PITRU DOSHA

How Pitru Dosh Occurs ?

There are many ways by which Pitru Dosh can occur. According to
general information from various Puran, Pitru Dosh occurs when
the soul of our ancestors and departed forefathers does not get
peace ( shanti ) due to any of the following main reason, and
there may be others.

1. Bad deeds ( bad karma ) of our ancestors in earlier life,

knowingly or unknowingly, are embarrassing their souls,
2. Bad deeds ( bad karma ) of children, knowingly or unknowingly,
are embarrassing the soul of ancestors,
3. Lack of fulfillments of parental desires of our ancestors,
4. A sudden and unnatural death of any relative ancestors in early
age,
5. If someone fails to remember and honour the ancestors
properly,
6. If certain wishes are remained attached with the soul of the
ancestors, etc.

It is stated in the ancient text that Pitru Dosh occurs if any

ancestors up to the 7th generation on the father’s side and up to
the 4th generation on the mother’s side have expired at an early
age or have had an unnatural death.

Our ancestors are not only our family members or relatives, but
also our teachers, mentors, role models, friends, and guardians,
who have contributed to our welfare and growth in this or
previous life. This creates an implied obligation on us to respect

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them and their parental desires and calls for following good
deeds. If by any chance this is not followed by anyone, it may
embarrass the souls of the ancestors, which, in turn, becomes
Pitru Dosh.

How to identify if someone is suffering from Pitru Dosh ?

The effect of Pitru Dosh can also be found using the Vedic
Astrology. According to Vedic Astrology, Pitru Dosh occurs when
Sun and Moon is afflicted with Rahu and Ketu. It also has a direct
connection with Hindu Mythology.

According to Hindu Mythology, the AMRUT ( Potion of

Immortality ) came out of the ocean during SAMUNDRA
MANTHAN. Lord Vishnu took MOHINI ROOP ( Look of a Beautiful-
Mesmerizing Lady ) to distract the DANAVs ( Evils ) and
subsequently started distributing AMRUT among DEVs ( Good )
and DANAVs, starting with DEVs. One DANAV feared that the
DANAVs will not get the AMRUT and will get over by their turn.
Therefore he changed his getup like DEVs and sat between SURYA
DEV ( Sun ) and CHANDRA DEV ( Moon ). Surya Dev and Chandra
Dev recognized the DANAV and informed Lord Vishnu in Mohini
Roop, who used his weapon SUDARSHAN CHAKRA to cut-off
DANAV’s head. However he already drank the AMRUT, he became
immortal and then from that time onwards the head is known as
RAHU and the tail is known as KETU. Ever since that time onwards
Rahu and Ketu are bitterest enemies of Sun and Moon. Since then,
Rahu and Ketu are trying to punish Sun and Moon, and tries to
swallow Sun and Moon.

Astrologically Rahu and Ketu are not planets. They are actually
the intersection points of the orbit of the Moon and the elliptic.
The intersection points in the north is called Rahu or the north
node or the dragon's head and the intersection points in the south
is called Ketu or the south node or the dragon's tail. Indian Saints
and Rishes have given them the status of planets since these
points have great influence on the lives of individuals and are

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called CHHAYA GRAH ( Shadow Planets ) or Karmic planets. Rahu
and Ketu are responsible for certain bad yogas in the horoscope of
individuals. The Saints and Rishes have woven many facts in the
mythology to give a meaning of Solar ( Sun ) and Lunar ( Moon )
Eclipse. Another meaning is that Rahu gives the result at a cost of
losing the body. And Ketu gives the result at a cost of losing the
head. Means, the person under the effect of Rahu or Ketu has to
loose one thing to get another. Additionally, whenever there is
any kind of connection between Rahu & Ketu and Sun & Moon, it
mostly gives inauspicious results.

At the core of Astrology, Pitru Dosh is one type of Yoga, which is

formed by various combinations and placements of planets and
houses. As per Astrology system, Sun is the symbol of Father.
Furthermore, the 10th house in the horoscope also indicates
Father and related aspects. Hence, if any negative combination of
Sun or the 10th house, indicates presence of some kind of Pitru
Dosh.

Pitru Dosh Yoga is formed when Rahu and Ketu are with any of the
planet and are placed in the 6th, 8th and the 12th house. Many a
times, this yoga is also formed in the 5th house. In another
combination, when 9th house, 9th lord, 9th house from the moon
or the lord of 9th house from the moon is under influence of Rahu
and Ketu this indicates Pitru Dosh. Apart from this it is also said
that if Rahu is situated in 2nd, 6th 8th and 12th house then it is
considered as Pitru Dosh.

At many places, Saturn is also hold equally responsible for

different forms of Pitru Dosh. When Sun and Saturn are in the
same house, or having Drishti ( affecting each other ), it is also
considered as Pitru Dosh.

Saturn also represents our ancestors. If Saturn is afflicting Moon

then predict that Pitru Dosh is from maternal side, while if Saturn
is afflicting Sun, then predict that the Pitru Dosh is from paternal
side. For this to happen, the 5th lord/house should also be
afflicted.

