Pitru Pujas for Ancestors and the Pitru Gayatri Mantra

The Pitru Gayatri mantra in tradition

The Pitru Gayatri mantra is a prayer in the Gayatri form, addressed to the Pitrs, the ancestors. Families chant it in remembrance of forefathers, often with tarpan, on Amavasya and in Pitru Paksha.

People often ask about its benefits and meaning. In tradition it is an act of remembrance and gratitude, and no particular result is promised. The mantra is in Sanskrit, so please learn the words from a priest or an elder.

Pitru Paksha 2026 pujas at Gaya and Kashi

These pujas are named for Pitru Paksha 2026, the fortnight of remembering ancestors. Each puja page states its date, place and what is included. They include:

• Gaya Pind Daan and Tithi Shraddha with Pind Daan.
• Ganga Tarpan at Kashi and Ghata Chaturdashi Shraddha.
• Sarva Pitru Amavasya Mahalaya Puja, listed for Gaya and Kashi.
• Narayan Bali + Nag Bali Puja and Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja.

Naimisharanya, Narmada Ghats and Jajpur

Tirtha pujas for ancestors are listed at several places. Each puja page names its place and what is included. At Naimisharanya you can choose:

• Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja.
• Tripindi Shraddh and Pitru Tarpan.
• Pind Daan with Tarpan.

At Narmada Ghats, Chandod, the pujas are Tripindi Shraddh and Pitru Tarpan. At Maa Biraja Devi Temple, Jajpur, the listing is Brahmin Bhojan for Eleven Brahmins.

Tarpan and shraddha in the South Indian tradition

Tarpanam is an offering of water to the ancestors, and shraddha is the rite of remembrance. The South Indian tradition pujas here include:

• Annual Shraddha on the Tithi.
• Pitru Tarpan at the Kaveri, listed as a private puja at Srirangapatna.
• Pitru Tarpana at Koti Tirtha, Gokarna.
• Pinda Pradanam and Tarpanam at Padagaya, Pithapuram.
• Pitru Tarpanam at Papanasam Beach, Varkala.
• Bali Tharpanam at Thiruvallam and Bali Tharpanam at Thirunelli.
• Pitru Tarpanam at Agnitheertham, Rameswaram.

How booking works

1. Choose a puja on this page and open its puja page.
2. Read the place, who performs it and what is included.
3. Book it online and share your name and gotra.
4. The priest takes the sankalp in your name and gotra.

Video or proof is shared as stated on each puja page. Prasad is not sent to your address. Divine Hindu is an independent service, not affiliated with the temple administration.