Om Devatabhya Pit bhyasca Mahayogibhya Eva Ca
Nama Svadhayai Svahayai Nityameva Namo Nama

This mantra is chanted to pay obeisance to the divine ancestors and to invoke their blessings for peace, liberation, and the removal of ancestral karmic burdens.

Introduction – The Sacred Bond Between Ancestors and Descendants

In the eternal cycle of life and death described in the Vedas, our existence is deeply rooted in our lineage — the souls of our forefathers (Pitru). They have shaped our destiny through the virtues, karmas, and blessings they have passed down. Just as we inherit their physical and cultural legacy, we also inherit their karmic debts and unfinished desires.

Pitra Paksha – also called Shradh Paksha – is a 15-day sacred lunar period dedicated exclusively to paying homage to these ancestors through Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shradh rituals. In 2025, this auspicious period falls from 8th September to 21st September.

In Kashi (Varanasi) – the city blessed by Lord Shiva, where the holy Ganga flows with divine grace – performing Pitru rituals holds immeasurable punya (spiritual merit). Here, offerings made by descendants are believed to directly reach the Pitru Loka, granting peace (Shanti), liberation (Moksha), and blessings for generations to come.

Understanding Pitra Paksha – Why These 15 Days Are Spiritually Powerful

According to Garuda Purana, Matsya Purana, and Skanda Purana, Pitra Paksha falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon fortnight) of the lunar month Bhadrapada/ Ashwin. During this period, Yama, the God of Death, allows ancestors to visit the earthly realm to accept offerings from their descendants.

Why Perform Pitra Gayatri Jaap in Pitra Paksha?

As per Garuda Purana, Matsya Purana, and Skanda Purana, during this fortnight, ancestors descend to the earthly realm to receive offerings from their descendants. Performing Pitra Gayatri Jaap helps in:

• Appeasing restless ancestral souls
  Removing Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic blockages)
  Granting peace (Shanti) to departed souls
  Bestowing blessings of prosperity, harmony, and health to the family
  Ensuring moksha (liberation) for ancestors

If ignored, the karmic debts remain active, manifesting as obstacles in the lives of descendants.

Why Kashi is the Ultimate Place for Pitra Paksha Puja

Kashi (Varanasi) holds the title of Moksha Nagari – the city of liberation. Performing Shradh rituals here is considered more spiritually potent than anywhere else because:

The holy Ganga purifies offerings and carries them to ancestors.

Ghats like Manikarnika, Harishchandra, Dashashwamedh, and Pishach Mochan are known for ancestral rites for millennia.

Lord Shiva himself grants liberation to those who depart from Kashi.

The meritorious effect here is said to be equivalent to several lifetimes of punya gained elsewhere.

When performed by learned Vedic Pandits of Kashi Archan Foundation, these rituals follow authentic scriptural methods, ensuring that every mantra and offering reaches your Pitru in the purest form.

Who Should Perform this Puja?

Anyone who lost parents, grandparents, or forefathers.

Families affected by Pitru Dosha in astrology.

Those who missed Shradh rituals in past years.

Families facing repeated setbacks.

Cases of violent, untimely, or unnatural death.

Individuals seeking ancestral blessings for life events.