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.

If these offerings are not made:

The soul may remain in an unsatisfied state.

Pitru Dosha an ancestral karmic debt may manifest, blocking prosperity, health, and happiness.

The subtle blessings that flow from the lineage remain dormant.

Signs of Pitru Dosha (Ancestral Karmic Blockages)

Your spiritual guide or astrologer may detect Pitru Dosha in your horoscope, but it can also be felt through life patterns:

Repeated financial losses without clear reason.

Unexplained delays in marriage or childbirth.

Chronic health issues in the family.

Sudden obstacles despite sincere efforts.

Mental unrest, misunderstandings, or lack of harmony in the household.

Pitra Paksha rituals act as a spiritual bridge, removing these ancestral blocks and bringing peace on both sides.

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.