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According to Brihat Parasara Hora Shaastra, the various curses
from previous births can be seen in a horoscope. Brihat Parasara
Hora Shastra gives a list of combinations which indicates Pitru
Dosh and other related Doshas with its remedies. The
combinations given in Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra are:

1. Sun in his debilitation Rashi and in the Navamsa of Saturn is

hemmed in between malefics in the 5th House;
2. Sun, as Lord of the 5th, posited in a Trikona with a malefic, is
hemmed in between malefics and is also aspected by a
malefic;
3. Jupiter occupies the Rashi of Sun, the Lord of the 5th is with
Sun and Lagna and the 5th are occupied by malefics;
4. Lord of Lagna, devoid of strength, is in the 5th and the Lord of
the 5th is combust and Lagna and the 5th are occupied by
malefics;
5. There is exchange of Houses between Lords of the 5th and the
10th and Lagna and the 5th are occupied by malefics;
6. Mars, as the Lord of the 10th, is associated with the Lord of the
5th and Lagna, the 5th and the 10th are occupied by malefics;
7. Lord of the 10th is in the 6th, 8th, or 12th, Jupiter is in a malefic
Rashi and the Lord of Lagna and the 5th are associated with
malefics;
8. Sun, Mars and Saturn are in Lagna and the 5th and Rahu and
Jupiter are in the 8th and the 12th;
9. Sun is in the 8th, Saturn in the 5th, the Lord of the 5th is
associated with Rahu and Lagna is occupied by a malefic;

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10. Lord of 12th is in Lagna, Lord of 8th in 5th and Lord of 10th in
8th;
11. Lord of 6th is in 5th, Lord of 10th in 6th and Jupiter is
associated with Rahu.

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Simple ways to identify Pitru Dosh

Astrological combinations and calculations are used to precisely

find out the exact problem and related solution of Pitru Dosh.
Such astrological calculations are good, but they are far more
complex and hard to understand for a common man.

Then how a common man can identify if he is under the bad

influences of Pitru Dosh? Well, there are some signs and methods
given in the ancient texts, which help a person in identifying Pitru
Dosh. Following are the most important signs to identify the
existence of Pitru Dosh.

1. Children are falling sick repeatedly.

2. The couple has problem in conceiving the child, i.e. problem in
getting pregnant..
3. Repeated miscarriages.
4. Only a girl child is being conceived repeatedly.
5. Quarrels among family members without any reasonable
reason.
6. The person’s educational and career growth is obstructed.
7. Disruption in educational and career growth and success.
8. The family doesn’t grow and faces many problems repeatedly.
9. The family faces spirit like and black magic like effects
repeatedly.
10. Those who are physically and mentally handicapped may have
such affliction.

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What is Pitru Paksh and Shraddh ?

Vedic Astrology prescribes many remedies for all the problems

from simple to complex and cheapest to costly. There are many
ways available to nullify the effects of Pitru Dosh. Some of the
ways are described below.

It is believed that satisfying our ancestors and forefathers, we can

have their blessings for peaceful and happy life. For the peace of
the souls of our ancestors it is advices to perform SHRADDH.
Shraddh is the ritual and ceremony performed for the departed
souls of our ancestors. According to ancient texts, the Shraddh is
performed during dark fortnight ( Krishna Paksh ) in the
month of Ashwin ( September " October ) which reaches to the
ancestors immediately and their souls will rest in peace. On the
last day of the fortnight, i.e. Amavasya oblations are offered to all
those dead ancestors whose Tithi ( Date according to Hindu
Calendar) of dead is not known.

Hindu Purans are full of details about Shraddh, especially Bramha

Puran, Garud Puran, Agni Puran and Matsya Puran. Lord Yama
himself explained the importance of Shraddh performed during
Pitru Paksh. All the sinful deeds committed by the ancestors are
cleansed by the Shraddh, and all the ancestors bless those
performing the Shraddh rituals.

The customs and the rituals performed during Pitru Paksh vary
regionally. Some people fast on that day, and some do not shave
for the fortnight. Some performs Puja and some offer food to the
crows. According to Hindu mythology, crows represents
forefathers, therefore crows are offered food in these days. On
each day of the fortnight oblations of water and PINDs or balls of
rice and meal are offered to the dead relatives by the surviving
relatives. This process is also called PIND DAAN.

Pind Daan is generally done in the Pitru Kshetra ( Area ).

According to Puran Pitru kshetra have been divided into five parts

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out of these Bodhigaya as Shira kshetra, Vaitarni as Nabhi
kshetra, Pithapur as padaar kshetra, Siddhpur as Matru kshetra
and Badrinath as Brahma-kapali kshetra. Thus, all these five-pitru
tirtha are various organs of one body.

Bodhigaya Kshetra is very famous, ancient and holy pilgrim for

dedicating Pind Daan for ancestors and forefathers. That is
situated on the bank of Falgu river in Bihar state.

