The mythological origin of Pitru Paksha is tied to the legendary Mahabharata warrior, Karna, who was renowned for his unmatched generosity and charity during his life on Earth.

Dr Pundit Roshan Singh

Jyotish Astrologer

The Story in Heaven

• The Paradox of Giving: Throughout his life, Karna donated immense wealth, gold, and precious treasures to anyone in need, earning the title Daanveer Karna.
• The Gold Dilemma: After his death in the Kurukshetra war, his soul ascended to Swarga (heaven), but he was plagued by intense hunger. Whenever he reached for food, it instantly turned into solid gold and jewels.
• The Explanation: Confused, Karna asked Yama, the god of death why he was denied actual nourishment. He was told that while he gave away material riches all his life, he had never offered food (anna) and water (jal) in remembrance or charity for his own ancestors (pitrs).
• The Reason of Ignorance: Karna replied that because he had grown up unaware of his true lineage (abandoned at birth and raised by a charioteer), he never knew who his ancestors were to perform Shraddha or Tarpan for them.

The Origin of Pitru Paksha

• Return to Earth: Moved by his sincerity and the unique circumstances of his ignorance, the deity granted Karna permission to return to the earthly realm for a brief period—traditionally 15 to 16 days.
• Performing the Rites: During this fortnight, Karna performed the neglected ritual rites, offering food, water, and prayers for the liberation and nourishment of his forebears.
• The Tradition: This sacred 15-to-16-day period of atonement and ancestral remembrance came to be observed by humanity as Pitru Paksha (or Sorah Shraddha)