Pitru Paksha, alternatively spelled as Pitri Paksha or Pitr Paksha is dedicated to honoring and remembering ancestors. Spanning a duration of 16 lunar days, this period embodies a time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual connection with one’s lineage.

Benefits of Honoring our Ancestors during Pitru Paksha:

1. Performing rituals during Pitru Paksha helps in resolving past-life karmas and ancestral debts, which can remove obstacles and negative influences that may be affecting your life, leading to smoother progress.

2. Honoring your ancestors invites their blessings, which can bring abundance, success, and protection. Their support can help open doors to new opportunities and overall growth.

3. One powerful way to heal the karmic energy of Ketu in your birth chart is by honoring your ancestors during Pitru Paksha. Ketu is deeply connected to past life karma and ancestral lineage.

Pitru Paksha begins during the end of Ganesh Chathurthi and ends at the beginning of Navratri. In 2024 Pitru Paksha begins on the 17th of September and ends on 2nd of October.

The Essence of Pitru Paksha

Shraddha, is a Sanskrit term that encapsulates acts performed with deep sincerity and faith. During Pitru Paksha, individuals pay homage to their ancestors, believed to reside in Pitru-Loka, a realm situated between heaven and earth, encompassing the souls of three preceding generations. It is a time to foster a deeper connection with one’s roots, seeking blessings that manifest in the form of health, wealth, knowledge, and longevity, potentially leading to moksha (liberation) or salvation.

This period serves as a reminder of the debts we owe to our ancestors, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring their presence and influence in our lives. It is believed that during these 16 days, our ancestors descend to earth to shower their blessings upon us.

Rituals for Each Day of Pitru Paksha:

⁠Every lunar day is associated with a form of Lord Ganesha. So, honoring the form of Lord Ganesha based on the lunar day, on every day during Pirtru Paksha is one of the powerful remedies that can be done. Lord Ganesha is connected to our Pitrus or ancestors. HE is the deity of the planet Ketu which represents our past lives and ancestral lineage. Magha Nakshatra ruled by Ketu and whose presiding deity are the Pitrus, or ancestors, strengthens this deep connection between Lord Ganesha and our ancestors.

Do’s & Don’ts to Observe During Pitru Paksha:

1. Reflect and reminisce about your ancestors, express gratitude, and seek their guidance to navigate life’s challenges.
2. Maintain peace and respect, avoiding conflicts and anger, as you honor your ancestors.
3. Participate in charitable acts to aid the less fortunate, honoring your ancestors through these gestures.
4. Meditate to achieve peace and provide comfort to yourself and your ancestors.
5. Choose a light, sattvic vegetarian diet, avoiding non-vegetarian foods to preserve purity during this period.
6. Prioritize spiritual practices and ancestral worship over starting new projects.
7. Conduct tarpan for your ancestors on the tithi corresponding to their death anniversary or on Mahalaya Amavasya (the culmination of Pitru Paksha) if the exact date is unknown.

The Legend Behind Pitru Paksha:

The origins of Pitru Paksha are rooted in the epic tale of Mahabharata, revolving around the legendary figure, Karna. Upon his death, Karna’s soul ascended to heaven, only to be offered gold and jewels as sustenance. Seeking real nourishment, Karna questioned Indra, the lord of heaven, about this peculiar offering. Indra revealed that while Karna had been generous with gold donations throughout his life, he had neglected to offer food to his ancestors during Shraddha.

Realizing his oversight, Karna was granted permission to return to earth for a 15-day period to perform Shraddha, offering food and water in memory of his ancestors. This period came to be known as Pitru Paksha. In some variations of the legend, the deity Yama replaces Indra.