over the realm of the dead and ensures cosmic order. Offering black sesame is believed to appease these powerful deities, seeking their favour for the peaceful passage and well-being of the departed ancestors residing within Yama’s domain or influenced by karmic patterns governed by Shani.
2. Absorptive and Protective Qualities: Black, as a colour, is known for its absorptive properties. Energetically, black sesame is believed to absorb negative energies, psychic impurities, and obstacles (vighnas) that might hinder the ancestors’ journey or the efficacy of the ritual itself. The Garuda Purana explicitly mentions sesame’s power to destroy evil spirits (rākṣasas), highlighting this protective function. It acts as a spiritual purifier and shield.
3. Nourishing the Subtle Body: While the physical body perishes, the subtle body (sūkṣma śarīra) continues its journey. Ancestors in Pitṛ Loka are believed to experience subtle forms of hunger and thirst. Black sesame, charged with mantras and the performer’s devotion (bhakti), is thought to provide potent energetic nourishment (tṛpti or satisfaction) directly to these subtle bodies, unlike ordinary food.
4. Symbolism of Dissolution and Transcendence: Black can also symbolize the dissolution of the material form and the transcendence of the earthly plane. Offering black sesame acknowledges the ancestors’ transition beyond the world of light and form, honouring their current state of existence.
5. Puranic Injunctions: Crucially, the Puranas themselves often specify black or simply gingelly (which contextually implies black for Pitṛs) when discussing ancestral rites. The Linga Purana clearly states rites for Pitṛs use water mixed with gingelly seeds. The Skanda Purana’s caution about using white sesame on certain prohibited days (if sesame must be used at all then) further implies black is the default for regular ancestral offerings.

Therefore, the choice of black sesame is deliberate, aligning the offering with the specific energies and needs associated with the ancestral realm.

The Crucial Role of Til in Tarpan and Associated Pitru Rituals

Having established the sacredness and specific relevance of black sesame, let’s explore its practical application – the undeniable role of Til in Tarpan and other ancestral ceremonies as mandated by our scriptures. It’s not just an additive; it’s often the defining ingredient.

1. In Tarpan Libations (Tilodakam – तिलोदकम्)

This is perhaps the most widely known use. Tarpan involves offering water libations to satisfy various beings, but Pitru Tarpan specifically requires water mixed with black sesame seeds. This mixture is often referred to as Tilodakam.

• The Offering: The performer takes water mixed with black sesame seeds in their joined hands (or right hand) and offers it, allowing the water to flow through the Pitr Tirtha (the space between the thumb and index finger), while invoking the names and gotras of the ancestors and uttering “Tṛpyatām” (May they be satisfied).
• Puranic Support: The Brahma Purana mentions performing Tarpan to Devas, Pitrs, and others with gingelly seeds and water, conferring great merit. The Padma Purana touchingly states that merely by offering ten sesame seeds (in the water), the ancestors (manes) become exceedingly pleased. The Garuda Purana declares that Tarpan performed with gingelly seeds yields “everlasting benefit” (akṣaya phala).
• The Function: The Til here acts as the primary agent carrying the essence of the water, the performer’s reverence, and the vibrational energy of the mantras directly to the Pitṛs, providing them with essential subtle sustenance and peace. The fundamental role of Til in Tarpan here is that of a sacred medium and nourisher.

2. In Shraddha Offerings (Pinda Daan – पिण्ड दान)

Shraddha is a more elaborate ritual, often performed on the death anniversary (tithi) or during Pitrupaksha, which typically includes offering food, especially rice balls known as Pindas.

• The Practice: Black sesame seeds are invariably mixed into the Pindas or sprinkled upon them before being offered.
• Puranic Support: The Skanda Purana gives powerful assurances: “By the offering of balls of gingelly seeds etc. at the time of Shradh… all forefathers who might have resorted to prohibited activities attain the desired goal.” It even emphasizes, “A single grain of gingelly seed given along with the libation of water for the sake of the dead person becomes fruitful.” This highlights that even a minuscule amount carries immense significance.
• The Function: Mixing Til into the food offerings sanctifies them, makes them more potent and acceptable to the ancestors, and infuses them with the protective and nourishing qualities of the seeds. It elevates the offering beyond mere physical food.

3. As Sacred Gifts (Til Dāna – तिल दान)

Gifting (Dāna) is a cornerstone of Dharma, and gifting sesame seeds, particularly black sesame, during Pitrupaksha or in relation to ancestral rites, is highly recommended.

• The Practice: Donating black sesame seeds, often along with other items like clothing, food grains, or Dakshina (money), especially to worthy Brahmins or the needy, in the name of one’s ancestors.
• Puranic Support: The Skanda Purana makes astonishing claims about the power of Til Dāna, stating that gifting gingelly seeds along with gold “destroys even the sin of Brāhmaṇa-slaughter.” While this is hyperbolic language emphasizing the immense merit, it underscores the extraordinary purifying power attributed to this act.
• The Function: This act of charity performed with Til benefits the ancestors by generating positive merit (punya) on their behalf, potentially alleviating any negative karmic residues they might carry. It also brings blessings upon the donor.

