"Pitra Dosh" is believed to be an affliction in Vedic astrology that occurs when the departed ancestors' souls are not at peace and consequently affect the lives of their descendants. "Pitra Dosh Nivaran Puja" is performed to seek forgiveness and blessings from the ancestors and alleviate any negative effects caused by the affliction. The puja typically involves specific rituals, mantras, and offerings dedicated to appeasing the departed souls and bringing peace to the family lineage. It is believed to bring harmony, prosperity, and well-being to the family by resolving any ancestral issues and seeking the blessings of the ancestors.

Pitru Dosh, in Hindu astrology, refers to the adverse influence caused by the unresolved issues or negative karma of one's ancestors. It is believed to be a karmic debt carried forward from the actions or misdeeds of one's forefathers, resulting in disturbances and obstacles in the lives of their descendants. This affliction can manifest as challenges, struggles, and setbacks in various aspects of life.

The term "Pitru Dosh" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Pitru," meaning forefathers, and "Dosh," meaning fault or affliction. It is believed that the negative energy of the unresolved issues of the ancestors can affect the present generation, leading to difficulties, misfortunes, and obstacles in their lives. In Vedic astrology, the position of the Sun, which represents the father, is crucial in determining the presence of Pitru Dosh in an individual's horoscope.

If the Sun is afflicted by malefic planetary influences, such as the conjunction of Rahu or other malefic planets in the ninth house or the ninth lord, it is considered as Pitru Dosh. The presence of Pitru Dosh in one's horoscope is believed to create various challenges and hurdles in life, including financial problems, health issues, relationship conflicts, and obstacles in personal and professional growth.

To mitigate the negative effects of Pitru Dosh, individuals often perform specific rituals, such as Pitru Tarpan, Shradh, and other ancestral ceremonies, to seek forgiveness and blessings from their ancestors. These rituals are aimed at appeasing the departed souls and resolving any lingering issues or negative karma, thereby bringing peace and harmony to the family and ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the present and future generations.

Pitra Dosh is a complex concept in Hindu astrology that can stem from various sources. Three primary causes that contribute to the manifestation of Pitra Dosh are:

1. Effects of the planets: Unfavorable planetary positions, particularly in relation to the Sun or the ninth house, can contribute to the presence of Pitra Dosh in an individual's horoscope. Afflictions or malefic influences on these specific planetary positions are believed to impact the ancestral lineage and bring about challenges and obstacles in one's life.

2. Deeds of ancestors: Pitra Dosh can arise from the unresolved negative karma or misdeeds of the ancestors. It is believed that the actions or omissions of one's forefathers can have a direct impact on the present generation, leading to the manifestation of Pitra Dosh and subsequent challenges in various aspects of life.

3. One's own Karma: According to Hindu philosophy, an individual's own actions and deeds, known as Karma, can also contribute to the presence of Pitra Dosh. Negative actions or behaviors in the current lifetime can create disturbances and obstacles, affecting not only the individual but also the ancestral lineage.

Pitru Dosh, believed to be caused by the displeasure of the ancestors, is thought to bring about various challenging effects in an individual's life and family. Some of the effects attributed to Pitru Dosh include:

1. Financial and physical problems, often accompanied by persistent sickness and health issues.
2. Difficulty achieving success in endeavors, leading to a lack of mental peace and stability.
3. A discordant and unfavorable environment, leading to frequent arguments in both personal and social life.
4. Delay in marriage or obstacles in finding a suitable life partner.
5. Potential challenges and disabilities faced by children born into families affected by Pitru Dosh.
6. Increased risk of miscarriages or complications during pregnancy.
7. Strain on the success and harmony of married life.
8. Occurrences of unnatural deaths such as suicides, accidents, or homicides within the family.
9. Recurrent and mysterious loss of lives within the same family.
10. Obstacles in conducting auspicious events within the family for extended periods.
11. Persistent financial struggles and poverty within the family.

To mitigate the adverse effects of Pitru Dosh, individuals often undertake various remedial measures and rituals, aimed at seeking forgiveness and blessings from their ancestors. Some commonly suggested remedies for Pitru Dosh (Nivaran) include:

1. Conducting Tripindi Shradha, a comprehensive Pooja, or reciting specific mantras to nullify the effects of past negative karmas committed by ancestors.
2. Offering food to Brahmins on every Amavasya, the new moon day, to seek blessings and alleviate the influence of Pitru Dosh.
3. Donating food, clothes, and blankets on the day of Ardh Kumbh Snan, an auspicious bathing day, as an act of service and charity.
4. Regularly offering water to the Banyan tree, which is considered sacred and symbolic of spiritual wisdom, to pacify the ancestors and seek their blessings.
5. Providing food and milk to street dogs, cows, and other animals as a form of selfless service and compassion towards all living beings.
6. Extending help to the needy, the poor, and older people to the best of one's abilities, fostering a sense of empathy and support within the community.
7. Chanting the mantras of Devi Kalika Stotram, especially during Navratri, to invoke the blessings of the divine and seek protection from negative influences.
8. Taking a holy bath (snan) at various religious places such as Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, Gangasagar, and others, to purify the soul and seek spiritual upliftment.
9. Offering water mixed with sesame seeds to the rising sun regularly, along with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, to seek divine blessings and spiritual upliftment.