According to scriptures , Pitru are the ancestors or departed souls of one's family in Hinduism. They are believed to reside in a realm called Pitru Loka, which is located between the earth and heaven. Pitrus are worshipped by their descendants to express gratitude, seek blessings and appease them. Pitrus are also associated with different stages of life and have the power to bestow or curse their progeny.
According to Hindu scriptures, Pitrus are the first seven generations of one's paternal and maternal ancestors who have passed away. They are classified into three types based on their mode of death and destination:
- Soma Pitrus: Those who died a natural death and attained heaven (Svarga Loka) after performing meritorious deeds. They are also called Deva Pitrus or Devas.
- Agni Pitrus: Those who died a violent death or committed sins and underwent purification in hell (Naraka Loka) before reaching Pitru Loka. They are also called Manushya Pitrus or Manus.
- Yama Pitrus: Those who died childless or without performing any rites for their ancestors and remained in the intermediate state of Preta Loka. They are also called Asura Pitrus or Asuras.
Pitrus are considered to be the guardians of their lineage and have a close connection with their descendants. They can influence their fate, health, wealth, progeny and spiritual progress. They can also grant boons or inflict curses depending on their satisfaction or displeasure with their offerings and conduct.
Pitru Loka
According to scriptures , Pitru Loka is the abode of the Pitrus who have not attained liberation (Moksha) or heaven (Svarga). It is located between the earth (Bhu Loka) and heaven (Bhuvar Loka) in the cosmic hierarchy. It is also called Bhuva Loka or Antariksha Loka.
Pitru Loka is described as a pleasant and peaceful place where the Pitrus enjoy various comforts and pleasures. However, it is not a permanent state of existence as the Pitrus are still bound by karma and subject to rebirth. They remain in Pitru Loka until they exhaust their merits or demerits and then take birth again in a suitable realm according to their actions.
Pitru Loka is also influenced by the cycles of time and undergoes dissolution (Pralaya) at the end of each epoch (Yuga). The Pitrus then migrate to other realms or enter a state of dormancy until the next creation (Srishti).
Pitrus worship
Pitrus are worshipped by their descendants as a mark of respect, gratitude and filial duty. According to Hindu scriptures, one owes three debts (Rina) in life: to the gods (Deva Rina), to the sages (Rishi Rina) and to the ancestors (Pitru Rina). These debts can be repaid by performing sacrifices (Yajna), studying scriptures (Svadhyaya) and offering oblations (Shraddha) respectively.
Shraddha is the ritual performed for the Pitrus to honour them, satisfy them and seek their blessings. It involves offering food, water, sesame seeds, flowers, incense, lamps and other items to the Pitrus along with prayers and hymns. Shraddha can be performed on various occasions such as:
- The anniversary of the death of an ancestor (Tithi Shraddha)
- The new moon day of every month (Amavasya Shraddha)
- The dark fortnight of every lunar month (Paksha Shraddha)
- The dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada or Ashwin (Pitru Paksha Shraddha)
- The new moon day of the month of Bhadrapada or Ashwin (Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddha)
- The day after Diwali festival (Yama Dwitiya Shraddha)
Shraddha is usually performed by the eldest son or male descendant of an ancestor in the presence of a priest (Brahmin). The priest acts as a mediator between the worshipper and the Pitrus and recites mantras from the Vedas. The worshipper invites the Pitrus to partake of the offerings and expresses his reverence and affection for them. He also requests them to forgive any mistakes or sins committed by him or his family and to bestow prosperity, happiness, health and longevity on them. He also prays for the liberation of the Pitrus from the cycle of birth and death.
Shraddha is considered to be a sacred and obligatory duty for every Hindu as it ensures the welfare of both the living and the dead. It is believed that by performing Shraddha, one can repay the debt to the Pitrus, gain their favour and support, and ensure the continuity of one's lineage. It is also believed that by neglecting or disrespecting Shraddha, one can incur the wrath of the Pitrus, lose their protection and guidance, and face various troubles and misfortunes in life.
