All About Mahalaya Paksham - 2015

MAHALAYA PAKSHA & PRATYABDHIKA SRAADDHA
This year Manmatha varusha, the Mahalaya Paksha starts from 28 September 2015.
On the other day some one, a member of our forum, called my personal number and wanted to know if one doesn't
do (or not care to perform) the pratyaabdhika sraaddha (the annual ceremony) for his parents, but whether still
can he observe and perform Mahalaya paksha in some format or other, ie., hiranya rupa or tarpana vidhi.
Yes, he can. However, let me also add this much. Nothing can compensate or substitute the Pratyabdhika Sraaddha.
Also, one may not get the desired results if he abandons the annual sraaddha but performs the Mahalaya Paksha in
lieu, or even go to Gaya and performs the related Sraaddha karyams there as a compensation or substitute. Though
these karyams done with good intention, let me stress, he or his family can not escape from the pitru shapa.
There is no 'at least ' business as far as the annual sraaddha is concerned. Of course it is altogether different if
one's health fails or his sarira dharmam prevents him from doing the sraaddha. Sastras allow a person in that case
to observe the Sraaddha (to perform it) in a simplified manner.
Let me elaborate further.
A WORD ABOUT MAHALAYAM:
Mahalaya paksha, which is also known as 'pitru paksha' is very great and one should not think of skipping it on any
count. It is said in Sastras that this paskha has immense values and gives satisfaction to the pitrus. During the
paksha the souls of the pitrus will descend to earth in the form of spirits and will be present around their current
biological descendants to see their conditions. Hence nitya tarpana is highly recommended if possible. I may also
add that during the Mahalaya paksha one can perform the sraaddha on any convenient day, not necessarily on the
day of his father's thidhi.
But, of course, Mahaalaya paksha has some leniences and alternatives. No dosham will occur if one opts for some
permitted alternatives here. No one need to worry on this count. Paarvana Vidhanam, ie with Homam, is not
mandatory here; and it is also observed in parts of our Tamilnadu like North Arcot some people perform only
tarpanam, not even hiranya, in this Paksha; it is their desacharam. Whatever may be the format one chooses, he
can observe the niyamas/deeksha prescribed throughout the Paksha.
On a personal note, I may suggest that for whomever it is convenient and affordable they can have Brahmana
Bhojanam arranged as part of hiranya sraaddha. This can be carried out on any convenient day during this pitru
paksha.
However, let us not forget that the pratyabdhika sraaddha is entirely different from this.
PRATYABDHIKA SRAADDHA:
Our ancestors are known to have performed Pratyabdhika Sraaddha with tremendous devotion and with even more
care and diligence than the attention given to special pujas and sankalpas. In the case of puja or some venduthal
(specific commitment), my father Brahmasri Srinivasa Sastrigal used to say, if one has difficulty in fulfilling it one
can postpone it by tying a rupee coin in a yellow cloth and keep it till one gets the time and the means to do it.
But in the case of Pratyabdhika Sraaddha there is no room for such lenience or deviation. Neither it can be
postponed or advanced at our will. Sraaddha cannot be done differently from the laid down process.
FOR WHOSE SATISFACTION?
This Pratyabdhika Sraaddha is performed on the same day, known as thithi of the month (as per the Hindu
calendar) every year from the second year onwards. The word Sraaddha comes from Sraddha () meaning
concentration and care. Through the performance of a Pratyabdhika Sraaddha, we reach satisfaction and happiness,
through several rites which are part and parcel of the sraaddha, to a host of Godly persons.
The pitrus who always bless us

Viswedevas, a section of devas who accompany pitrus
Agni Deva, who participates in the Homa
Devas, who are immensely satisfied wherever bhojana (food) is offered to Brahmins
People who are consigned to hell, and cannot have opportunity for satisfaction other than through pinda pradana
and vikiranna, which are offered during a Sraaddha
Persons aspiring for pitruloka and unable to attain it

