This causal body which we have got is the only mode by which we do good or bad deeds, basically called “Karma”. We would be getting the result of these Karma depending upon the nature of our deeds whether good or bad. Ever imagined the state of our forefathers who are not having the physical body but are suffering due to their bad Karma. They are in the most helpless state. Hence when one does Shraadh Kriya or Tarpan vidhi during the Pitru Paksha the forefathers get some relief. For those of you who don’t know what Pitru Paksha is, let me explain. Pitru Paksha is a 15 lunar day period in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, especially through food offerings. Pitru Paksha is treated as inauspicious by Hindus given the death rites performed during this period. This period marks the transition of Sun from the northern to southern hemisphere of earth.

Now, astrologically how do we check if a person has Pitru Dosh in his or her chart. Whenever the natural houses of Jupiter viz. the 2^nd, 5^th, 9^th and 11^th house of birth chart are occupied by the enemies of Jupiter which are Mercury, Venus and Rahu then the person suffers from Pitru Dosh. Mercury is the biggest enemy of Jupiter. Person with Mercury alone in the 5^th house will not have Pitru Dosh as it is an exception to the said rule. Pitru Dosh kicks into a person’s life with the activation of Ketu which is at the age of 48 years. Such person will experience sudden downfall after the age of 48 years. Any difficulties experienced by native before the age of 48 years cannot be attributed to Pitru Dosha.

Now, let us discuss about the remedies. The most important and very effective remedy for Pitru dosha is to perform Shraadh or Tarpan kriya during the period of Pitru Paksha. Sun, Moon and Mars are close friends of Jupiter. Donating items related to Sun, Moon and Mars at temples gives relief to Jupiter as temples represents Jupiter. One can donate wheat (represents Sun), milk (represents Moon), rice (represents Moon), sugar (represents Mars) and jaggery (represents Mars) at religious places (represents Jupiter). Cleaning toilets of religious places is also very good remedy for Pitru Dosha as this pacifies Rahu.

Another effective remedy for Pitru Dosha is to read Shreemad Bhagwatam or Harivansh Puran regularly. Both these books are on Lord Vishnu. Reading these scriptures strengthens Jupiter and reduces the intensity of Pitru Dosha.