Pitru Paksha (Sept 20 to Oct 6, 2021) is a period when Hindus offer prayers their ancestors, especially through food offerings called ‘Shraadh’. Consisting of a fortnight of lunar day, Pitru Paksha is also known as Pitru Pakshya, Pitri Pokkho, Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha, Apara paksha and Sola Shraadh. It is celebrated in the lunar month of Bhadrapada beginning with the full moon day or day after full moon day as per South Indian Amavasyant calendar and in the lunar month of Ashwin beginning with the full moon day in Bhadrapada or next day of full moon day as per North Indian Purnimant calendar. The rituals as per both calendars are same which is offering Shraadh to the ancestors. Pitru Paksha becomes inauspicious, if the death rite is performed during the ceremony, known as Shraadh or tarpan. The Sun travels from the northern to the southern hemisphere during this period.
Date
(Sept 20 to Oct 6) | Day | Shraadh | Tithi & Nakshatra |
| 20 | Monday | Purnima Shraddha | Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima |
| 21 | Tuesday | Pratipada Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada |
| 22 | Wednesday | Dwitiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya |
| 23 | Thursday | Tritiya Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya |
| 24 | Friday | Chaturthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturthi |
| 25 | Saturday | Maha Bharani (Chaturthi Shraadh) | Ashwina, Bharani Nakshatra |
| 26 | Sunday | Shashthi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Shashthi |
| 28 | Tuesday | Saptami Shradha | Ashwina, Krishna Saptami |
| 29 | Wednesday | Ashtami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami |
| 30 | Thursday | Navami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Navami |
| 1 | Friday | Dashami Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dashami |
| 2 | Saturday | Ekadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Ekadashi |
| 3 | Sunday | Dwadashi Shraddha | Ashwina, Krishna Dwadashi |
| 3 | Sunday | Magha Shraddha | Magha Nakshatra |
| 4 | Monday | Chaturdashi Shradha | Ashwina, Krishna Chaturdashi |
| 5 | Tuesday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya |
| 6 | Wednesday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya |
Auspicious items and Pujas associated with Pitru Paksha
Since it is a puja for the departed soul, no Prasad is sent
Group Pitru Paksha Shradh Puja 
Pitru Paksha is a 15 days period when one offers reverence to their ancestors in the form of Tarpan or Shraddh Puja. As per Brahma Purana and other Vedic scriptures, worship and rituals offered during the time of Pitru Paksha helps souls of one’s ancestor attain peace and move on to the next realm.
Book Now Group Pitru Paksha Shradh Puja at Trimbakeshwar 
Thus doing Shradh Puja in Pitru Paksha is immensely important both for the wellbeing of oneself and of souls of one’s ancestors. It is believed that when one’s ancestors are pleased, even Gods are pleased and the native is showered with blessings.
Book Now Group Tripindi Shraadh Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple 
Tripindi Shraadh Puja is a famous puja and people throng to this temple for conducting this puja for getting relief from all types of generational curses and suffering. Shraadh Puja is observed for the liberation of the souls of one's ancestors.
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Tripindi Shraadh Puja 
Helps cleanse all the sins, reactions of misdeeds of the departed souls. Helps them rest in peace. Liberates your family from all the hardships and failures.
Book Now Narayan Nagbali Pooja 
Narayan Nagbali Pooja consists of two different rituals. Narayan Bali is done to get rid of ancestral curse (pitru dosh /Pitru Shaap) while Nagbali is done to get rid of sin of killing snake, especially Cobra which is worshipped in India. Narayan Nagbali is the most important vidhi done in the name of ancestors for their souls to get free from this world and attain the highest state of liberation from this cycle of human birth and death.
Book Now Group Narayan Nagbali Rites 
Narayan Nagbali Pooja consists of two different rituals. Narayan Bali is done to get rid of ancestral curse (pitru dosh /Pitru Shaap) while Nagbali is done to get rid of sin of killing snake, especially Cobra which is worshipped in India. Narayan Nagbali is the most important vidhi done in the name of ancestors for their souls to get free from this world and attain the highest state of liberation from this cycle of human birth and death.
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Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja 
Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja is done to rectify the Pitru Dosha in one's horoscope. The Pitru Dosha is caused when one's forefathers and ancestors have not received proper last rites or Shradha or are unhappy or unfulfilled for some reason and also due to negative deeds of one's forefathers.