Other pitrus who are unknown to the Karta
This Pratyabdhika sraaddha, annual ceremony, is great and very powerful. We should develop the faith that pitrus
are with us, they can be contacted and we can communicate with them. They are an anga (section) of Devas and
can bless us like Devas. Pitrus are gentle persons who can only do good, and who in fact want to do as much good
as they can for people of their Gotra. Satisfaction of the pitrus is said to confer many benefits on the Karta
healthy family, procreation, wealth, wisdom and eminence in life and after-life.
Pitrus shaapa (curse)
We must always be conscious of our Dharmika karma, our religious duty. Increasingly we see instances of Sastrigal
being denigrated, skipping Sraaddha on some lame excuse etc. Such behaviour amounts to ingratitude and is
unpardonable. Cantankerous arguments on the irrelevance of karmas like Sraaddha in this day and age are to be
avoided, and in any case people putting forth such ideas are not interested in the explanations.
Such persons may want to remember that their behaviour can invoke pitru shaapa or the curse of pitrus. The
Sastras say that pitrus may not even utter a curse they only have to heave a sigh of petulance or unhappiness,
and that can have the impact of a curse.
Most of the members of this forum are very well informed about the topic mentioned above. I am sure my attempt
in this regard is like carrying lignite to Neyveli or carrying Cauvery water to Coorg.
Mahalayapaksha also known as Pitr paksha lasts for 15 days. This year this paksha commences on Sunday the 30 th
of September, 2012 (pratama thithi or padyami) and it ends on 15th of October (Amavasy Thithi). Normally It
occurs in Kanyamasam, that is, when the Sun is posited (placed)in the Kanya Rasi(Virgo). This month is also known
as Bhadrapada (In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat calendars) and as Ashwin as per North
India Calendar.
According to Tamil Panchangam, Mahalayapaksham commences in 'Avani' month itself and ends during 'Purattasi'
month in some years, whereas it generally falls in the month of Purattasi in most of the years. Nevertheless,
pitrpaksha precedes SAradA NavarAtri irrespective of the month in which it falls. As the name Pitr Paksha itself
indicates, this fortnight is exclusive meant for propiating or worshipping our dead ancestors or manes or pitrs.
Although Mahalaya Amavasya is considered to be the most important and auspicious day for performing Shraddha
rituals to dead ancestors, in Southern parts of the country the shraddham is also performed on days when
Apabharani, Madhyashtami and Vyatipatam occur during the Mahalaya Paksham. This does not, necessarily , mean
that on other Thitis. Shraddham should not be performed.
All the 15 days of the Paksham are equally good. Some people observe Shraddham on the same Thithi on which
one`s father or mother expired. Incidentally, Sastras have prescribed performance of what is known as
Brahmayagnam daily all the 365 days. This consists of Tarpanam for devas, rishis and pitrs. Separate Pitr Tarpanam
is required to be performed on all Amavasya Thithis, all Masa sankaramanms (beginning day of the months), all
eclipse days
In fact, there are 96 days in a year when one is required to perform Shraddha but it might not be feasible to
perform regular Shraddham as prescribed by Sastras including homam, vastradanam (gift of dhoti and
angavastram), feeding of Brahmanas, Pindapradaanam etc. etc. (which is observed on the respective Thithi of
respective Paksham and respective month in which one`s father and or mother died)on all these 96 occasions.
On most of these occasions only Tilatarpanam (which takes about 15 minutes or so) is done in place of regular
Shraddham which lasts for almost 3 hours. On the occasion of Pratyaabdika Shraadham elaborate Sraddham as per
scriptural injunctions is required to be performed.
There are contradictory views whether one is required to perform Pratyabdeeka Sraddham and Mahalay Paksha
Sraddham after one performs the Gaya Sraddham. We may not enter into discussion on this here (Note from the
Administrator - the answer is a definite yes, it must be continued without fail).
Coming back to Mahalaya Paksha Sraddham, it does not involve doing of homam for Pitrs, Vastradanam and feeding
of Brahmanas and Pindapradanam as in case of Pratyaabdika Sraddham. The entire ritual will be over in about half
an hour including performance of Tilatarpanam. All the rituals done in honour of pitr devatas, be it annual
Shraddham or Pitr Tarpanam are considered as very auspicious rituals.
It is believed that our Pitr devatas attain salvation and bless us with harmony and prosperity, if we perform pitr
karmas regularly as prescribed by Sastras. On the other hand, if Pitr karyam is not observed as prescribed in
Sastras one incurs the wrath of Pitrs and runs the risk of inviting the curse of Pitrs (Pitr Sapam).
The Mahabharatam says in this regard as follows: - "How can a householder earn money and be gifted with a baby
boy if he does not perform Shraddha ceremony during the period when the Sun is in Kanya Rasi (virgo sign), as he
would have enraged the deceased ancestor's souls.
Moreover, the abode of the the deceased ancestor`s souls (Pitr loka) remains vacant till the Sun moves from
Virgo(Kanya) to Libra (Tula)sign) whereby the Pitrs come closer to the descendents for blessing them and if
Shraddha is not performed, they give curse to their descendents and return.
In the light of the above, performing Shraddham during Mahalaya Paksham is a Must. Sraddham done during Pitr
Paksha on the day on which Mahabharani Nakshatra occurs is also considered as propitious to the Pitr devatas. This
is also called Bharani Mahalaya.
Generally, Bharani Nakshatra falls either on Chathurthi or on Panchami during Mahalaya Paksham. It is not
mandatory that Mahalayapaksha Sraddham should be done ONLY on Bharani Nakshatra day. If this were
mandatory, all Brahmanas will find that it is difficult to perform on that day, since adequate number of *Veda
BrAhmana-s *for officiating in *srAddha *are not available.
As already stated, when Pitr Paksha Sraddham is performed, it does not call for Vastra danam, Homam, Bhojanam
or feeding of the Brahmanas and Pindapradanam etc. Serving of food to Brahmanas is also not mandatory as in the
case of a Pratyaabdika Sraddham (Annual Sraddha ceremony).
Food served during annual ceremony will be as per family tradition. For Mahalaya Sraddham, the practice in vogue
is to offer uncooked Rice, dal, raw banana and any other traditional vegetable of Indian origin, besides appropriate
Dakshina for Mahalayapaksha Sraddham.
This is called Hiranya Sraddham, i.e., Sraddham where Dakshina only is offered and not meals.
If one wants to offer meals to Brahmanas he can do so, provided the Brahmanas have the time and are willing to
eat. It goes without saying that the food served should be satvik in nature. Items like garlick, onion etc, should
never be used in food served to Brahmins.
In USA, of course, the Purohits/archakas are paid employees of temples. The temple website gives a list of articles
to be brought by a Grihasta to the temple for performing Hiranya Sraddham. That list includes milk, curd, ghee,
tamarind, 3 types of vegetables, 3 types of fruits etc. etc.These are offered to the priest as a part of the Sraddha
ritual.
Generally, we observe the usage of Dharbha in rituals, particularly, while performing any homa/yagna/havan or
Pitr karyam. It is said that without this there is no sanctity in the rituals performed. Brahmins always keep some
stock of Dharbha grass in their houses.
It is used for purification in all kinds of ceremonies. Dharbha is also known as Kusa in Samskrit language and it is
related to Kusala, meaning sharp in the sense of keen intelligence (because of the sharp tips of the grass).
In the Puranas it is said that the Kusa grass was formed when the hairs on the Kurma Avatar of Mahavishnu got
loosened during the churning of the ocean and got washed away to the shore of the ocean to form Kusa grass.
Since some drops of nectar (Amrita) fell on the grass, it is sanctified and has acquired healing properties.
