What is Pitru Dosh and What are the Remedies?

Related Topics:Rituals and TraditionsShraadh

There is a famous saying, “A 1000 known enemies are better than one unknown enemy”. We humans fear uncertainty above all. For instance, the fear of darkness, it’s the notion of not knowing what is behind that darkness that worries us. When we are certain, we are not that afraid. The same can be attributed to ‌ events in life. However, when we know about the causes of them, especially for the misfortunes, we feel somewhat in control. That’s where astrology comes in and saves us. It tells us about the underlying reasons which are causing troubles or misfortunes in our lives. Indeed, the position of the planets, our karmas (most importantly), and sometimes the karmas of our ancestors can affect the events in our present life. These all amount to the presence of Pitru Dosha in one’s Kundali.

“Dosha” refers to an unfavourable influence in a person’s horoscope or birth chart. These doshas arise from certain unfavourable planetary positions or combinations among other reasons. They influence various aspects of a person’s life. Some of the major Graha Doshas are – Kaal Sarp Dosha, Mangal Dosha or Manglik Dosha, Shani Dosha, Rahu-Ketu Dosha, and Chandra Dosha. Here, we will learn about one of the most fearsome and prominent dosha – Pitru Dosha, What is Pitru Dosh, the Causes of Pitru Dosha, the Effects of Pitru Dosha, and most importantly – remedies for Pitru Dosh.

What is Pitru Dosh?

The word “Pitru” means “forefather”. Pitru Dosha refers to the bad karmas done by the ancestors or Purvaj in the past‌. So, a person whose forefather has committed any kind of sin or crime will have a Pitru Dosh in his or her Kundali.

Pitru Dosh Nivaran refers to the act of paying karmic debts of the ancestors.

Causes of Pitru Dosh

There can be other causes of Pitru Dosh as well in addition to the bad karmas of our ancestors, which are the major ones. The other two causes are – our own bad deeds and planetary alignment and positioning. 

Some people say it is the curse of our ancestors. But that is incorrect. Pitru Dosh is not the curse of the ancestors but is the debt of the ancestors.

What Are the Indications of Having a Pitru Dosh?

Generally, when a person has a Pitru Dosh in his Kundali, they can face the following situations:

• Seeing one’s ancestors in dreams, asking for food or clothing. This one is the most common.
• When the person himself or his family member sees snakes in their dreams. It could also hint at the presence of Pitru Dosh in Kundali. 
• Various types of problems and obstacles are there in the family.

What Are the Effects of Pitru Dosh?

A person having Pitrudosh can face some or more of the following things:

• Unnatural or unexpected deaths like suicide, accidents, or murder in the family.
• Continuous deaths in the family in an unexpected or mysterious manner. 
• Continuous sickness leads to physical problems.
• Unable to achieve success in work, which will affect mental peace and stability.
• Delays in marriage and miscarriages after marriage can also be attributed to this Dosha.
• Children having this dosha will have a disability in life early or later.
• Financial stress and never-ending poverty.

So, if you are facing some or more of the above situations, it could definitely mean something more than the turn of events. To get your Kundali checked and confirm the presence of Pitru Dosha in your Kundali, you can consult our expert astrologers. Not only will they tell you about the presence of Pitru Dosha, but they can help you with other doshas as well. 

Remedies For Pitru Dosh

The following are remedial measures against Pitru Dosha:

• Chanting “Devi Kalika Strotram”, especially on Navratri. 
• Feeding Brahmanas on every Amavasya. 
• Donating food, clothes, and blankets. 
• Daily offering water to the banyan tree.
• Feeding and providing cow’s milk to street dogs and animals.
• Be helpful to poor, needy, and elderly people. Never disrespect your elders.
• Visit and do Snan (dip in holy water) in holy places like Ujjain, Nasik, etc.
• Perform Pitru Dosha Pooja or Shraadh.

Pitru Dosha Pooja

Procedure For Pitru Dosha Pooja

• It takes around 3 days.
• Once the Puja gets started, the person cannot leave the place till the Vidhi is completed. 
• Take a Sankalp to satisfy all the Pitras. Light a Diya with pure ghee.  
• On these days, eat food without onion and garlic.
• Once the puja is finished, feed Brahmins and crows. Also, feed poor and needy people. 
• Refrain from consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food for the next 41 days, including the days of Puja itself.

In order to get expert and professional help, and do the puja following all the procedures correctly, you can get help from our expert pundits and astrologers. 

Rules for Pitru Dosha Pooja

• The person needs to perform Shraadh on the Tithi of their ancestor’s death.
• Offering water to the Pitras on the day of Shraadh.
• After Shraadh, on the day of Purnima, offer food and clothes to the needy people.
• While performing the puja, remember the names of the ancestors and seek their blessings. 

And the most important remedy – Good Karmas! Since you are reaping the consequences of bad karma, you need to practice good deeds, the Dharma. Follow “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः” which translates to “Dharma protects those who protect it.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can Pitru Dosha be resolved or is there any Pitru Dosha samadhan?

A. Pitru Dosha can be resolved through various remedial measures. It involves performing Pitru Dosha Puja, offering tarpan to ancestors, and doing good deeds. 

Q. Which time is considered best to perform Pitru Dosha Puja?

A. The best time to perform Pitru Dosha Pooja is during auspicious lunar phases, that is during the Pitru Paksha (a 16-day period) in the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapad and Ashwin. It starts from Bhadrapad Purnima and ends on Sarvapitra Amavasya also known as Mahalaya Amavasya. Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of the Pitru Paksha period when people can perform Shraadh for all Pitras (forefathers).

Q. Who can perform the Pitru Dosha Pooja?

A. Pitru Dosha Pooja is usually performed by qualified pundits who are well-versed in the rituals. However, family members can also participate and make offerings.

Q. Can Pitru Dosha affect future generations as well?

A. Yes, it is believed that Pitru Dosha can affect future generations if not resolved, as the negative karma or afflictions may continue to pass down.