Pitori Amavasya (Bhadrapada Amavasya): Significance, Rituals & Remedies
Pitori Amavasya, or Bhadrapada Amavasya, is the new moon day in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). This sacred day holds immense spiritual value as families come together to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
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Gateway to Pitru Paksha: Pitori Amavasya marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha—a special fortnight dedicated to ancestor worship, during which families perform rituals to express gratitude and ensure peace for departed souls.
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Ancestor Offerings: Devotees perform tarpan (water offering) and pind daan (rice-ball offering), believing these rituals bring comfort to ancestral spirits and attract their blessings for prosperity, harmony, and protection.
Essential Rituals & Remedies
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Tarpan and Pind Daan: Offer water, sesame seeds, and rice balls with prayers for your ancestors’ peace and progress in the afterlife.
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Charity & Feeding the Needy: Donate food, clothes, or money to the poor in your ancestors’ name—especially to Brahmins, cows, or children. Sharing food, particularly on Amavasya, is believed to clear ancestral doshas and attract blessings.
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Lighting a Lamp: In the evening, light a sesame oil lamp facing south (the direction of ancestors) and offer prayers for family well-being.
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Fasting and Holy Bath: Observing a partial or full fast and bathing in sacred rivers on this day enhances purification and shields from negativity.
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Recite Special Mantras: Chant the Pitru Sukta or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and read the Bhagavad Gita’s second or eighteenth chapter to bring peace to ancestral souls.
Last Shani Amavasya of August 23, 2025, (Don’t Make These Mistakes):-
- August 23, 2025, marks the last Shani Amavasya of the year. When Amavasya (new moon) falls on a Saturday, it is called Shani Amavasya. This date holds special significance in Hinduism. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shani on this day with proper rituals can bring liberation from Shani Dosha (affliction) and earn his blessings.
- Do Not Buy These Things: Donating oil and sesame seeds on Shani Amavasya is considered highly auspicious, but one should avoid buying them, as it can have an adverse effect.
- Stay Away from Tamasic Food: According to scriptures, one should not consume meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol on this day. Tamasic (impure) food can anger Lord Shani, leading to an increase in life’s troubles.
- Do Not Buy Salt: According to scriptures, buying salt on Shani Amavasya is considered inauspicious. It is believed that doing so can lead to financial crisis and loss of wealth.
- Do Not Cut Nails or Hair: The scriptures also forbid cutting hair or nails on this day, as it is believed to increase the negative effects of Shani Dosha.
- Do Not Insult Elders & Servants: On Shani Amavasya, one should avoid fighting with anyone or insulting elders & servants. Doing so can anger Lord Shani and cause distress.
Astrological Importance
Performing these remedies on Bhadrapada Amavasya removes ancestral doshas (Pitru Dosha), neutralizes planetary obstacles, and generates positive energy in your family lineage.
Pitori Amavasya is not just a day of remembrance but a spiritual opportunity to heal family karma, invite blessings, and renew bonds with those who came before us—through faith, rituals, and acts of kindness.