Book Now Puja for peace of departed soul 
This puja is performed for an individual for the peace of the departed souls of his ancestors. It is performed to fulfil the desires of the ancestor's souls trapped in our world due to the strong desires that stay in the soul even after death. This puja cleanses and liberates their souls from all the sins.
Book Now Mahalaya Shraadh Puja 
This Puja is performed for an individual on the last day of the Shraadh period and is dedicated to all the ancestors including those who have been forgotten. This marks the end of the Pitru Paksha and the Mahalaya Shraadh puja performed on this day ensures a complete liberation of all the ancestors who bless protection, peace and prosperity.
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Significance of Pitru Paksha:
As per the Vedic scriptures and customs, the souls of three previous generations of one's ancestor dwell in the Pitru Loka, a place ruled by Yamaraja between heavenly planets and earthy planet. Yama, the gods of death, takes the soul from earth to Pitru–loka. When a family member of the next generation expires, the first generation moves to higher planes or heaven wherein he unites with the Lord. In this case, Shraadh offerings are not made. These offerings are given to only three generations in Pitru–loka are given. Pitru Paksha begins; the Sun moves into the zodiac sign of Libra (Tula) and it is believed that the souls depart Pitru–loka and reside in their descendants' homes for a month until the Sun moves into the next zodiac—Scorpio (Vrichchhika)—and there is a full moon. Ancestors in the first half during the dark fortnight are appeased with Shraadh. Garuda Purana 
Dimension of each Book: 8.75 (H) X 5.5 (H) inches
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Number of Pages: 1163 mentions that there is no deliverance of a man without a son. A householder should appease his ancestors who when pleased bless health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation (moksha).
In the Mahabharata:
After the legendary warrior Karna was killed in the epic Mahabharata war, his soul ascended to heaven. In the heaven, he was given gold and jewels as food. Lord Indra reminded Karna about his donations throughout his life; Karna offered only gold and jewels in charity. Karna informed Indra that he was not aware of this and asked him to find a way. Karna under the direction of Indra returned to earth for a fortnight to offer Shraadh to his ancestors. This period is now regarded as Pitru Paksha.
What is Pitru Dosha?
The ninth house in a person's natal chart (Kundali) is considered the house of father, ancestors, fate and fortune. A conjunction of Sun and Rahu in this house and other planetary combinations indicates Pitra Dosha, which erases all auspiciousness from the house of luck. Pitra Dosh in a horoscope indicates that a person has not done enough for his ancestors or that they remained dissatisfied with him for some reason. Pitra Dosha can also result when a family member dies an unnatural death or if someone has not offered his respects to the souls of deceased loved ones.
When a persons departed forefathers / ancestors have not attained peace due to lack of religious rituals at the time of their death, a "Dosha" develops into ones Horoscope which is known as "Pitru Dosha". Pitru are those people who died unnatural death and did not get salvation. Due to this, people perform remedies for the pacification of Pitru Dosha. Also due to negative deeds of one's forefathers. Pitru Dosha can lead to many hardships in life and thus Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja is recommended for happy and peaceful worldly life and for attainment of peace for the departed souls of one's ancestors. Brahat parashar (BPHS) gives 14 kinds of Pitra-dosh.
In the Vedic astrology Rahu is considered the main cause of these Doshas.
- If there are problems in bearing pregnancy, repeated miscarriages or the children at home are often falling sick repeatedly. Also only girl child may be conceived repeatedly due to Pitru Dosha
- There may be regular / repeated problems without any logical reason or source at the house / business leading to severe frustration.
- There is absence of peace & harmony in the House / Business premises & we feel negative vibes whenever we enter them.
- The overall growth of a person appears to have been hampered in spite of his / her sincere efforts.
What To Do During Pitru Paksha? What to do for Pitru Dosha?
Shraddha:
If you are observing Pitru Paksha, you will have to perform a shraddh ceremony, and invite people as well as holy men to attend the feast. The feast is held to oblige the unrequited desires of departed souls and help it on its way to higher realms. Feeding people during the Pitru Paksh helps not only departed ancestors, but the performer is also liberated from past karma. For the same reason, there is a tradition of feeding cows and beggars during this time.
