Praying to ancestors in Hinduism is a significant practice that expresses respect, gratitude, and remembrance. Ancestors are often believed to play a protective role, guiding and blessing their descendants. This practice, called "Pitru Puja" or "Tarpanam," is rooted in the belief that ancestors' spirits can influence the living. Here's a guide on how to pray to ancestors in the Hindu way, along with prayers, additional information, benefits, and relevant facts.
How to Pray to Ancestors in Hinduism
Choose an Auspicious Day:
- Amavasya (New Moon Day): The most common day for performing ancestral rites.
- Pitru Paksha: A 15-day period during the month of Bhadrapada (September-October) is dedicated to ancestors.
- Death Anniversary: The tithi (lunar day) of the ancestor's death is also a significant day for prayer.
Preparation:
- Purification: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Men traditionally wear a dhoti, and women wear a saree.
- Altar Setup: Prepare a small altar with a photo of the ancestors, a lit lamp (diya), incense sticks, and offerings like fruits, water, flowers, and cooked food.
Offering Prayers (Shradh or Tarpanam):
Mantra Recitation: Chant mantras dedicated to the ancestors. One commonly used mantra is the "Pitru Tarpana Mantra":
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः। ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः। ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥Translation: "I offer my obeisance to my ancestors with reverence."
Offering Water (Tarpanam): Pour water (preferably from a copper vessel) into a plate or on the ground while reciting the following mantra:
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः।Translation: "Salutations to my ancestors."
Food Offering: Place cooked food, usually rice, milk, ghee, and sesame seeds, on a banana leaf or in a brass plate. Offer it to the ancestors while praying for their peace and blessings.
Closing the Ritual:
- Circumambulation: Walk around the altar or the offering area three times in a clockwise direction.
- Pranams (Prostrations): Bow down and offer your respects with folded hands.
Additional Information
- Location: Ancestral rituals are often performed at sacred places like riverbanks, especially the Ganges, or at home in a clean, sanctified area.
- Brahmins (Priests): Sometimes, a priest is called to perform the rituals, especially during Pitru Paksha.
- Charity: It is customary to give food, clothes, or money to the needy or Brahmins as a part of the ritual. This is believed to satisfy the ancestors' souls.
Benefits of Praying to Ancestors
- Ancestral Blessings: It is believed that ancestors' blessings can bring prosperity, happiness, and well-being to the family.
- Spiritual Protection: The practice ensures that ancestors' spirits are at peace, which, in turn, protects the family from misfortune.
- Removal of Pitru Dosha: Regular ancestral prayers can alleviate or remove "Pitru Dosha," a malefic astrological condition caused by the unsettled spirits of ancestors.
- Family Harmony: Honoring ancestors fosters a sense of family unity and respect for lineage and heritage.
Relevant Facts
- Pitru Paksha: During this period, it is believed that the ancestors come down to the earthly realm to receive offerings and bless their descendants.
- Gaya Shradh: A significant pilgrimage site for ancestral worship is Gaya in Bihar, where it is believed that performing Shradh liberates ancestors and grants them moksha (salvation).
- Mahalaya Amavasya: The last day of Pitru Paksha, called Mahalaya Amavasya, is particularly important for ancestral rites.
Sample Prayer
Here’s a simple prayer you can recite daily or on specific occasions to seek your ancestors' blessings:
ॐ सर्व पितृ देवताभ्यो नमः। सर्व पितृ तर्पणं समर्पयामि। ॐ शांति: शांति: शांति:॥ Translation: Om, salutations to all the deities of the ancestors. I offer this tarpan (water offering) to all the ancestors. May there be peace, peace, peace.
By regularly performing these rituals and prayers, you honor your ancestors, seek their blessings, and continue the tradition of reverence that is central to Hinduism.