That is why, in the formal hair-cutting ritual of boys (choula samskaram), the hair is touched with Dharbha grass
before hair is cut.
Dharbha grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and is believed to possess the power to purify anything. Dharbha
Grass is used either as (1) long Dharbha Grass (approx.18to24 inchesin length) after cuttingabout 6 to 8 inches of
the thicker portion of the gras or as (2) Thick Dharbha Grass (about6 to8inches in length) known as kattadharbha
and for Both Pavitram which is worn on right ring finger and Koorcham on which Pitrs are invoked during Tarpanam
and Shraddham.
Tradition holds that wearing of Pavitram is a prerequisite for many rituals to make one pure during that ritual. Even
if I have omitted to state this earlier, and even if it amounts to repetition, I would like to sate here that Dharbha
Grass (Kusa Grass), black sesame seed (til seeds), water, Tulsi leaves, Pavitram and Koorcham are invariable prerequisites for performing Mahalayapaksha Sraddham.
Pinda Pradanam is not prescribed for Mahalaya Paksha Sraddham. It is done at the end of Annual ceremony
(Pratyabdika Sraddham) and Gaya Sraddham and Sraddham performed at other holy places like Varanasi,
Tryambakeswar etc. etc.
The next question is "How Many Generations to be invoked?" During Amavasya and other Tarpanams and during
annual ceremonies (Pratyaabdika Sraddham) only three generations are invoked.
It is mandatory to offer Pinda and water with sesame seed (black til) to dead ancestors of one`s parents,
grandparents and great grand parents. Where only father is alive, annual Sraddham alone for mother will be
performed. Where father is not alive, in addition to annual Sraddham, monthly Amavasya and other Tarpanams are
also needed to be performed.
In other words, the rituals are meant only for the deceased persons and not for the persons who are alive. During
Mahalaya Paksha Sraddham only, apart from one`s kith and kin, we should perform Tarpanam for our Guru, Priest
(Purohit), friend or to any other person whom one has come across in life and from whom he or she has received
help.
That is to say, this ritual is in the nature of 'annual Thanksgiving' to ancestors and to all who helped us in one way
or other. It is a sort of repayment of the debt of gratitude we owe them. These are termed as Karunika Pitrs.
In the sankalpam with which we start the ritual after wearing Pavitram, we mention sakarunika vargadvaya
pitaram uddisya (meaning that this Sraddham is meant for the benefit of pitrs on both father`s and mother`s side
as well as all pitrs known to us for whom either there is none performing Shraddha or who died without issues).
Some people offer Tarpanam for all known relatives eg., sister`s husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, father`s or
mothers brothers and sisters and their wifes or husbands, as the case may be etc. etc.
When we do not know the Gothram of any dead relative, it is customary to add Shiva Gothrasya or Shiva Gothrayah
depending upon whether one is male or female.
Let us recapitulate what we have seen in the postings made so far on this subject and also see a few more points:
1. Performing SrAddham during this *Paksham *is a must. For those who are not in the habit of performing
*pratyAbdika SrAddham, *at least *ShrAddham *during *Pitr paksham *must be performed. * *If not feasible to
perform with homam and feeding of brahmanas according to *pArvana VidhAnam, MahAlaya SrAddham * should be
performed at least as *hiranya srAddham.
2.*Throught the *Paksham, daily Tarpanam must be done, *failing which one renders himself liable for *Pitr
sApam.
3.*If SrAdham is performed on either one of *MahAbhrani, MadhyAshtami and VyatIpAtam* it is meritorious. One
gets the benefit of performing srAdham at Gaya. Performing *SrAddha *on *chaturdasi, *is believed to be
beneficial for only those who met with unnatural death.
4. Only during MahAlayapaksham, tarpanam is performed for *kArunya pitrs. *Now, who all can be called as
*kArunya pitr? *Father`s elder and younger brother, one`s elder brother, younger brother, father`s sisters,
maternal uncles, mother`s elder and younger sisters, their sons, one`s deceased wife, father-in-law, mother-inlaw, father`s sister`s husband, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, guru, teacher, master and friend are all eligible for
Tarpanam.
5. If one performs SrAdham during the paksham as a *hiranya srAdham *in one year, * *there is no bar for him to
perform full-fleged srAdham (*PArvana vidhAna) during MahAlaya paksham *of subsequent years.
6. SrAdham should be performed with *shraddhA*. When the *pitr*s are pleased they bless the *karta *with
progeny, wealth, *vamsavridhi, *good health, knowledge, liberation etc. Those who do not perform mahAlaya
srAddham will get adverse effects. Curse(*sApam) * is a weapon in the hands of the pitr-s. One should strive for
blessings from pitrs and should not render themselves eligible for curse from pitrs.
Mahalaya Paksha:
Mahalaya paksha, which is also known as 'pitru paksha' is very great and one should not think of skipping it on any
count. It is said in Sastras that this paskha has immense values and gives satisfaction to the pitrus. During the
paksha the souls of the pitrus will descend to earth in the form of spirits and will be present around their current
biological descendants to see and bless them. Hence nitya tarpana is highly recommended if possible.
How to observe?
But, of course, Mahaalaya paksha has some lenience and alternatives, unlike Pratyabdhika sraaddha. No dosham
will occur if one opts for some permitted alternatives here. No one need to worry on this count. Paarvana
Vidhanam, ie with Homam, is not mandatory here; and it is also observed in parts of our Tamilnadu like North Arcot
some people perform only tarpanam, not even hiranya, in this Paksha; it is their desacharam.
Hiranya Sraaddha (without homam):
In general, I recommend doing this Mahalayam as hiranya rupam with five (or six as the case may be) Brahmanaas
which involves the following:
Mandatory:
1. Offering Rice, Dhal and Plantain (Banana)
2. Offering Thulasi, Chandanam etc
3. Offering Sambhavanai
Optional:
1. Vastram
2. Bhojanam
At the end of this Hiranya Rupa Sraaddha, there will be a mandatory tarpanam also.
Nitya tarpanam:
Of course, to whomever it is possible and convenient, they can do nitya tarpanam during all the days of this pitru
paksha in addition to observing one hiranya sraaddha on any convenient day. Here I may point out that though
Paksha means only 15 days, this year Mahalaya Paksha has 16 days. Here again for those who wish to observe
nitya tarpanam, they should perform it for 17 days in total. Those who wish to to this nitya tarpanam, better
consult their vadhyar for exact procedures and sankalpams. Of course they can consult me also in person-not
through net or email.
Karunika pitrus:
This Hiranya rupa Sraaddha also has tarpanam as part of it in which one can offer tarpanam for Karunika pitrus also
in addition to his own pitrus. Karunika pitrus means, one can do tarpanam not necessarily for his own pitrus alone.
Only in this paksha, one can do tarpanam for other persons like Younger brother of father, Elder brother of father,
their wives, Brothers (both younger and elder), sons, father's sister, sisters, their sons, wife, in-laws, sister's
husband, daughter-in-law, Guru, Boss (yajamaanan), friends etc.
Observing deeksha:
Whatever may be the format one chooses, he has to observe the niyamas/deeksha prescribed throughout the
Paksha. Then what it is meant by deeksha? The karta should be in control of himself during the paksha. Control
implies eating only at home, and not eating outside except at a brother's place or in his maternal uncle's or in-law'
place. Shaving, having an oil-bath and conjugation are to be avoided.
Annarupa Sraaddha (Parvana vidhanam) - at least once.
This Annarupa Sraaddha, though involves a lot of preparations, elaborate procedures and monetary aspects, is
highly recommended. One can think of performing it at least once in a life time during this Mahalaya Paksha. Your
Vadhyar would able to guide you in this.
Saaddha on which day?

