Pitru Paksha: Honouring ancestors and unlocking astrological blessings

Pitru Paksha is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring and paying respect to one’s ancestors. This 16-day period, also known as Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, is observed in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (typically in September-October of every Year), starting from the full moon day (Purnima) and ending on the new moon day (Amavasya), known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. During this time, it is believed that the souls of our ancestors come down to Earth to receive offerings from us, their descendants.
According to Astrology, it is believed that the blessings of our ancestors can have a big impact on our lives during Pitru Paksha. Let’s understand what is Pitru Paksha and how it relates to astrology in simple terms.
Pitru Paksha is a time to show gratitude and respect to our ancestors. In Hindu beliefs, there is an idea called Pitru Rina, which means a debt we owe to our ancestors for giving us life and blessings. If we do not honour them properly, it is believed that we might face difficulties or obstacles in our lives, known as Pitru Dosha.
During Pitru Paksha, people perform rituals called Shradh to satisfy and show respect to the souls of their ancestors. These rituals usually involve offering food, water (Tarpan), and other items that the ancestors might need in the afterlife. It’s believed that by doing this, the souls of our ancestors find peace and, in return, they bless us with happiness and prosperity.
In astrology, the influence of our ancestors is linked to certain planetary positions in our birth charts. The presence of Pitru Dosha in a person’s chart can lead to challenges in different areas of life like health, wealth, or relationships. Pitru Paksha can be assumed as Pitar Time and during these days, person worship their ancestors and seek the blessings to resolve all life issues.
Pitru Dosha happens when our ancestors are not happy or at peace. In astrology, this can be shown by the positions of planets like Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu in certain houses of our birth chart, especially the 9th house (which represents our father and ancestors), the 2nd house (family and wealth), and the 5th house (children and past karma).
If someone has Pitru Dosha, they might face problems like difficulty in having children, career setbacks, or financial issues.
Performing Shradh during Pitru Paksha is believed to reduce the effects of Pitru Dosha. Astrologically, it’s considered a very auspicious time to perform the rituals because it helps to calm down the planets causing trouble.
Tarpan (offering water mixed with sesame seeds) and Pind Daan (offering food in the form of rice balls) are key rituals that are said to please the ancestors. These rituals are often performed at sacred places like Gaya, Haridwar, or on the banks of holy rivers.
Timing is important in these rituals. Shradh is usually done around midday because it is believed that the Sun, which represents our soul and connection to ancestors, is strongest that time, making it easier to connect with the departed souls.
Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to different ancestors based on when they passed away. The final day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is for honouring all ancestors, regardless of their date of death.
Besides performing Shradh, astrologers might suggest other remedies during Pitru Paksha to help remove Pitru Dosha. These could include chanting special mantras, donating to Older Needy person, feeding the poor, and offering prayers to deities like Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva.
Wearing certain gemstones or performing specific rituals (like Yajnas) might also be recommended to help reduce the effects of Pitru Dosha and bring peace and prosperity.
Om Pitriganay Vidmahe
Jagat Dharini Dheemahi
Tanno Pitaro Prachodayat
ओम् पितृगणाय विद्महे
जगत धारिणी धीमहि
तन्नो पितरो प्रचोदयात्
Key Dates for Pitru Paksha during year 2024
Pitru Paksha Begins: September 17, 2024
Mahalaya Amavasya: October 2, 2024
Pitru Paksha is associated with a story from the epic Mahabharata. Karna, a character from the Mahabharata, is said to have donated his wealth and performed various acts of charity throughout his life but neglected to offer food to his ancestors. After his death, he found himself in the realm of the dead with no food. In response to Karna’s plight, Lord Yama, the god of death, granted him a single day to appease his hunger. This day, known as Karna’s Shraddha, is said to be the origin of the Pitru Paksha observance.
Pitru Paksha is a deeply meaningful time in the Hindu tradition for remembering and honouring our ancestors. From an astrological point of view, this period is also important because it helps us address any issues related to our ancestors that might be affecting our lives. By understanding Pitru Paksha and performing the right rituals, we can seek the blessings of our ancestors, reduce the effects of Pitru Dosha, and improve various aspects of our lives.
In essence, astrology helps us understand how our connection with our ancestors can influence our lives, and Pitru Paksha is a powerful way to strengthen the connection between Living and Departed Soul and receive their blessings.