Pitru Paksha 2024: Honoring Ancestors Through Rituals, Remedies, and Astrology

Pitru Paksha, known as the fortnight of ancestors, is a revered period in Hindu tradition dedicated to paying homage to departed souls. In 2024, Pitru Paksha spans from September 18 to October 2. It is believed that performing specific rituals during this sacred time brings peace to the souls of ancestors, which in turn bestows blessings and prosperity and removes afflictions (doshas) linked to one's family lineage.
In Vedic astrology, Pitru Paksha holds significant spiritual and astrological importance.In this article, we explore the essential rituals to follow, remedies to appease ancestors, and the astrological impact of these practices on individuals and their families.
Rituals to Follow During Pitru Paksha 2024
1. Tarpan: Offering Water to Ancestors
Tarpan is a key ritual in which water, mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and darbha grass, is offered to the ancestors. This offering symbolizes respect, gratitude, and a request for peace for the souls of the departed. Traditionally, the ritual is performed near a river or any clean water body, but it can also be done at home if performed with proper guidance.
2. Shradh: The Sacred Ceremony
Shradh is the central ceremony of Pitru Paksha, performed on the tithi (specific lunar day) of an ancestor’s death. Offerings such as cooked food, pinda (balls made of rice, sesame, and barley), and sweets are made to Brahmins or cows. It is believed that the soul of the ancestor returns to the Earth during this time to accept these offerings. Performing Shradh with sincerity helps the soul attain peace and grants blessings to the family.
3. Feeding the Needy
An important tradition during Pitru Paksha is feeding the poor and needy. This act is believed to fulfill the unfulfilled wishes and desires of the ancestors. In return, the souls bless the family with happiness, prosperity, and overall well-being.
Astrological Impact of Pitru Paksha
1. Karmic Cleansing and Pitra Dosha
In Vedic astrology, Pitru Paksha is a time for karmic cleansing, especially related to Pitra Dosha. Pitra Dosha occurs when ancestors are displeased due to unresolved matters or the lack of proper rituals performed for their peace. This affliction can manifest in various forms, such as difficulties in personal life, health problems, or financial instability. Performing Shradh and other rituals during Pitru Paksha with devotion can alleviate the effects of Pitra Dosha, bringing harmony and removing obstacles in the family’s life.
2. Planetary Influences
During Pitru Paksha, the position of the Sun holds significant astrological meaning. As the Sun transits through Virgo during this period, it symbolizes introspection, self-reflection, and connection with the departed souls. Those who are experiencing negative planetary influences or weak ancestral connections in their astrological chart can perform remedies to strengthen their bond with their lineage. This period is an ideal time for spiritual growth and addressing issues arising from ancestral karma.
3. Enhancing the 9th House Influence
In astrology, the 9th house of a person’s birth chart is associated with fortune, spirituality, and ancestors. Performing Pitru Paksha rituals enhances the positive energies of this house. When the 9th house is afflicted, it can lead to challenges in personal and professional life. By conducting proper rituals during this period, one can strengthen the influence of the 9th house, leading to better fortune, spiritual growth, and overall life prospects.
Remedies and Powerful Mantra for Pitru Paksha 2024
1. Recite the Pitru Stotra
Chanting mantras dedicated to ancestors is a powerful remedy for reducing the impact of Pitra Dosha. The Pitru Stotra is a sacred chant that can be recited during Pitru Paksha to invoke the blessings of ancestors and remove obstacles from life. The following mantra is often chanted:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
“Pitru Devataabhyo Swadha Namah”
“Pitru Devabhyo Tarpayami”
Regular chanting of this stotra is believed to bring ancestral blessings and remove afflictions.
2. Perform Charity in the Name of Ancestors
Charity is an essential remedy during Pitru Paksha. Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy in the name of ancestors, especially on Amavasya (the new moon day) or the specific Shradh tithi, is believed to bring divine grace. Charity serves as a way to repay ancestral debts and cleanse karmic baggage, ensuring peace, prosperity, and happiness for the family.
3. Offer Pinda Daan with Black Sesame Seeds
Pinda daan, an offering made of rice balls, is a vital ritual during Pitru Paksha. Incorporating black sesame seeds in the pinda daan is considered particularly auspicious. Black sesame is believed to have the power to ward off negative energies associated with Pitra Dosha, paving the way for spiritual and material abundance in the family.
How Pitru Paksha Helps You Spiritually
Pitru Paksha is a time to honour ancestors and grow spiritually. The rituals promote introspection and detachment from materialism, helping individuals connect with their ancestral roots. By clearing karmic baggage, these practices open a clearer path for present and future generations, inviting divine wisdom and blessings.
This article is written by: Mr. Alok Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director at Asttrolok, life coach and motivational speaker