Pitra Dosha

Sometimes we find that we are constantly suffering inspite of no apparent fault of ours. This is generally very baffling that although we are doing all the good deeds, still, we or our family members are always undergoing one or the other type of problems. Astrology has a perfect explanation to this problem. It is due to the fact that the soul of our ancestors & departed forefathers does not get peace (shanti). If knowingly or unknowingly our ancestors have done some mistakes, they are reflected in our Horoscope as Pitra Dosh or Pitra Rina and being their off springs we are destined to suffer from their bad effects. Because of the malefic effect of the inflicted planets, benefic planets also stop giving favorable results.

In the vedic astrology Rahu is considered the main cause of these doshas.

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 honor the ancestors properly,
6. If certain wishes are remained attached with the soul of the ancestors, etc.

Pitra Dosha occurs if any ancestors up to the 7th generation on the fathers side and up to the 4th generation on the mothers side have expired at an early age or have had an unnatural death.

In Vedic Astrology, offerings for Rahu and Ketu are given to alleviate the Pitra Dosha - If the curses of forefathers found in the natal chart in the form of close afflictions of Rahu and Ketu/ or aspects on functional benefices/ or continuance of malefic planets dasa periods.

Simple ways to identify Pitru Dosh This yog is formed when Rahu and Ketu are with any of the Luminaries and are placed in the 6th, 8th and the 12th house. Many a times, this yog is also formed in the 5th house and if other planets do not show any beneficial aspects, this yog does not allow a person to progress at all.

Astrological combinations and calculations are used to precisely find out the exact problem and related solution of Pitra 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 Pitra Dosh? Well, there are some signs and methods given in the ancient texts, which help a person in identifying 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. Quarrels among family members without any reasonable reason.
5. The person's educational and career growth is obstructed.
6. Disruption in educational and career growth and success.

1. Every Saturday, make rice balls by mixing cooked rice and ghee. Feed these rice balls to crows and fish.
2. 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.
3. Worshipping Lord Vishnu, especially the form of Sri Ram, is also advised for Pitru Dosh Nivaran.
4. Perform Kanya Daan ( perform the marriage of a girl ), if possible for a Brahmin Kanya(Or any Poor family)
5. Perform Rudrabhishek ( Rudra Abhishek ) in the name of the KUL or ancestors.
6. On any somwati amavaasya (when there is amaavasyaa and also monday) go to peepal tree,offer one janeu to tree and one to Lord Vishnu.Pray to tree and Lord Vishnu.Then do 108 Parikrama of tree,with each Parikrama offer a sweet to tree.While doing Parikrama continuously chant the mantra " OM NAMO BHAGAWATE VAASUDEWAAYA".After doing parikrama again pray to peepal tree and Lord Vishnu and seek forgiveness.

Rituals for Remedy Of Pitru Dosha There are some rituals to be performed to ward off the evil effects of these yoghs.

One of them is Narayan Nagbali Pooja. This pooja gives relief to a great extent. This pooja is performed at a few prescribed Indian locations such as: (1) Trambakeshwar in Nashik, (2) Chandod near Vadodara in Gujarat, (3) Kala Hasti in Tamil Nadu and at (4) Haridwar.

It is very important to note that these poojas have to be performed at the places mentioned. Trambakeshwar has the pride of place as mentioned in our Puranas. The priests available at Tranbakeshwar are highly organized and perform the pooja very nicely. The Pooja lasts for 3 days.

If you are from North India, you may go to Haridwar on Amavasya day for Pitra Tarpan Ritual.