During the Mahalaya paksha one can perform the sraaddha on any convenient day, not necessarily on the day of the
so called his father's thidhi. Of course if the date of the Pratyabdhika Sraaddha falls in this Paksha, it is quite
possible for some, then they have to perform the Mahalaya sraaddha only after the annual sraaddha, not earlier.
Any particular days:
However, some days are special and more powerful for performing sraaddha during this fortnight. Those days are
Maha Bharani, Gajachaaya (thrayodasi), Madhyashtami. In addition to these, Vyatheepadham and Dwadasi days
are also considered great.
Any particular day NOT recommended?
Yes. On the day of Chathurdasi thidhi, sraaddha is performed only for those who had dur-maranam. Hence all
others to avoid doing Sraaddha on this day.
All sons together.
Though nothing prevents sons joining together on this day. However, it is considered better if the sons of a
deceased father are living apart, each son has to perform individually.
A suggestion:
On a personal note, I may suggest that for whomever it is convenient and affordable they can have Brahmana
Bhojanam arranged as part of hiranya sraaddha. This can be carried out on any convenient day during this pitru
paksha.
- 28 September 2015 ~ 12 October 2015
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Mahalaya Paksha Days - 2015

Pitru Paksha is a 15 lunar days period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors,
especially through food offerings.
According to South Indian Amavasyant calendar it falls in the lunar month of Bhadrapada
beginning with the full moon day or day after full moon day.
According to North Indian Purnimant calendar this period falls in the lunar month of
Ashwin beginning with the full moon day in Bhadrapada or next day of full moon day.
It is just nomenclature of lunar months which differs and both North Indians and South
Indians perform Shraddha ritual on similar days.
2015
28
September
(Monday)
Pratipada Shraddha
29
September
(Tuesday)
Dwitiya Shraddha
30
September
(Wednesday)
Maha Bharani, Tritiya Shraddha
01
October
(Thursday)
Chaturthi Shraddha, Panchami Shraddha
02
October
(Friday)
Shashthi Shraddha
03
October
(Saturday)
Saptami Shraddha
04
October
(Sunday)
Ashtami Shraddha
05
October
(Monday)
Navami Shraddha
06
October
(Tuesday)
Dashami Shraddha
07
October
(Wednesday)
Ekadashi Shraddha
08
October
(Thursday)
Magha Shraddha
09
October
(Friday)
Dwadashi Shraddha
10
October
(Saturday)
Trayodashi Shraddha
11
October
(Sunday)
Chaturdashi Shraddha
12
October
(Monday)
Sarva Pitru Amavasya
The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya or Mahalaya amavasya.
Mahalaya amavasya is the most significant day of Pitru Paksha.
Video links.
Mahalaya Amavasya: In English
https://goo.gl/qheOsS
Recalling your parents/ancestors! Importance of Mahalaya Amavasai/ Pitru Paksha-In English
https://goo.gl/vfU8li
Importance of Mahalaya Paksha By Vedha Sree S.Nagaraja Vaadhyaar In Tamil
https://goo.gl/nOzAdu
Mahalaya Amavasya Significance Bharathi Sridhar - Tamil
https://goo.gl/YXcMBG
Mahalaya Amavasya Tamil
https://goo.gl/50q9QP
What is Tharpanam Tamil
https://goo.gl/HzRr0K
Amavasya Tharpanam Tamil
https://goo.gl/K1qzXW
AMAVASYA THARPANAM Tamil

https://goo.gl/Yrnoet
The Science & Wisdom of Thai Month Amavasai Prayers Tamil
https://goo.gl/8p8Myg
Compiled by:
K.Raman.
MANMATHA VARUSHA MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM

FROM 29-09-2015 TO 12-10-2015
Compiled and presented by Eshwar Gopal and Ramakrishnan (Jr)

based on Vaakya Panchangam (Indian Timing)
Achamanam... Sankalpam: Achuthaya Namah, Ananthaaya Namaha,

Govindaya Namaha, Kesava, naaraayaNa, maadhava, govinda, vishnu,
madhusoodana thrivikrama, vaamana, sridhara, hrusheekesha,
pathmanabha....daamodara.........then.............suklAm baratharam
............Om bhU: + bhUrbhuvasvarom, mamopAththa, samastha
dhuridayakshathvaara sri parameshwara preethathrthyam, apavithra :
pavithrovA sarvAvasthAm kathobivA, yasmareth puNdareekAksham,
sapAhya, abhyanthara: suchi: mAnasam vAchikam, pApam, karmnA,
samupArjitham, sree rAma, smaraNenaiva, vyapohathi nasamsaya: srI rAma
rAma rAma thithirvishNu: thathAvAra: nakshathram, vishNurevacha
yogashcha karaNanchaiva sarvam vishNumayam, jakath, shrI govintha
govintha, govintha adhyashree bhagavatha: mahA purushasya
vishNorAkgyA pravarththamAnasya, adhyabhrummaNa: dhvitheeya
parArththe shvetha, varAhakalpe, vaivasvatha, manvantharey,
ashtAvimshathi, thame, kalyuge, prathamepAthe jambhUdhweepe,
bhArathavarshey, bharathakaNtemero: dakshiNe pArshvey sahAbthey,
asminvarththamANe, vyApahArike, prabhavAthi, shashtyaam,
samvathsarANAm, madhye.......then recite following mantra.
28.09.15 - Monday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
Manmatha nAma Samvathsarey DakshiNAyaNe Varsha Rudhow, Kanya
mAse, Krishna pakshe, PrathamyAm Punyathithow Indhu Vasara
yukthAyAm, Uthraposhtapatha nakshathra yukthAyAm, Vrudhdhi yoga,
Baalava karaNa, evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm
vardhamAnAyAm PrathamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your
holy thread to right hand shoulder) ......gothrANaam (recite Fathers
GothrA), vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha
prapitAmahAnAM (recite those not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee
prapithAmaheenAm (recite those having mother)
pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (Mothers GothrA
should be recited)..... gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath
sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm
ubhaya vamsa pithrunAm thathath GothrAnAm thaththath sharmanaam
vasu-rudhra-aadhitya svaroopaanaam pithrubhya maathulaathhi vargadvaya

avasishTanAm sarveshaam sahaaruNiika pithrUnAmscha akshayya
thrupthyarhtham sahrrun MahALaya Sraadhdham adhya dhina prayuktha
thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye.
(if you are doing HiranyaSraadhham then recite) Adhyadhina Prayuktha
MahALayapaksha Sraadhdham hiranya roopena Adhyakarishye thathangam
thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye).
Note - 1: (Do extra AvAhanam after performing AvAhanam of
Father/Mothers lineage by adding one more koorcham) Thaththath
GothrAnAm thaththath sharmanAm vasu-rudra-Aditya swaroopanAm
pithrubhya mAthulAthi vargadvaya avasishTAnAm sarveshAm asmin
thrutheeya koorche sakArunika pithroon AvAhayAmi.
Note - 2: (After completing tharpanam of Father/Mothers lineage - do extra
tharpanam by reciting) Thaththath GothrAnAm thaththath sharmanAm vasurudra-Aditya swaroopanAm pithrubhya mAthulAthi vargadvaya
avasishTAnAm sarveshAm asmin thrutheeya koorche SakArunika pithroon
swatha namas tharpayAmi (3 times and pour water).
Note - 3: (YathAsthAnAm -restore to pre-existing) : Oorjam Vahantheehi
Amrutham Ghrutham Payaha keelAlam parsrutham swadhAstha
Tharpayathame sakArunika vargadvaya pithruoon yathAsthAnam
prathiShTApayAmi.)
29.09.15 - Tuesday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, DwitheeyAyAm Punyathithow Bhwoma Vasara
yukthAyAm, Revathi nakshathra yukthAyAm, Dhuruva yoga, Thaithula
karaNa, evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm
DwitheeyAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to
right hand shoulder) ......gothrANaam (recite Fathers GothrA), vasu rudra
aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (recite
those not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (recite
those having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu
prapithAmaheenAm (Mothers GothrA should be recited)..... gothrAnAm vasu
rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup
pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm ubhaya vamsa pithrunAm thathath
GothrAnAm thaththath sharmanaam vasu-rudhra-aadhitya svaroopaanaam
pithrubhya maathulaathhi vargadvaya avasishTanAm sarveshaam
sahaaruNiika pithrUnAmscha akshayya thrupthyarhtham sahrrun MahALaya
Sraadhdham adhya dhina prayuktha thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye.