Nabhigaya Kshetra is situated at Jajpur village on the bank of

Vaitarni river in Orissa state. It is also known as Nabhi Kshetra.
Vaitarni river is famous in Puran wherein it is mentioned that after
death one has to cross Vaitarni river and the person who have
perform good deeds during his life time can only cross the river
very easily. But by performing Pitru Tarpan Puja here, one can
make his forefather cross this river.

Padgaya Kshetra is situated at Pithapur at Tamil Nadu state on the

Madra-valter railway line. It is situated near Raj Mahendri station.

Siddhpur is known as Matru Gaya Kshetra is situated in Mahesana

district of Gujarat state. Bhagavan Parshuram performed Pind
Daan of his mother in Siddhpur. On the bank of Bindu Sarovar,
Pind Daan and Shraddh ceremony are performed.

Performing Shraddh is also considered as the offering of our

respect and gratitude towards our ancestors. Many times
performing only Shraddh is not sufficient enough to remove the
Pitru Dosh. Special rituals and puja has to be performed in order
to remove the evil effects of Pitru Dosh.

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What are the recommended remedies for Pitru Dosh.

Remedy 1

The most widely accepted special ritual or puja for Pitru Dosh is
NARAYAN BALI PUJA. This puja is performed only at few prescribed
places such as (1) Tryambakeshwar in Nasik, (2) Chandod near
Dabhoi near Vadodara in Gujarat, (3) Kala Hasti in Tamil Nadu and
(4) Haridwar. It is very important to note that the puja have to be
performed at the mentioned places.

Remedy 2

Another remedy for Pitru Dosh is given below. This Puja can
remove all kinds of Pitru Dosh, and was also discussed on the
ISSPLIST Yahoo Group by the user DEVI_BHAGAT in 2004.

On any Somwati Amavasya, when the Amavasya is falling on

Monday, go to Pipal tree. Offer one Yagyopavit to the tree and
second Yagyopavit to Lord Vishnu. Then do 108 Parikrama ( move
in circles around ) of tree. While doing Parikrama, chant the
mantra Om Namo Bhaagvate Vaasudevaay and offer a sweet
to the tree with each Parikrama. After finishing the Parikrama,
again pray to the Pipal tree and Lord Vishnu and ask forgiveness.

Remedy 3

One more remedy was discussed on ISSPLIST Yahoo Group is

listed below. This method is already published in December 2003
issue of Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan Magazine. To perform this
puja, One Madhuroopen Rudraksh is required. This puja is done
only in Pitru Paksh. Put the Rudraksh in a plate. Start chanting Om
Namah Shivay mantra for 108 times while continuously looking
at the Rudraksh. Perform this process for all the 14 days of Pitru
Paksh. On the Sarva Pitru Amavasya, wear the Rudraksh around
the neck using black thread. This will get rid of Pitru Dosh.

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Remedy 4

Similar to the above mentioned remedy 3, take one normal

Panchmukhi Rudraksh. Do 1,25,000 jaap of OM NAMAH SHIVAY
mantra in 11 days. Then wear the Rudraksh around the neck
using black thread.

Remedy 5

During the Pitru Paksh, chant 2 / 3 / 5 or 11 mala of following

mantra, using any mala.

OM KREEM KLEEM KRISHNAAY PITRU DOSH NIVARANAAY

KLEEM FATT

Remedy 6

To get blessings of all Pitrus, this method is extremely useful. Take

a brand new Rudraksh Mala to perform this puja. Do not use a
mala which was used to chant other mantras. Chant the following
mantra for 11 malas daily during the Pitru Paksh.

OM SARVA PITRU PRAM PRASANNA BHAVA OM

Remedy 7

Another excellent method to get rid of Pitru Dosh is to get Special

Pitru Dosh Nivaran Diksha from Param Pujya Gurudev.

Remedy 8

Every Saturday, make rice balls by mixing cooked rice and ghee.
Feed these rice balls to crows and fish.

Remedy 9

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Unconditional services to parents, old-age needy persons,
sweeper and poor people are recommended. The person should
try not to get angry in this life and try not to engage in any kind of
quarrels in his lifetime.

Remedy 10

Worshipping Lord Vishnu, specially the form of Sri Ram, is also

advised for Pitru Dosh Nivaran. Person can also worship Lord
Vishnu with the main mantra

OM NAMO NARAYANAAY.

Remedy 11

Try to feed 10 Thousand, One Thousand or Hundred Brahmins, as

one can afford.

Remedy 12

Perform Kanya Daan ( perform the marriage of a girl ), if possible

for a Brahmin Kanya.

Remedy 13

Help other people who are performing Shraddh Karma.

Remedy 14

Perform Rudrabhishek ( Rudra Abhishek ) in the name of the KUL

or ancestors..

Remedy 15

Donate Gold Cow to a Brahmin, with the Sankalp stating that this
is for the ancestors.

Remedy 16

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Donate Neelam gem stone to someone in need.

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