Life stages of Pitru
According to Hindu scriptures, Pitrus undergo different stages of life after death depending on their karma and spiritual evolution. These stages are:
- Preta: The stage immediately after death when the soul (Atman) leaves the body (Sharira) and becomes a disembodied spirit (Preta). The Preta is attached to its previous life and suffers from hunger, thirst, grief and fear. It wanders around the place of death or cremation until it receives the rites of passage (Antyeshti) from its relatives. The Antyeshti consists of cremating the body, collecting the ashes, immersing them in a holy river, and performing the first Shraddha on the eleventh day after death. The Antyeshti helps the Preta to detach from its body and move on to the next stage.
- Pitru: The stage after receiving the Antyeshti when the Preta becomes a Pitru or an ancestor. The Pitru travels to Pitru Loka or another realm according to its karma and awaits its next birth. The Pitru maintains a connection with its descendants and receives regular offerings and prayers from them through Shraddha. The Pitru also blesses or curses its descendants depending on their conduct and devotion. The Pitru remains in this stage until it exhausts its karma or attains liberation.
- Moksha: The stage of liberation or emancipation when the Pitru transcends the cycle of birth and death and merges with the supreme reality (Brahman). The Pitru attains Moksha by following the path of knowledge (Jnana), devotion (Bhakti) or action (Karma) and realizing its true nature as Atman. The Pitru becomes free from all desires, attachments, sufferings and limitations and experiences eternal bliss and peace. The Pitru no longer needs any offerings or prayers from its descendants as it has attained the highest goal of life.
Pitru Shapa
Pitru Shapa is a term used to describe the negative effects of displeasing or offending one's ancestors. According to Hindu scriptures, Pitrus have the power to curse their descendants if they fail to perform their duties towards them or violate their wishes or expectations. Some of the common causes believed of Pitru Shapa are:
- Not performing Shraddha or other rites for the Pitrus regularly or properly
- Not respecting or taking care of one's parents or elders
- Not continuing one's family lineage or having children
- Not following one's family traditions or values
- Not fulfilling one's promises or obligations to one's ancestors
- Not honouring one's ancestors' memory or legacy
- Not seeking one's ancestors' consent or approval for important decisions
- Not acknowledging one's ancestors' contributions or sacrifices
- Not expressing gratitude or love for one's ancestors
It is believed , Pitru Shapa can manifest in various forms such as:
- Obstacles or delays in marriage, career, education or other endeavours
- Problems or conflicts in family, relationships, health or finances
- Misfortunes or accidents in personal or professional life
- Lack of happiness, peace, harmony or prosperity in life
- Illnesses or diseases in oneself or one's family members
- Infertility, miscarriage, abortion or childlessness
- Premature death or unnatural death of oneself or one's family members
- Degradation or downfall of oneself or one's family reputation
- Loss of faith, wisdom, virtue or spirituality in oneself or one's family
It is believed , Pitru Shapa can be removed or alleviated by performing various remedies such as:
- Performing Shraddha or other rites for the Pitrus sincerely and regularly
- Respecting and taking care of one's parents or elders
- Continuing one's family lineage or having children
- Following one's family traditions or values
- Fulfilling one's promises or obligations to one's ancestors
- Honouring one's ancestors' memory or legacy
- Seeking one's ancestors' consent or approval for important decisions
- Acknowledging one's ancestors' contributions or sacrifices
Expressing gratitude or love for one’s ancestors
It is believed, Pitru Shapa can also be prevented or avoided by cultivating a positive attitude and relationship with one’s ancestors. One can do this by:
- Meditating or praying for the well-being and happiness of one’s ancestors
- Seeking guidance or inspiration from one’s ancestors in times of difficulty or doubt
- Sharing one’s joys or sorrows with one’s ancestors as if they are still alive
- Dedicating one’s achievements or successes to one’s ancestors as a token of appreciation
- Celebrating or commemorating one’s ancestors’ birthdays, anniversaries or festivals
- Visiting or worshipping at one’s ancestors’ graves, shrines or temples
- Donating or serving in the name of one’s ancestors to a noble cause or charity
- Adopting or supporting a child or a family in need as a gesture of compassion
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