Pt Sri Pranesh Achar (Ananda Rangan)
General
The word Tarjani means the index finger. A ring worn on the index finger is called a Tarjani ring.
This ring is used during Shrardh and ancestral rituals (Pitṛu karmas). It is considered a sacred ring meant specifically for these rites.
The scriptures say that a sacred ring worn on a finger is pure and respected in all ritual actions related to ancestors. Such a ring is called a pavitra.
A two-stranded Tarjani ring may be worn by anyone.
For Pitṛu rituals, especially for deceased ancestors (Ajīvāt Pitṛu), a ring with three or five strands may be used.
For living ancestors (Jīvāt Pitṛu) and deceased ancestors, five strands are commonly prescribed.
The Tarjani ring should not be used for deity worship. It is meant only for ancestral rites.
As the name itself indicates, the Tarjani ring must be worn on the index finger. It is best made of gold and should be worn only while performing Pitṛ-related rituals.
