33 Things to Keep in Mind Before Tarpanam

• Before performing Tarpanam, refrain from mentioning your name during any pujas, homam or temple functions held elsewhere in the same month.
• On the day of Tarpanam for the ancestor, suspend all deity-related pujas at home until the Tarpanam is completed, and resume daily pujas afterward.
• According to Darma Shastras, on Amavasya, when the Sun and Moon are aligned, the Pitrus experience great hunger and thirst.
• It is believed that on Amavasya, the Pitrus wait at the door of each house to receive sesame and water. If not offered Tarpanam, they leave disappointed and some may even curse.
• There are a total of 60 days in a year suitable for performing Tarpanam for the Pitrus, including various significant days. Performing Tarpanam on these days brings happiness to the Pitrus.
• Vishnu and Shiva have stated that they do not accept pujas performed by those who do not honor their parents first.
• By diligently performing Sirartha for the Pitrus and using high-quality offerings, your wishes are likely to be fulfilled.
• Concerns may arise regarding how food reaches the Pitrus when many are performing Tarpanam on the same day. Naming the caste and names of ancestors helps ensure that your offerings reach them.
• During the 15 days of Mahalayapaksam, the Pitrus have heightened hunger and thirst. If relatives pass away during this time, you should still perform Tarpanam afterward.
• Pitrus are classified into three categories: Pitru Varkam (father-related), Matru Varkam (mother-related), and Karunika Varkam (other relatives). 
• On important days like Mahalayapaksam and Amavasya, avoid offering foods like onions and garlic that can be seen as disrespectful to the Pitrus.
• According to Shastra, those performing spiritual deeds should not eat in others' homes during ceremonies such as marriages.
• Performing ancestor Puja on the twelfth day of Duvadasi can lead to golden rewards.
• It's a common misconception to remember only parents on Tarpanam days; all ancestors in the family should be honored for maximum benefits.
• It is essential for those who have taken Sannyasam in the family to perform Mahalaya Sirartham on Duvadasi.
• Tarpanam done in sacred places like temples, ponds, and the sea carries significant power.
• Locations like ThiruvalanKadu, Tiruvallur, Rameswaram, and Kashi are highly recommended for performing Tarpanam.
• Tarpanam in Thila dharpanapuri is considered extremely special, as Sri Rama and Lakshmana performed Tarpanam for their father, Dasaratha Maharaja, here.
• Garuda Purana warns that neglecting to honor Pitrus on Mahalaya Amavasya can lead to issues such as marriage restrictions and poverty.
• It is believed that offering a pumpkin during Pitru Puja can help dispel negative influences.
• Souls of individuals who commit suicide may be suffering; performing Tarpanam for them can help them receive blessings from Lord Vishnu.
• It is auspicious to garland the images of deceased ancestors on Mahalaya Amavasya.
• Feeding spinach to a cow on Mahalaya Amavasya can benefit your deceased ancestors, even if they have reincarnated.
• Avoid criticizing or scolding deceased ancestors during Mahalaya Amavasya days.
• Lighting Mokshadeepam and worshiping on Mahalaya Amavasya brings joy to the Pitrus.
• When performing Tarpanam on specific days, include sesame along with akshathai (rice).
• Tarpanam should always be offered facing east.
• Donating food and new clothes throughout the 15 days of Mahalaya Paksha is highly beneficial.
• The grass used for Tarpanam is associated with the planet Ketu, and honoring it yields significant benefits.
• Conducting Sirartham in the presence of cows yields immeasurable rewards.
• Those performing Tarpanam and Sirartham should refrain from eating anything until the rituals are complete.
• Do not let the water offered to ancestors be spilled or stepped on by others.
• Bathing in holy rivers on Mahalaya Amavasya is auspicious; taking water with both hands and offering it three times while facing the sun yields great benefits.