prathiShTApayAmi.)
30.09.15 - Wednesday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM
SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, ThrutheeyAyAm Punyathithow Sowmya Vasara
yukthAyAm, Ashwathi nakshathra yukthAyAm, Harshana yoga, Vanijai
ThrutheeyAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to

prathiShTApayAmi.)
01.10.15 - Thursday (Mahaabharani)-MAHALAYA PAKSHA
THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, ChathurthyAm Punyathithow Guru Vasara
yukthAyAm, Apa Bharani nakshathra yukthAyAm, Vajra yoga, Sakuni
ChathurthyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to

prathiShTApayAmi.)
02.10.15 - Friday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, PanchamyAm PunyathithowBrugu Vasara
yukthAyAm, Kruthikaa nakshathra yukthAyAm, Siddhi yoga, Thaithula
PanchamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to

prathiShTApayAmi.)
03.10.15 - Saturday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, ShashtyAm PunyathithowSthira Vasara yukthAyAm,
Rohini nakshathra yukthAyAm, Vyathipaatha yoga, Vanijai karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm ShashtyAm
punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand
shoulder) ......gothrANaam (recite Fathers GothrA), vasu rudra aditya
svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (recite those not
having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (recite those having
mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (Mothers
GothrA should be recited)..... gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm
asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup
prapithAmahAnAm ubhaya vamsa pithrunAm thathath GothrAnAm
thaththath sharmanaam vasu-rudhra-aadhitya svaroopaanaam pithrubhya
maathulaathhi vargadvaya avasishTanAm sarveshaam sahaaruNiika
pithrUnAmscha akshayya thrupthyarhtham sahrrun MahALaya Sraadhdham
adhya dhina prayuktha thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye.

prathiShTApayAmi.)
04.10.15 - Sunday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, SapthamyAm PunyathithowBhaanu Vasara
yukthAyAm, Mrugasheersha nakshathra yukthAyAm, Vareeyaan yoga,
Shakuni karaNa, evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm
vardhamAnAyAm SapthamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change
your holy thread to right hand shoulder) ......gothrANaam (recite Fathers
thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye

prathiShTApayAmi.)
05.10.15 - Monday (MadhyAshtami)-MAHALAYA PAKSHA
THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, AshtamyAm PunyathithowIndhu Vasara yukthAyAm,
Aardhraa nakshathra yukthAyAm, Pareega yoga, Kaulava karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm AshtamyAm

prathiShTApayAmi.)
06.10.15 - Tuesday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, NavamyAm PunyathithowBhowma Vasara
yukthAyAm, Punarvasu nakshathra yukthAyAm, Shiva yoga, Karasai karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm NavamyAm
prathiShTApayAmi.)
07.10.15 - Wednesday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM

SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, DasamyAm PunyathithowSowmya Vasara
yukthAyAm, Pushya nakshathra yukthAyAm, Sidhdha yoga, Karasai karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm DasamyAm
prathiShTApayAmi.)
08.10.15 - Thursday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM

mAse, Krishna pakshe, EkadasyAm PunyathithowGuru Vasara yukthAyAm,
AasleshA nakshathra yukthAyAm, Saadhya yoga, Baalava karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm EkadasyAm
prathiShTApayAmi.)
09.10.15 - Friday (Sanyastha Mahaalayam)-MAHALAYA PAKSHA
THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, DwadasyAm PunyathithowBrugu Vasara yukthAyAm,
MakhA nakshathra yukthAyAm, Shubhanaama yoga, Thaithula karaNa,
evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm DwadasyAm

prathiShTApayAmi.)
10.10.15 - Saturday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, ThrayodasyAm PunyathithowSthira Vasara
yukthAyAm, Poorvaphalguni nakshathra yukthAyAm, Subram naama yoga,
Karasai karaNa, evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm
vardhamAnAyAm ThrayodasyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change
your holy thread to right hand shoulder) ......gothrANaam (recite Fathers

thila tharpana roopena adhya karishye.
prathiShTApayAmi.)
11.10.15 - Sunday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, ChathurdasyAm PunyathithowBhaanu Vasara
yukthAyAm, Uthrapalghuni nakshathra yukthAyAm, Bhramya yoga, Bhadrai
ChathurdasyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to

prathiShTApayAmi.)
12.10.15 -Monday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM
mAse, Krishna pakshe, AmAvAsyAyAm PunyathithowIndhu Vasara
yukthAyAm, Hastha nakshathra yukthAyAm, Mahendra yoga, ChathushpAtha
AmAvAsyAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to

