Garud Puran and Shraddh

Hinduism believes in the existence of the soul after death. The 'Garud Puran' is the sacred text about the afterlife and is named after the celestial eagle Garud, the mount of Bhagwan Vishnu. Garud learnt the teachings from his master and then shared them with sage Kashyap for dissemination to mankind. The text contains more than 12,000 verses, and covers topics on cosmology, mythology, dharm, ethics, Hindu philosophy and systems of yog, concepts of heaven and hell, karma and rebirth, and rituals for our departed ancestors.

The Puran states that the astral realm where our pitrus, ancestors, dwell is called Pitrulok. It is the solemn duty of all Hindus to pay their Pitru rhun, debt, by performing Shraddh rituals in honour of their ancestors during Pitru Paksh, the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, which begins just after the Ganesh festival.

During the shraddh ritual, prayers are offered for the well- being, spiritual evolution, sadgati and moksh of our ancestors. There are also rituals and prayers for getting rid of pitru doshas, which can be karmic in nature or character. Their presence is invoked, and blessings are sought to help us lead a joyous life.


Pitru Paksh is an opportune time to express our sincere gratitude and pay homage to our deceased parents and other ancestors for giving us this precious and immeasurable gift of life.