4. For Purification (Snāna / Lepa – स्नान / लेप)

Sesame’s purifying qualities extend to physical application as well.

• The Practice: Using sesame paste for bathing or smearing on the body during specific auspicious times related to ancestral worship, or using water mixed with Til for ritual bathing.
• Puranic Support: The Agni Purana describes rites like Tiladvadashi (a specific 12th lunar day dedicated to Til) where bathing (snāna) and oblations (homa) are performed with sesamum. It suggests smearing the body with gingelly paste instead of cosmetic unguents and using Til water for bathing on such occasions.
• The Function: This practice purifies the performer’s body and mind, making them a fitter vessel for performing the sacred rites. It aligns the individual’s energy with the sanctity of the occasion.

5. In Homa (Sacred Fire Ritual – होम)

Offering Til into a consecrated fire (Agni) is another powerful way to honour ancestors.

• The Practice: Offering oblations of black sesame seeds, often mixed with ghee and other samagri (ritual ingredients), into the sacred fire while chanting specific mantras invoking the ancestors.
• Puranic Support: The Skanda Purana mentions performing Homa with gingelly seeds as a meritorious act. Agni is the divine messenger (Devadūta), carrying the essence of offerings to the intended recipients, whether Devas or Pitṛs.
• The Function: The fire transmutes the physical offering into subtle energy, which Agni then delivers to the ancestors. Offering Til in Homa is a potent way to convey nourishment and respect.

Scriptural Emphasis: The Unmistakable Importance of Til

The Puranas don’t just mention Til; they repeatedly emphasize its paramount importance in unequivocal terms.

• Destroyer of Obstacles: The Skanda Purana calls gingelly seeds “destructive of enemies” (śatru-nāśana) and “destructive of sins” (pāpa-nāśana). This implies they remove obstacles, both external and internal (karmic), that might hinder the well-being of the ancestors or the descendants.
• Supreme Merit: The same Purana cites Til as the “first among all meritorious things” (sarva-puṇyāgre) and declares they “bestow special benefit and facilitate salvation” (viśeṣataḥ śreyaskaraṃ mokṣa-sādhanam).
• Purifying Power: The Garuda Purana‘s statement that sesame is sacred (pavitra) and destroys evil spirits (rakṣoghna) reinforces its role in ensuring the sanctity and safety of the ritual space and the participants.

These are not casual remarks; they are profound declarations about the inherent spiritual potency of Til, especially in the context of dealing with the subtle realms and karmic purification, both central themes in ancestral rites. Understanding the role of Til in Tarpan means understanding this inherent power.

The Energetic Bridge: How Til Connects Worlds

From a subtle energy perspective, think of black sesame seeds as tiny spiritual batteries or transmitters. When charged with the sacred water, the performer’s focused intention (sankalpa), devotion (bhakti), and the power of mantras, they become capable of crossing the veil between the physical world (Bhū Loka) and the ancestral realm (Pitṛ Loka).

• Resonance: Their inherent nature resonates with the frequency of the Pitṛs.
• Carrier Wave: They act as a carrier wave for the subtle essence of the water and the performer’s prayers and emotions (gratitude, love, repentance).
• Alleviating Pitru Dosha: By satisfying the ancestors and providing them peace, regular and correct performance of Tarpan and Shraddha with Til can help alleviate Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions) reflected in a person’s astrological chart, which can manifest as various life difficulties. Pleased ancestors bestow blessings (āśīrvāda).

Conclusion: Embracing the Sacred Power of Kala Til

So, the use of black sesame (Kala Til) in Pitru Tarpan is far from incidental. It is an absolutely essential component, validated by its divine origins recounted in the Puranas, its specific energetic properties aligning it with the ancestral realm, and its multifaceted role in Tarpan, Shraddha, Dāna, purification, and Homa.

The Garuda Purana, Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Agni Purana, among others, consistently highlight the unique ability of Til to nourish, purify, protect, and transmit offerings to our departed loved ones, ensuring their satisfaction (tṛpti) and facilitating their peaceful journey.

When you next perform Pitru Tarpan, hold those tiny black seeds in your hand not just as grains, but as sacred keys endowed with Puranic significance. Mix them with pure water, infuse them with your heartfelt prayers and gratitude, and offer them with the understanding that you are participating in a timeless, potent ritual that bridges worlds. Let the profound role of Til in Tarpan deepen your connection to your roots.

May your sincere offerings reach your ancestors, may they attain peace and contentment, and may their benevolent blessings forever flow towards you and your family, ensuring health, harmony, and spiritual upliftment for generations to come.

|| पितृ देवो भव ||
|| कल्याणमस्तु ||