prathiShTApayAmi.)
Tharpanam- Iyers
Tharpanam - Iyers
[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 sesame to the manes (dead ancestors). Though we have several ancestors,
this offering is addressed to three generations of father, grand father and great grand father along with
their wives in our family and maternal grand father, his father and grand father along with their wives in
our mothers birth family. Only those whose father is dead are eligible to do Tharpanam. If maternal grand
father 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. Both versions are given here. It is understood that the tharpanam for rik vedis
is almost similar but that for Sanma 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 Vibhuti
or Namam but there are certain families who do tharpanam wearing these. 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
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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 use 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 some one 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.
I. 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 Smarthas:
2. Ganapathi Dhyanam:
Recite the following manthra slowly hitting the forehead with both fists together:
Shuklambaradharam Vishunum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.
3. 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
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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
4. Do Sankalpam
Mamo Partha Samastha Duritha kshaya dwara Sri Parameshwara Preethyartham.
Apavithra pavithro va Sarvavastham gathopi va,
Ya smareth pundarikaksham sa bahyanthara suchi
Manasam vachikam paapam karmana samuparjitham
Sri Rama smarane naiva vyapohathi na samsaya
Sri Rama-Rama Rama
Thidir Vishnu thada vaara nakshatram Vishnureva cha,
Yogascha karanam Chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam jagat
Sri Govinda Govinda Govinda
B. For Sri Vaaishnavas of Vada Kalai:
Do Pranayamam.
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Apa
Jyothj rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Om, Om, Om
And then 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.
C. For Sri Vaishnavas of Then Kalai:
Do Pranayamam.
Om Bhoo
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Om Bhuva
Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Apa
Jyothj rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Om, Om, Om
Then 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 SMARTHAS AND VAISHNAVAS OF 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, grand father, great grand father)** Sarmanam, Vasu-Rudra-adithya
swaroopanam asmad Pithru - Pithamaha-Pithru Pithamahanam, (your Gothram) Gothraa (Names of mother.
Grand mother, great grand mother)*** Namnee, Vasu-Rudra-Adithya swaroopa Asmad Mathru**** pithamahi-Prapithamahischa, (Your maternal grand father's gothram) gothraanam (names of maternal grand
father, his father and his grand father) Sarmanam vasu - rudra - adithya swaroopanam asmad mathamaha, mathru
pithamaha, mathru prapithamahanam, (Your maternal grand father's gothram) gothraa (Names of maternal grand
mother, maternal great grand mother, Grand mother of maternal grand father) 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 grand mother, great grand mother, Fathers great grand mother if mother is alive
**** In case mother is alive, this would be pithamahi-prapithamahi-pithruprapithamahischa
***** In case mothers 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
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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 use only 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, grand father's and great grand father's name) sarmana vasu
Rudra adithya swaroopan asmad pithru-pithamaha-pithrupithamahaan (Your Gothra) gothraa (Names of mother,
grand mother, great grand mother) 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 grand fathers 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.
c. Asmin koorche (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothran (Names of maternal grand father, maternal great grand
father and grand father of maternal grand father) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya swaroopan asmad
mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru prapithamaha (maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Names of maternal
grand mother, maternal great grand mother, grand mother of maternal grand father) namnee vasu Rudra adithya
swaroopa asmad mathamahi* - mathru pithamahi-mathru prapithamahischa dyayami avahayami.
* In case mothers 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.
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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 grand father)
i. Oorjam vahanthiramrutham grutham paya keelalam
Parisrutham swadha sdha tharpatatha me pithroon,
(your gothram) Gothraan (Grand fathers 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 (Grand father'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 (Grand father's name)
Sarmana rudra roopan mama pithamahaan swadha namastharpayami
c. Prapithamaha tharpanam(oblations to great grand father)
i. Madhu vaathaa ruthaayathe madhu ksharanthi sindhava
maadweer na santhwashadhi
(Your Gothram) Gothraan (Great grand father'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 grand father's name),
Sarmana adithya roopan mama prapithamahaan swadha namas tharpayami
iii. Madhumanno vanaspathir madhu magma asthu soorya,
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Maadweer gavo bavanthu na

(Your gothra) Gothraan (great grand father'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)
iii. (Your Gothra) (Gothraa (Mother's name)
* If mother is alive instead of mathru tharpanam perform pithamahi tharpanam. In the manthras replace mathu
with pithamahi.
e. Pithamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to paternal grand mother)
i. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Grand mother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Grand mother's name)
iii. (Your gothra) Gothraa (Grand mother's name)
* 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 grand mother)
i. (Your Gothra). Gothraa (Great grand mother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Great Grand mother's name)
iii. (Your Gothra) Gothraa (Great Grand mother's name)
* 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 grand father)
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 grand father)
i. Udheerathamvara uthparasa,
Unmadhyama pithara somyasa
Asum ya eeyuravyaka ruthagna
Sthene avanthu pitharo harveshu
(Maternal grand father's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grand father'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 grand father's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grand father's name)
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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 grand father's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grand father's name),sarmana vasu roopan mama matha
mahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
b. Mathru pitha maha tharpanam (oblation to grand father of mother)
i. Oorjam vahanthiramrutham grutham paya keelalam
Parisrutham swadha sdha tharpayatha me pithroon,
(Maternal grand father's Gothra) gothran (Maternal great grand father's name)
Sarmana Rudra roopan mama mathu pithaamahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
ii. Pithrubhya swaadhavibhya swadha nama
pithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
Prapithamahebhya swadhavibhya swadha nama
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
Sarmana rudra roopan mama mathu pithamahaan swadha namastharpayami
c. Mathu Prapithamaha tharpanam(oblations to great grand father of mother)
i. Madhu vaathaa ruthaayathe madhu ksharanthi sindhava
maadweer na santhwashadhi
(Maternal grand father's Gothra) gothran (Maternal grand father's grand father'sname)
Sarmana adithya roopaan mama mathu prapithamahan swadha namas tharpayami.
ii. Madhu nakthamuthoshasi madu math parthivagam
raja madhu dhourasthu na pitha
Sarmana adithya roopan mama mathu prapithamahaan swadha namas tharpayami
iii. Madhumanno vanaspathir madhu magma asthu soorya,
Maadweer gavo bavanthu na
Sarmana adhithya roopan mama mathu prapithamahaan swadha namas tharpayami.
d. Mathamahi tharpanam* (Oblations to maternal grand mother)
i. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand mother's name)
Namnee vasu roopa mama mathamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand mother's name)
iii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand mother's name)
* If maternal grand mother 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 grand mother of mother)
i. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal great grand mother's name)
Namnee Rudra roopa mama mathu pithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal great grand mother's name)
iii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand mother's name)
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* If maternal grand mother 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 grand mother of mother)
i. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand father's grand mother's name)
Namnee adithya roopa mama mathu prapithamahi swadha namastharpayami
ii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand father's grand mother's name). .
iii. (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Maternal grand father's grand mother's name). .
* If maternal grand mother 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 grand father 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 grand mother is alive then Mathamahasya mathu-mathamahasya pithamahi-matha mahasya
prapithamaheebhyo nama.
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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.
c. Asmad koorchat (Your gothram) gothran (Names of father, grand father, great grand father) sarmana vasu
Rudra adithya swaroopan asmad pithru-pithamaha-pithrupithamahaan (Your gothram) gothraa (Names of mother,
grand mother and great grand mother) 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 grand father's gothra) gothran (Names of maternal grand father, maternal great grand
father and his father) sarmana vasu Rudra adithya swaroopan asmad mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru
prapithamaha (Maternal grand father's gothra) gothraa (Names of maternal grand mother, maternal great grand
mother, grand mother of maternal grand father) 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.
II. Brahma Yagnam

