Significance
Pitru Paksha spans 16 days from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya). During these 16 days, the souls of our ancestors descend from Pitru Loka to Earth — hoping for Shraddha and Tarpan from their descendants.
Pitru Dosh — formed when Sun, Moon or Saturn is afflicted in the ancestral house of the birth chart — causes delayed marriage, difficulty with children, business obstacles, and unexplained illness. Performing Shraddha during Pitru Paksha provides significant relief from this dosh.
Gaya (Bihar), Kashi (Varanasi), Prayagraj and Haridwar — the most sacred places for Pitru Tarpan. Gaya's Pitru Puja is especially considered Mokshadayini (liberation-giving).
Rituals & Traditions
Shraddha
Special ritual on ancestor's death anniversary — Tarpan by pandit with mantras.
Tarpan
Offering of water mixed with sesame and barley to ancestors — for their satisfaction.
Pind Daan
Rice, sesame and honey balls — symbolic food offering to ancestors.
Brahmin Bhoj
Feeding a pandit — the medium through which satisfaction reaches ancestors.
Recommended Puja for This Festival
Pitru Tarpan Puja
Proper Tarpan and Shraddha for ancestral peace during Pitru Paksha.
Mythology
After Karna's death in Mahabharata, when he reached heaven, he was given gold and silver to eat — not real food. Indra explained: you gave charity throughout life, but never gave food and water to your ancestors. Karna was sent back to Earth for 16 days — he performed Shraddha. The tradition of Pitru Paksha began from then.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of Pitru Dosh?
On which date should Shraddha be performed?
Is online Shraddha available?
Book a Puja for Pitru Paksha
Proper puja in your name and gotra — video proof and prasad home delivery.