Tarpaṇa
Tarpaṇa · tarpaṇa, “satisfying, a libation”
Grammar: neuter noun, from the root tṛp (to be satisfied), in the causative: “that which satisfies”.
Meaning: the offering of water, with sesame and the like, to satisfy the devas, the ṛshis and the pitṛs; done especially for the dead, at tīrthas and after bathing.
In the scriptures: the Bhāgavata Purāṇa names tarpaṇa at Prabhāsa and for the dead.
Uddhava tells Vidura that the Yādavas went to Prabhāsa, and at that tīrtha they bathed, completed tarpaṇa to the devas, the pitṛs and the ṛshis, and gave cows with good marks to the brāhmaṇas (Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 3, Chapter 3). Seeing the ill omens in Dvārakā, Śrī Kṛshṇa told the Yādava elders: “We too will bathe in that kshetra, offer tarpaṇa to the devatās and the pitṛs, and give excellent brāhmaṇas food of many good qualities” (Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 11, Chapter 6).
When Aṃśumān found the ashes of his elders, the sons of Sagara, Kapila Maharshi told him that it was fitting to offer them tarpaṇa with the waters of the Gaṅgā, and there was no other means for their uplift (Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 9, Chapter 8).
The word is also used in a terrible vow. After Śrī Hari killed his brother Hiraṇyāksha, Hiraṇyakaśipu swore to cut off Śrī Hari’s neck with his śūla and give tarpaṇa to his brother, who loved blood, with that blood (Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 7, Chapter 2).
Related terms: Śrāddha · Pitṛ · Snāna · Tīrtha
Sources
- Bhāgavata Purāṇa, Skandha 3, Chapter 3; Skandha 7, Chapter 2; Skandha 9, Chapter 8; Skandha 11, Chapter 6