It is recommended that after the Tharpanam, one should perform Brahma Yagnam Some familes do not do it.
Please follow the practice of your family. After the tharpanam do Achamanam once more and then apply your holy
marks on the forehead and then start Brahma yagnam. This is a chanting of Vedas and oblation to devas, rishis,
Vedas and pithrus.
1. Ganapathi Dhyanam
Recite the following manthra slowly hitting the forehead with both fists together. :
Shuklambaradharam Vishunum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,
Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.
2. Do Pranayamam.
Om Bhoo
Om Bhuva
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Ogum Suva
Om Maha
Om Jana
Om Thapa
Ogum Sathyam
Om Apa
Jyothj rasa
Amrutham brahma
Bhoorbuvasuvarom
Om, Om, Om
3. Do Sankalpam
Mamo Partha Samastha Duritha kshaya dwara Sri Parameshwara Preethyartham.
Brahma Yagnam karishye. Brahma yagnena yakshye.
4. Prayogam
a. Vidhyudhasi vidhya me paapmanam ruthath sathya mupaime.
Touch water. Do Achamanam three times and after first and second touch water,clean the lips, and after the third
sprinkle water on left arms and left leg. Then touch head, eyes, nose and chest.
b. Then chant
Om Bhoo, tatsa vithurvarenyam
Om Suva, Bhargo devasya dheemahi,
Ogum suva. dhiyo yona prachodayath,
OM Bhoo tatsa vithurvarenyam bhargo devasya dheemahi.
Om Bhuva, dhiyo yona prachodayath,
Ogum suva, tasa vithur varenyam bhago devasya dheemahi dhiyo yona prachodayath.
c. chants from all the four Vedas
Hari Om, Agni meele purohitham, yagnasya devam ruthvijam. Hothaaram rathna dhathamam. Hari om (Rik veda)
Hari Om, Eeshethvorje twam vayavastho payavastha, devo vassavitha prarpayathu sresta thamaya karmane.
Hari om(Yajur veda)
Hari om, Agna aayahi veethaye grunano havya dhathaye ni hotha sathsi barhishi. . Hari Om (Sama veda)
Hari om. , Sanno deveer abhishtaya aapo bhavanthu peethaye, sam yorabhistravanthu na. Hari om (Atharvana
veda)
d. Chant "Om Bhoorbhavassuva" and rotate little water round your head
e. Chant "Satyam Thapa, Sradhayam Juhomi" with folded hands
f. Chant thrice with folded hands
"Om namo brahmane. Namasthvagnaye,, nama pruthviyai, nama oshadheebhya. Namo vache, namo
vachaspathaye, namo vishnave, bruhathe karomi.
g. Chant "Vrushtirasi vruchame paapmanam rhuthaath sathya mupakam
Deva rishi-pithru tharpanam karishye.
Deva Tharpanam(tharpanam with usual mode of poonal water falling through tip of fingers)
Brahmhadhaya ye devas than tharpayami
Sarvan devans tharpayami
Sarva deva pathnis tharpayami
Sarva deva ganans tharpayami
Sarva deva gana pathnis tharpayami
Rishi Tharpanam (Tharpanam with Poonal as garland and water poured out by the left side of right palm)
Krishna dwai payanadhayo ye rishin thaan rishins tharpayami
Sarvan rishins tharpayami
Sarva rishi ganans tharpayami
Sarva rishi pathnis tharpayami
Sarva rishi gana pathis tharpayami
Prajapathim kaanda rishims tharpayami
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Somam kanda rishims tharpayami

Agnim kanda rishims tharpayami
Viswan devaan kandarishins tharpayami
Samhetheer devatha upanishadhas tharpayami
Yagnigheer devatha upanishadas tharpayami
Varuneer devatha upanishadas tharpayami
Havya vaham tharpayami
Viswan devan kanda rishims tharpayami
Water should be poured towards ourselves chanting
Brahmana swayam bhuvam tharpayami
Viswan devan kanda rishims tharpayami
Arunan kanda rishims tharpayami
Sadasaspathims tharpayami
Rigvedam tharpayami
Yajur vedam tharpayami
Sama vedam tharpayami
Adharva vedam tharpayami
Ithihasa puranam tharpayami
Kalpam thapayami
h. Pithru tharpanam (Change poonal to right shoulder and pour out water by the right side of the palm)
Soma pithrumaan yamo angeeraswan agni kavya vahanaadhayo ye pitharasthan pithruustharpayami
Sarvaan pithruntharpayami
Sarva pithruganaans tharpayami
Sarva pithrupathnis tharpayami
Sarva pithru ganapathnis tharpayami
Oorjam vahanthi ramrutham grutham keelalam paristhrutham swadhabhyam tharpayatha may pithrun,
thrupayatha, thrupyatha, thrupyatha
Pour water chanting " Aabrahma stambha paryantham jagat trupyathu
Chant
Kayena vacha manase indrairva,
Budhyathamanava prukruthai swabhavat,
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai,
Sriman narayanayethi samarpayami.
i. Put the poonal in proper position and do Aachamana
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. Ganapathi Dhyanam (this is not done by Vaishnavites)
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"
Dressed in white thou art,
Oh, all pervading one,
And glowing with the colour of moon.
With four arms, thou art, Vishnu.
I meditate on thine ever-smiling face,
And pray, " Remove all obstacles on my way".
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
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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 thought
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 grand
father whose name is who is of the form of Rudra, who belongs to the gothra, to my great grand father whose
name is who is of the form of adithya and who belongs to the gothra, as also to my mother(grand mother if she
mother is alive) who is of the form of vasu and who belongs to the gothra and whose name is, to my grand mother
(great grand mother if mother is alive) who is of the form of Rudra who belongs to the gothra
And whose name is, to my great grand mother (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 grand father who is of the form of Vasu and who
belongs to the gothra and whose name is, to my maternal great grand father who is of the form of Rudra, who
belongs to the gothra and whose name is, to my great grand father of my mother who is of the form of Adithya and
whose name is, to my maternal grand mother who is of the form of vasu, who belongs to the gotra and whose
name is, to my maternal great grand mother who is of the form of Rudra, who belongs to the gothra and whose
name is, to my great grand mother 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 fathers 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, grand mother and great grand mother 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.
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6. Asanam (For my fathers 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 grand 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 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 grand mother, maternal great grand mother and grand mother of maternal grand father 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 grand fathers 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, grand father 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 grand father, maternal great grand father, grand father of my maternal grand father
and my maternal grand mother, maternal great grand mother and grand mother of my maternal grand father 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 grand father whose name is and who is born in the
gothra and who is the form of Rudra.
ii. I salute my father, grand father and great grand father 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 grand father
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
14/18
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 grand father 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 grand father 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 grand father 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 grand father 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 (grand mother, great grand mother) whose name is
and who is born in the gothra and who is the form of vasu. (Rudra for grand mother, Adithya for great grand
mother. ) "
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 grand fathers 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
With in 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 - grand father and great grandfather,
Salutations to mother - grand mother - great grandmother
15/18
Salutations to maternal grandfather, his father and his grand father

