Pitru Paksha

1. Preparation Before Pitru Tarpan

  •  Purification: Take a bath early in the morning (preferably before sunrise). Wear clean white or light-colored clothes.
  •  Sacred Space: Choose a clean, quiet place facing south (direction of Pitrs/ancestors).
  •  Asana/Seat: Sit on a kusha grass mat, woolen cloth, or wooden seat (avoid sitting directly on the ground).
  • Materials Required:
    • Kusha grass (for making pavitri/ring for the right hand).
    • Black sesame seeds (til).
    • Rice grains (preferably unbroken).
    • Barley or wheat (optional, depending on tradition).
    • White flowers (avoid red).
    • One copper/bronze vessel filled with clean water.
    • A small spoon for offering water.
    • A plate with food (preferably kheer, puri, vegetables, fruits).
    • A photograph, symbol, or simply visualization of ancestors.

2. Main Ritual – Pitru Tarpan

  •  Sankalpa (Intention): State your intention — “For the peace of my ancestors and removal of Pitru Dosh, I perform this Tarpan.”
  •  Pavitri (Ring of Kusha): Wear kusha ring on the right-hand ring finger.
  •  Invocation: Close eyes and remember forefathers (up to 3 generations — father, grandfather, great-grandfather; mother’s lineage also if you wish).
  • Offering Water (Tarpan):
    • Mix sesame seeds, barley, and rice in the water.
    • With both hands, pour water slowly facing south, chanting:
      “Om Pitṛbhyo Namaḥ, Om Pitr̥̄ṇām Pitāmahāya Namaḥ, Om Prapitāmahāya Namaḥ”
    • Repeat thrice (minimum).
  • Food Offering (Pind Daan / symbolic):
    • Prepare 3 small balls of rice mixed with black sesame and ghee.
    • Place them on a leaf or plate, offer with respect.
  •  Prayer: Pray for their liberation, peace, and blessings for your family.

3. Daily Niyam (Disciplines During Pitru Paksha)

  •  Perform Tarpan daily or at least on Amavasya (Sep 21, 2025).
  •  Avoid onion, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic food.
  •  Maintain simple living, humility, and service.
  •  Feed cows, crows, dogs, and needy persons — it is considered feeding the Pitrs.
  •  Give water to a Peepal tree (symbol of ancestors).
  •  Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins, monks, or the poor in memory of ancestors.

4. Pitru Dosh Nivaran Remedies

  •  Brahman Bhoj: Feed Brahmins/monks or donate to the needy.
  •  Gau Seva: Serve or feed cows, donate green grass or jaggery.
  •  Anna Daan: Offer grains, food, or charity.
  •  Japa: Recite Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with samput or Gayatri Mantra for ancestors’ peace.
  •  Lighting Diya: Light a sesame oil lamp in the south direction daily during Pitru Paksha.

5. Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya – Sep 21, 2025)

  •  Perform full Pitru Tarpan with extra offerings.
  •  Light lamp of ghee/til oil facing south in remembrance.
  •  Offer food to Brahmins, needy, and animals.
  •  Perform meditation and pray for forgiveness and blessings from ancestors.
  •  If possible, visit a sacred river or local water body to perform Tarpan.

6. Closing & Gratitude

  •  Conclude with prayers:
    “May my ancestors be satisfied, liberated, and shower blessings on us. May there be peace in my family.”
  •  Express gratitude and bow down mentally before ancestors.
  •  Share food with family and community as prasadam.

✨ Tip: Even a small, sincere offering with devotion is more powerful than elaborate rituals without bhava (feeling).

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