About Pitr Dosh Nivaran Puja
Pitra Dosh puja honours departed ancestors through tarpan (offering water with sesame), pind daan, Pitra Gayatri path and the feeding of Brahmins. It is done to seek the ancestors’ blessings and to complete pending shraddha rites.
Hindu tradition holds that descendants have a duty to remember their forefathers, especially during Pitru Paksha, the fortnight before Sharad Navratri. When shraddha rites are missed, or an astrologer identifies Pitra Dosh in the kundli, this puja is prescribed. Some families travel to Gaya, Haridwar, Varanasi or Trimbakeshwar, and it can also be done at home or on a river bank.
From the Haridwar service listing: Removes ancestral curses and brings peace to departed souls.
Why families perform it
- Expresses gratitude to ancestors through tarpan and shraddha
- Traditionally recommended when Pitra Dosh appears in the kundli
- Can be done at home, on a river bank or at a tirtha
- Includes Brahmin bhojan and daan in the family’s name
Pooja vidhi, step by step
Sankalp
The resolve is taken with the gotra and names of the ancestors being remembered.
Ganesh and Vishnu Puja
Ganesh and Lord Vishnu are worshipped to begin the rites.
Tarpan
Water with black sesame and kusha grass is offered to the ancestors.
Pind Daan
Pindas of rice, sesame and ghee are offered with mantras.
Pitra Gayatri Path
Pitra Gayatri and related mantras are recited.
Brahmin Bhojan and Daan
Food is offered to Brahmins and charity is given in the ancestors’ name.
Samagri commonly needed
I can bring the complete kit if you ask. I will share the exact list once your booking is confirmed.
- Black sesame, barley and kusha grass
- Rice, milk, honey and ghee for the pindas
- Ganga jal
- White flowers and tulsi
- Cotton thread and white cloth
- Copper or brass plate and lota
- Food for Brahmin bhojan
- Banana leaf or sal leaf plates
- Names and gotra details of the ancestors
- Dakshina and daan items
Best time and muhurat
Pitru Paksha, the sixteen days before Sharad Navratri, is the main period, when each ancestor’s shraddha is done on the tithi of passing. Sarva Pitru Amavasya, every Amavasya and the death anniversary are also valid. Shraddha is traditionally done from late morning to afternoon, not in the evening.
What you get when you book
- The full pooja by an experienced Vedic pandit
- Puja samagri kit, if you ask for it
- Muhurat guidance
- Each step explained for the family
Frequently asked questions
Can women perform shraddha?
In the absence of a male descendant, or where the family agrees, women can perform tarpan and shraddha. Pandit ji will guide you on the correct procedure.
Do I need to know the exact tithi?
If you know the date of passing, I will convert it to the Hindu tithi for you. If not, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is the day meant for all ancestors.