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.
II. Brahma Yagnam
This is supposed to be done by all Brahmins daily after Madhyahnikam. This is a worship of Vedas and
honouring and satifying the devas, rishis and Pithrus. The Manthra starting with "Vidhyudhasi. " means
Oh God, you are the lightning which is in between the clouds and you know my sins. and I seek the part
of that power of yours. Daily.
The vedic chants have the following meaning:
1. I worship the god of fire who is the first god in all fire sacrifices, who is the one who conducts and who
is the conductior of the fire sacrifice and who is capable of giving all wealth (Rik Veda).
2. Oh calves of cows. To supply us food as well as make us worship god, you graze and return. Let the
god savithru give you good grazing (Yajur veda).
3. Oh God of fire, be pleased to come. You should be pleased accept our worship. Please make the fire
sacrifice that we do to the devas (sama veda).
4. Oh Gods who like water, Apart from quenching our thirsts, you should fulfill all our desires and grant
us good things. By your grace let sorrow vanish from our lives and let happiness come (atharvana Veda).
Meaning for the sloka starting with "Vrushtirasi. "
You are rain,You will cut off my sins,
After this several oblation is offered to devas, rishis, Vedas and pithrus.
Appendix:
1. Names of Nakshatras in Sanskrit for Sankalpa

S. No.
Tamil
Malayalam
1.
Aswathi
Aswini
2.
Bharani
Bharani
3.
Karthigai
Karthiga
4.
Rohini
Rohini
5.
Mriga Siarm
Mageeram
6.
Thiruvathirai
Thiruvathira
7.
Punarpoosam
Punartham
8.
Poosam
Pooyam
16/18
Sanskrit
Aswini
Apabharani
Kruthiga
Rohinee
Mriga Seersha
Arudhra
Punarvasu
Pushya
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19..
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Ayilyam
Magam
Pooram
Uthiram
Haastham
Chithirai
Swathi
Vishagam
Anusham
Kettai
Moolam
Pooradam
Uthradam
Thiruvonam
Avittam
Chathayam
Ayilyam
Makam
Pooram
Uthram
Atham
Chithra
Swathi
Vishakam
Anizham
Ketta
Moolam
Pooradam
Uthradam
Thiruvonam
Avittam
Chathayam
25.
Poororattathi
Poororattathi
26.
27.
Uthrattathi
Revathy
Uthrattathi
Revathy
Aslesha
Magha
Poorva Phalguni
Uthra Phalguni
Hastha
Chitra
Swathi
Vishaka
Anuradha
Jyeshta
Moola
Poorvashada
Uthrashada
Sravana
Sravishta
Satha bishak
Poorva proshta
pada
Uthara proshtapada
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
1.
Chitthirai
Medam
2.
Vaikasi
Edavam
3.
Aani
Midhunam
4.
Aadi
Karkidagam
5.
Aavani
Chingam
6.
Puratasi
Kanni
7.
Iyppasi
Thulam
8.
Karthigai
Vrischigam
9.
Margazhi
Dhanu
10.
Thai
Makaram
11.
Masi
Kumbham
17/18
Sanskrit
Mesham
Rishabha
Midhuna
Karkada
Simham
Kanya
Thula
Vrucchiga
Dhanu
Makara
Kumbha
12.
Panguni
4. Names of the Seasons:

S. No.
Sanskrit
Vasantha
1.
Ruthu
Greeshma
2.
Rithu
3.
Varsha Rithu
4.
Sarad Rithu
Hemantha
5.
Rithu
6.
Sishira Rithu
Meenam
Meena
Tamil
Malayalam
Chithirai-Vaikasi
Medam-edavam
Aani-Aadi
Mithunam-karkidagam
Aavani-purattasi
Ippasi-Karthigai
Chingam-Kanni
Thulam-Vrischigam
Margazhi-Thai
Dhanu-Makaram
Maasi-Panguni
Kumbham-Meenam
18/18

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MAHALAYA PAKSHA & PRATYABDHIKA SRAADDHA

The pitrus who always bless us

Persons aspiring for pitruloka and unable to attain it

Saaddha on which day?

- 28 September 2015 ~ 12 October 2015

Mahalaya Paksha Days - 2015

Maha Bharani, Tritiya Shraddha

Chaturthi Shraddha, Panchami Shraddha

Sarva Pitru Amavasya

AMAVASYA THARPANAM Tamil

MANMATHA VARUSHA MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM SANKALPAM

Compiled and presented by Eshwar Gopal and Ramakrishnan (Jr)

Achamanam... Sankalpam: Achuthaya Namah, Ananthaaya Namaha,

vasu-rudhra-aadhitya svaroopaanaam pithrubhya maathulaathhi vargadvaya

(if you are doing HiranyaSraadhham then recite) Adhyadhina Prayuktha

Note - 1: (Do extra AvAhanam after performing AvAhanam of

pithrubhya mAthulAthi vargadvaya avasishTAnAm sarveshAm asmin

Note - 2: (After completing tharpanam of Father/Mothers lineage - do extra

avasishTAnAm sarveshAm asmin thrutheeya koorche SakArunika pithroon

Note - 3: (YathAsthAnAm -restore to pre-existing) : Oorjam Vahantheehi

Tharpayathame sakArunika vargadvaya pithruoon yathAsthAnam

07.10.15 - Wednesday-MAHALAYA PAKSHA THARPANAM

Manmatha nAma Samvathsarey DakshiNAyaNe Varsha Rudhow, Kanya

evanghuna viseshena vishishtayAm AsyAm vardhamAnAyAm DwadasyAm

prapitAmahAnAM (recite those not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee

rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup

sahaaruNiika pithrUnAmscha akshayya thrupthyarhtham sahrrun MahALaya

b. Mathamaha-mathru pithamaha-mathru prapitha mahaanaam, Mathamahi-mathru pithamahi-mathru

Maadweer gavo bavanthu na

Sarmana vasu roopan mama matha mahaan swadha namas tharpayami.

II. Brahma Yagnam

Somam kanda rishims tharpayami

6. Asanam (For my fathers side)

Salutations to maternal grandfather, his father and his grand father

1. Names of Nakshatras in Sanskrit for Sankalpa

2. Names of Days of Week in Sanskrit for Sankalpa

3. Names of Months in Sanskrit for Sankalpa:

4. Names of the Seasons:

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