Pitri

The pitris (Sanskrit: पितृ, lit. 'forefathers', IAST: Pitṛ) are the spirits of departed ancestors in Hinduism. Following an individual's death, the performance of the antyesti (funeral rites) is regarded to allow the deceased to enter Pitrloka, the abode of one's ancestors. The non-performance of these rituals is believed to result in the fate of wandering the earth as a restless preta.[1]

The amavasya (new moon day),[2] as well as the occasion of Pitri Paksha during the Hindu month of Ashvin is recommended for the veneration of pitrs.[3][4]

  1. ^ Cush, Denise; Robinson, Catherine; York, Michael (2012-08-21). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Routledge. p. 599. ISBN 978-1-135-18978-5.
  2. ^ Bhatt, Dr G. P.; Deshpande, Dr N. A. (2013-01-01). The Padma-Purana Part 2: Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology Volume 40. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 688. ISBN 978-81-208-3907-6.
  3. ^ Buck, Cecil Henry (1977). Faiths, Fairs & Festivals of India. Asian Educational Services. p. 98. ISBN 978-81-206-1304-1.
  4. ^ Melton, J. Gordon (2011). Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations. ABC-CLIO. p. 698. ISBN 978-1-59884-205-0.