Brahmin Bhoj:
Brahmin Bhoj means offering food to Brahmins. You can feed a number of Brahmins during this period, so that their blessings will accrue to your departed ancestors. Treat them with respect and offer them all hospitality, as you would treat your departed ones. Give them some "dakshina" (fees). You can show your respect for the Brahmins by touching their feet and seeking their blessing.
Pind Daan:
Take a handful of cooked rice and mix it with sesame seeds and shape into balls. Touch the rice ball and invoke your ancestors and meditate on them. Sprinkle some black sesame seeds along with water on the pinda, add some curd on the ball. Offer sandalwood paste and some flowers to this pinda and respectfully place it where birds or animals can eat it.
Tarpan:
Tarpan is the offering of water to Gods, sages and the souls of ancestors. Donating water is above all punya (good deeds) that one can perform in their lifetime. Tarpan is performed on the banks of a river or lake. Offering of water (tarpan) to deities is done using the finger tips, while water is offered to the deceased ancestors’ souls with the thumb and the first finger of the hand.
Pitrukshetras in India
According to the Purans there are five Pitrukshetra in India, each region representing a specific organ of the human body. These are Bodhigaya as Shirakshetra, Vaitarni as Nabhi kshetra, Pithapur as Padarkshetra, Siddhpur as Matrukshetra and Badrinath as Brahmakapali kshetra.
Bodhygaya Kshetra is an ancient and holy pilgrimage spot where Pind dan is given for one’s ancestors and forefathers. The holy site is situated on the bank of Falgu River in Bihar.
Nabhigaya Kshetra is situated at Jajpur village on the banks of Vaitarni River in Orissa. It is also known as Nabhi Kshetra. Vaitarni River is famous in the Puran, wherein it is stated that one has to cross the Vaitarni after death and only a person who has performed good deeds in his life time can cross the river easily. By performing Pitrutarpan Puja here, one can help his forefathers get across this river. Padgaya Kshetra is situated at Pithapur at Andra Pradesh state on the Madra-valter railway line. It is situated near Rajah Mundry station.
Siddhpur is known as Matrugaya Kshetra is situated in Mahesana district of Gujarat state. According to the legend, Bhagavan Parshuram had performed Pind daan for his mother on this spot. Hence, pilgrims from all over India flock to Siddhpur for performing Pindadan and Shraadh ceremony on the banks of Bindu Sarovar. Learned Brahmins trained in performing this Puja are available in Siddhpur. Near Badrinath in Himalaya, a stone known as rahmakapali has been unearthed, wherein Pinda daan dedication and Shraadh Puja are performed.If there is Pitru Dosh in your horoscope, and due to this your family isn’t growing or is facing constant problems, you can perform Narayan Bali Puja on the bank of Narmada river at Chanod tirtha. This is situated near Dabhoi in Baroda district of Gujarat. This Kshetra is famous for Pitrutarpan Puja and dedication to ancestors. Learned priests provide the facilities to pilgrims coming here from over India. People also come here to perform Uttarkriya.And lastly, Trayambakeshwar temple in Nashik is another important site where Pitru Dosha Nivaran Pujas can be performed.
Pitru Paksha: Do’s and Don’ts
This is the time of the year to connect with God, your departed ones and for seeking Divine grace. It is an excellent time for meditation, mantra, chanting and prayer.
Since this fortnight is reserved for performing Shraadh rites and remembering the departed ones, do not schedule any auspicious events during this time. No marriages, major celebrations or long distance travel is undertaken during Pitru Paksha with the exception of pilgrimage to holy places.
In general, people abstain from non-vegetarian food and alcohol during this fortnight, out of respect for the beloved ancestors.
Shraadh Rituals: Who can perform and what food can be offered?
As per the Vedic injunction, the eldest son a male relative of the paternal branch of the family performs the rituals. A woman’s son can perform the ritual if she has no heir in her family. The Shraadh food offered to the ancestors include Kheer, lapsi (a sweet porridge made of wheat grains), rice, dal (lentils), the vegetable of spring bean (guar) and a yellow gourd (pumpkin). These food items are generally prepared in silver or copper vessels and served on a banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves.
Benefits of Shraadh during Pitru Paksha
- Provides cordial and harmonious family relations
- Relief from physical and mental ailments
- Provides financial stability and peace of mind
- Relief from other malefic effects of Pitru Dosha
We at Rudra Centre offer Pitru Paksha puja service. The puja is performed as per the scriptural rules under the auspices of qualified Brahmins or priests.
For more details, visit here.
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