Pitra or Pitru means forefather or parental ancestry. This dosha appears in kundli when a person has not performed the last rites such as Shraadh, Tarpan, Pind Daan, etc of his/her ancestors or forefathers appropriately. Due to this, their soul does not achieve peace in the afterlife. Hence, this could lead to problems and hardships in a person’s life; thus making it miserable with time. The 9th House in Kundli or birth chart is the House of forefathers or Pitra. This house is also regarded as the House of fortune. If there is a conjunction of Rahu and Ketu in this house, then there is Pitra Dosha in the Kundali.  

Signs of Pitra Dosh: 

People with Pitra Dosha experience the following: 

1. The person either gets consistent dreams of one’s ancestors or forefathers appearing unhappy and dissatisfied. In the dreams, departed relatives seem unhappy or complain about not performing their last rites properly.  
2. If the person sees Snake in dreams; then it indicates Pitra Dosha in Kundali.

 Effects of Pitra Dosha: 

1. The individual undergoes physical and health related problems on a continuous basis.  
2. There is a major emotional turbulence; thus leading to mental instability, anxiety, depression, etc 
3. He/she might suffer major financial troubles, never ending poverty and economic setbacks.  
4. There would be delays in every essential work such as marriage, buying new property, etc.  
5. There would be difficulty in conceiving the baby successfully. There might be higher chances of experiencing miscarriages, abnormalities in children, etc.  
6. Arguments on small trivial matters; thus leading to marital disharmony, relationship disputes, etc.  
7. Chances of seeing unnatural death such as accidents, murder, suicides, etc in family.  

What is Pitra Dosh Nivaran Puja? 

Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja is a sacred ritual or puja that honors our ancestors, clears our karmic debts and helps us seek blessings from our ancestors/forefathers. This puja brings peace to the departed souls and harmony in the life of a person suffering from Pitra Dosha.  It is believed that Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja is performed when the ancestor or forefather is unable to attain moksha or is failing to free oneself from the ties on the Earth.  

When is Pitra Dosha Nivaran Pooja done?

Kalashtami is one of the most auspicious days to perform Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja. This puja can also be done on either Ashtami,  Amavasya or on the last day of Pitra Paksha. The pandits also recommend the day based on the Kundali of the person.  

Where is the Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja done? 

• Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik is the best place to perform this puja.  
• Gaya, Haridwar, Rameshwaram or Badrinath  
• Mahamaya Mandir at Ratanpur( Chhattisgarh), Kaithal (Haryana), Bhimashankar temple (Maharashtra) and Kasganj (U.P.)  
• Prayag – Triveni, Kashi Vishwanath, Rishikesh, Chitrakoot, Pushkar, Jagannathpuri, Ujjain, Gangasagar and Jabalpur.  

If you are unable to visit these places in person, you can take advantage of technology and  book Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja in Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata or in any other city, and get the Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja done online.  

Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja Vidhi 

1. Tri Pindi Shradh – The pandit along with the devotees first perform this besides the kund. 
2. Worship Trimurti – The devotees worship Lord Brahma, Gopal Krishna and Vishnu Shankar after Kalash Puja.  
3. Teerth Shradh – This is only for those who are performing only for Shradh.  
4. Pind Daan – The person gives pind in the name of ancestors or forefathers  
5. Samagri – The devotees offer Tulsi leaves, Pushpa, Jal and Kala Til to the pinds.  
6. Pitra Gayatri Mantra Jaap – The pandit performs Pitra Gayatri Mantra Jaap.
7. Donation/Charity – The person donates clothes, food, stationery items, etc to the needy. 

Benefits and Importance of Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja 

1. The person performing this puja will impart a certain level of peace and upliftment to their ancestors; eventually they will seek their blessings.  
2. Slowly and gradually the obstacles and problems are eliminated from one’s life.  
3. There will be harmony and peace in relationships. 
4. There is financial stability and professional growth. 
5. The puja will nullify the malefic effect of planets as well as give relief from health issues.  
6. It will protect the family members from negative or evil energies and will provide them strength and courage to face life.  
7. The puja will remove this dosha and will lead to healthy pregnancy and post delivery time.  

Conclusion: 

We cannot control our Karma but we can definitely improve it with the help of small acts. Thus, in order to keep your planets in balance and to live a life in harmony, it is advised to perform all the rites for your ancestors with utmost dedication, devotion and worship. We should not only keep our ancestors happy but we should also honor their souls. This will bring abundance and growth in one’s life as well as keep one free from Pitra Dosha.