The Importance of Tarpan On the day of Mahalaya
According to the Puranas, The Importance of Tarpan On the day of Mahalaya is immense. There are three types of debts fall upon a person at birth. They are Pitra Rana, Deva Rana and Rishi Rana. Fatherhood is above all among him. It is very important to do tarpan to get rid of this parental debt. Offering water to the departed ancestors on this day is considered auspicious, as they are satisfied and blessed by having water in the hands of the descendants.
Usually the sons do the tarpan. However, there is no scripture that says women can perform tarpan, or that women cannot perform tarpan. In the case of a person who does not have a son, a daughter can do Tarpan. Again, if there is no son, daughters-in-law can also do Tarpan. According to Hinduism, anyone related to the deceased can perform Tarpan. Even an unmarried person can be offered tarpan by his sister. Tarpan means honoring the ancestors, so women are also entitled to do this. Because everyone can respect the ancestors.
However, it is believed that if anyone eats the bread made with sesame seeds and rice husks, then the souls of the ancestors will find peace.
