Pitru Paksha began on September 27, 2026, and will end on Saturday, October 10, 2026. It is a sacred time when Hindus remember and honour their departed ancestors.
During these days, devotees perform Shraddh, Tarpan, Pind Daan, and donations according to their family traditions. Shraddh is usually performed on the date of the ancestor's death.
During Pitru Paksha, chanting specific mantras is considered a bridge to honour ancestors and seek their blessings. In the Garuda Purana, the chapters on death rites and ancestral offerings (especially the Pretkalpa and Dharmakanda sections) emphasise mantras dedicated to the Pitrus during Shraddh ceremonies.
The Skanda Purana, in its discussion of Gaya Mahatmya, similarly states the merit of chanting Pitru-related mantras at sacred sites where Pind Daan is performed.
Here are the most effective mantras to chant to invoke peace and blessings.
1. Mantra For Daily Ancestor Remembrance
ॐ पितृभ्यः स्वधायिभ्यः स्वाहा।
Om Pitribhyaḥ Svadhāyibhyaḥ Svāhā
Meaning: Salutations and offerings to the revered ancestors, who are honoured through the sacred ancestral offering of Swadhā.
This short mantra can be chanted to show respect and honour the ancestors. One can chant this mantra before offering a silent prayer, during devotional remembrance, or under proper guidance during ancestral offerings.
How To Chant: Sit in a clean place in the south direction. Remember your ancestors with respect and chant the mantra with devotion.
This short mantra can be chanted to show respect and honour the ancestors (Image: Pexels)
2. Pitra Gayatri Mantra
ॐ पितृदेवाय विद्महे जगत् पोषकाय धीमहि।
तन्नो पितरो प्रचोदयात्
Om Pitṛdevāya Vidmahe Jagat Poṣakāya Dhīmahi
Tanno Pitaraḥ Prachodayāt
Meaning: We contemplate the divine ancestral principle. May the revered ancestors guide and inspire our understanding.
Pitra Gayatri Mantra is rooted in the Rig Veda (especially Mandala 10) and the Yajur Veda. By chanting this mantra, the devotees acknowledge the debt (rina) owed to their ancestors and offer verbal homage in return.
How To Chant It: The most suitable time to chant this mantra is the Brahma Muhurat, the 96-minute window before sunrise (approximately 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM local time).
After bathing, sit in a clean place, facing south (the direction associated with Pitrus and Yamadeva); one can chant the mantra 11, 21, 27, or 108 times.
Pro Tip: Chanting Pitra Gayatri on Amavasya combined with offering of tarpan water is the traditional practice prescribed for householders.
3. Pitru Tarpan Mantra
ॐ देवताभ्यः पितृभ्यश्च महायोगिभ्य एव च
नमः स्वाहायै स्वधायै नित्यमेव नमो नमः।।
Tarpan is a ritual offering traditionally made with water, often accompanied by sesame and other prescribed items in the ceremony. During this ritual, chanting this mantra invites peace and blessings from the ancestors.
How To Chant This Mantra: This mantra should be recited after taking the Sankalp when performing Tarpan.
4. Pind Daan-Related Mantra
ॐ सर्वपितृभ्यो नमः
इदं पिण्डं पितृभ्यः समर्पयामि
Om Sarva Pitribhyo Namah. Idam Pindam Pitribhyah Samarpayami
Meaning: I offer this pinda with salutations to all my ancestors.
Pind Daan is a sacred ritual in Hinduism, typically performed during Pitru Paksha. In this ritual, small balls are made from rice, barley, sesame seeds, and ghee and offered to the ancestors.
How To Chant This Mantra: Pind Daan should be done by taking it in the right hand and, with the mantra, facing south in the Pitritirtha Mudra. When offering the pind to the deceased, prayers are made, and the mantra is chanted.
5. Prayer For Peace
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः, सर्वे पितृभ्यो नमः
शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Om Pitrubhyo Namah, Sarve Pitrubhyo Namah. Shantih Shantih Shantih.
Meaning : Salutations to the ancestors, salutations to all the ancestors. May there be peace, peace, peace.
This mantra, when chanted, is believed to remove pitru dosh, remove negative energy, reduce conflicts and provide peace to the departed souls.
How To Chant: Sit facing the south direction and chant this mantra 11, 21, or 108 times using a tulsi mala.
This mantra, when chanted, is believed to remove pitru dosh (Image: Pexels)
ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha 2026: Can You Buy New Clothes Or Eat Non-Veg During Shradh? Know What Traditions Say
So, these are a few mantras that, when chanted with faith and devotion, provide peace and blessings from the ancestors.
FAQs
1. Can women chant the Pitru Paksha Mantra?
Simple devotional prayer and remembrance can be performed by women. The specific rules for formal Shraddha ceremonies may vary according to family tradition and religious customs.
2. How many times should I chant the Pitru Mantra?
For personal devotional practice, people commonly choose counts such as 11, 21 or 108 repetitions. There is no single universal rule for all situations.