Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha or Shraadh, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar that is considered highly significant for performing rituals and offering prayers to one’s ancestors or Pitrus. It usually falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Pitru Paksha started on 30th September and will conclude on 14th October which is Mahalaya Amavasya.

The significance of Pitru Paksha lies in several aspects of Hindu religious and cultural beliefs. In Hinduism, there is a strong belief in the concept of ancestral debt (Pitru Rin). It is believed that one is born with a debt to their ancestors, and this debt can be repaid by performing various rituals and offerings during Pitru Paksha.

During Pitru Paksha, Hindus believe that the souls of their departed ancestors or Pitrus return to the Earth. It is an opportunity to pay respect to their ancestors and seek their blessings. Families typically perform rituals such as Tarpan (offering of water and food), Pind Daan (offering of rice balls representing the deceased), and prayers to honor and appease their ancestors. This is done to ensure the well-being of the departed souls in the afterlife. It is believed that by performing these rituals and seeking forgiveness for any wrongdoings or neglect toward ancestors, individuals can purify their own souls and make spiritual progress.

Hindus believe that Pitru Paksha provides an opportunity to balance the karmic accounts with one’s ancestors. By showing respect and gratitude, individuals hope to receive blessings and mitigate any negative karmic influences from their ancestors. Pitru Paksha often brings families together as they collectively participate in the rituals and prayers, reinforcing family bonds and values. It is an ancient tradition deeply rooted in Hindu culture and has been observed for generations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a connection with one’s roots and ancestral heritage. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring one’s ancestors.

Pitru Tarpana Ritual

You will need to make the following simple preparations. Find a quiet corner of a room or balcony where you can sit down facing East.

You will need: 1 mat to sit on, 1 glass of water, a small bowl of black sesame seeds (til), a plate into which you can release water and the mantras.

Mantras required: Pitru-Gayatri ; Avaahanam Mantra; Pitru-Mantra and Gayatri-Mantra

PITRU-GAYATRI MANTRA is chanted 11 times to activate all your Pitrus from Ethers above, so that their attention turns towards you.

You may not know who your Pitrus (ancestors) are; but when you begin to chant Pitru-Gayatri, you will start radiating unique vibrations.

These vibrations will be unique to you, and will resonate through Ethers via your body, your mind, your sound & your intentions.

Vibration emitted by you will be like no one else; so Pitrus whom you are intentionally reaching out to, will immediately turn their attention to you.

Before you begin Pitru-Gayatri, it’s important to put forward the following intention (mentally and in your own thoughts and words) towards Ethers:-

“All ancestors from my father’s side; all ancestors from my mother’s side; all ancestors from my marital side…

…all ancestors known to me; all ancestors unknown to me; all Pitrus in Ethers who may have no descendants…;

…all Pitrus in Ethers whose descendants may have forgotten them; all friends who have passed into Ethers…;

…and souls of all animals who dies feeding me & my family, directly or indirectly. Please turn your attention towards me.

Now chant the PITRU-GAYATRI MANTRA (11 times in succession):

PITRU-GAYATRI:-

OM PITRU GANAAYA VIDMAHI

JAGAT DHAARINEY DHEEMAHI

TANNO PITRO PRACHODAYAAT

Now invite them to accept your offerings of black sesame seeds and water.

Invitation is extended by chanting the AVAAHANAM-MANTRA (3 times in succession):-

AVAAHANAM-MANTRA:

OM AAGACHH-ANNTU ME PITRU EMAM GRIHANTI JALAANJALIM

I invite you into my home to accept my offering of sesame seeds and water to quench your hunger and thirst.

Then  chant the PITRU-MANTRA (3 times in succession):

PITRU-MANTRA:

OM SARVA PITRU DEVAAYA NAMAHA

TRIPTAYAAMIDAM TILODAHAM –VA – JALAANJALIM

 TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA

 TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA

 TASMAI SWADHAA NAMAHA

1. Take black sesame seeds in right hand.
2. While chanting PITRU-MANTRA, pour water over sesame seeds into plate.
3. Water has to flow from between thumb & index finger AND NOT from front of palms flowing over fingers
4. The water that will flow between thumb and index finger will automatically flow towards South direction as you are facing East.
5. The direction of Pitrus is South.

Now request them to proceed to Vishnu-Lok, the gates of which are open, by parting with a bit of your good karma.

As a closure express gratitude and chant the GAYATRI-MANTRA (11 times in succession), during which time your Pitrus will depart.

GAYATRI-MANTRA:

OM BHUR BHUVAHA SWAAHAA

TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM

BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI

DHEEYO YONAHA PRACHODAYAAT

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