The ritual bathing of the Shivling with milk, water, honey and other offerings while Pandits chant the Rudri (Sri Rudram), one of the most loved Shiva pujas.
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Dashashwamedh Ghat · Varanasi
Tarpan in Dashashwamedh Ghat
The simple, holy offering of water with sesame and kusha to the ancestors, traditionally performed in the Ganga at Kashi during Pitru Paksha and on Amavasya. Book an experienced Pandit for your home or venue in Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi 45 minutes 1.5 hours At your home or venue Online also available
Overview
Tarpan for families in Dashashwamedh Ghat
Tarpan means ‘to satisfy’ or ‘to offer contentment’. In this rite, the performer offers water mixed with black sesame, holding kusha grass, while remembering departed family members by name. It is one of the simplest ancestral rites, yet traditionally regarded as deeply meaningful.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the best-known ghats in Varanasi and is widely associated with the grand evening Ganga Aarti. Its name is traditionally linked to a legend of Lord Brahma performing the Dashashwamedh yagna here.
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वधा नमः॥
Oṁ pitṛbhyaḥ svadhāyibhyaḥ svadhā namaḥ.
Planning your puja in Dashashwamedh Ghat
Vehicles usually cannot reach the ghat; expect to walk the last stretch through busy lanes from Godowlia.
The evening aarti draws very large crowds, arrive early if you want to watch from the steps or a boat.
Dev Deepawali, Sawan and major festival days bring exceptional crowds and traffic restrictions, so plan extra time.
Early mornings are quieter and better suited for snan or riverside sankalp.
Keep valuables secure and agree boat arrangements clearly before setting out.
Plan to reach the ghat around sunrise.
Carry a change of clothes and a towel if you will enter the river.
Tarpan traditions in Varanasi
- Tarpan is usually done early in the morning at the ghats.
- The river current and water level vary by season; follow the Pandit's guidance on where to stand.
- During the monsoon, some ghat steps may be submerged and access can change.
- Pitru Paksha brings large crowds to the ghats at dawn.
How it is performed
- 1Snan and Purification
- 2Sankalp
- 3Deva Tarpan
- 4Rishi Tarpan
- 5Pitru Tarpan
- 6Concluding Prayers
What's included
- Experienced Pandit familiar with ancestral rites
- Sankalp with the names and gotra of the family and the departed
- Guidance before the day on preparation and timing
- Step-by-step vidhi as per tradition
- Guidance on the ghat where Tarpan is traditionally performed
- Samagri can be arranged on request
Samagri
- Black sesame seeds (til)
- Kusha grass or kusha ring (pavitri)
- Ganga jal
- Copper or brass vessel (lota)
- Plate or tray (as per custom)
- White flowers
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Barley (jau)
- Chandan
- Janeu (for the performer, as per custom)
- Clean dhoti or simple clothing for the performer
Samagri can be arranged on request for delivery in Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Tarpan in Dashashwamedh Ghat: FAQs
Can a Pandit come to my home in Dashashwamedh Ghat for Tarpan?
Yes. Share your location in Dashashwamedh Ghat, your preferred date and your family's tradition on WhatsApp. We confirm a Pandit who can come to your home, apartment or venue in and around Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi, along with timing and pricing before you book.
How far in advance should I book Tarpan in Dashashwamedh Ghat?
For popular muhurat dates and festival seasons, it helps to enquire a week or two ahead where possible. For other dates, shorter notice is often manageable, we confirm availability on WhatsApp.
How much does Tarpan cost in Varanasi?
The cost depends on the vidhi, the number of Pandits, samagri and travel within Varanasi. We share a clear quote on WhatsApp after understanding your requirements, before you confirm anything.
When should Tarpan be performed in Varanasi?
Tarpan is traditionally offered in the morning, especially during Pitru Paksha, on Amavasya and as part of shraddha.
What is the difference between Tarpan and Shraddha?
Tarpan is the offering of water with sesame to the ancestors. Shraddha is a fuller rite that usually includes Tarpan along with pinda offering and food daan.
Can women perform Tarpan?
Practices differ between families and communities. Many families today include daughters and women in ancestral rites. The Pandit will follow your family’s wishes.
Tarpan in nearby areas of Varanasi
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शुभं भवतु
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Share your address in Dashashwamedh Ghat, preferred date and family tradition. We'll confirm a Pandit and pricing on WhatsApp.