Pitar (ancestors) are considered a guiding force in our lives, not only in Hinduism but also across various other religions and cultures.
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Introduction to Pitar
Pitars, or ancestors, are the deceased family members who have left behind values and traditions for us to follow. Moreover, in Hinduism, the Shraddh rituals are performed annually. According to the Hindu Panchang, Pitru Paksha occurs during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
Have you see pitar (ancestors)?
From a spiritual perspective, ancestors are often believed to be watching over and guiding the living family members of their families. In Hinduism, the connection with ancestors is considered sacred, especially during rituals like Shradh orPitru Paksha, where it is believed that the souls of departed family members visit the Earth.
How do they connect with us?
Through offerings, prayers and rituals, people feel a strong spiritual bond with their ancestors, seeking their blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual progress.
Moreover, many also believe that ancestors can communicate through subtle signs, dreams, or moments of deep intuition, where their presence is felt.
Besides, this spiritual connection is not about seeing them in a physical form but sensing their energy, wisdom and guidance.
Do you feel a special connection with your ancestors spiritually, or have you had experiences where you felt their presence?
Do share your experience in comment box below.
Legends of Pitar
According to the Garuda Purana, there is a legend about Goddess Sita. It tells the story of how Maa Sita witnessed her father-in-law and three of his ancestors enter the body of a Brahmin who was invited for the Shraddha at Pushkar Tirtha.
During the vanvas, when Lord Rama went to the forest along with Mata Sita. He visited Pushkar Tirtha. Upon reaching the Tirtha, they began performing the Shraddha rituals. In addition to, Goddess Janaki (another name of Goddess Sita) prepared a ripe fruit and presented it to Shri Ram. With his permission, Mata Sita, having been initiated into the Shraddha rituals, followed the rites properly. At that time, the Sun had reached its zenith, and the Kutup Muhurta (the eighth Muhurta of the day) had begun.
All the sages invited by Shri Ram had arrived. Seeing them, Goddess Sita, the daughter of king Janak, came to serve food at Shri Ram’s command. However, upon reaching the group of Brahmins, she suddenly withdrew and hid herself among the creepers.
Knowing that mata Sita had hidden, Shri Ram thought, “Without serving the Brahmins, pious Sita must have left due to shame. I will first feed the Brahmins, and then search for her.” With this in mind, Shri Ram fed the Brahmins himself. After they left, he asked Sita, “Why did you hide behind the creepers when you saw the Brahmins? Tell me the reason immediately”.
Hearing this, Sita stood before him, her face lowered, tears in her eyes. Although, she said, “O Lord, listen to the wonder I witnessed. I saw your father, adorned with all ornaments, in the Brahmin at the Shraddha. I also saw two other noble men with him. Seeing your father, I quietly left without telling anyone. How could I appear before King Dasarath, wearing bark and deerskin? O Lord, how could I serve food in a grass bowl to the king, who never allowed his servants’ servants to eat such food? I, once adorned with fine ornaments, am now seen in this state by the king. Out of shame, I turned back, unable to face him.”
Hence, this way, Mata Sita witnessed her forefathers.
Conclusion
Have you ever felt the presence of your ancestors during a ritual or while offering prayers? I have always wondered what it must be like to truly “see” the Pitrus, as described in our ancient texts. The story of Sita Ji, who witnessed her father-in-law King Dasaratha and other ancestors during the Shraddha ceremony, fascinates me. It makes me think that seeing the Pitrus is not just about sight—it’s about feeling their presence in our hearts.
While I’ve never had such a profound experience myself, there have been moments during Shraddha when I’ve felt a deep connection, as if my prayers were reaching beyond this world. It’s hard to explain, but there’s a sense of peace, a feeling that our ancestors are watching over us, guiding us silently. We may not physically “see” them, but through these rituals, we acknowledge their presence and express our gratitude.
What I’ve come to realize is that the connection with our ancestors isn’t just limited to rituals like Shraddh. It’s something we carry with us daily. Their teachings, values, and blessings are reflected in the way we live our lives, the choices we make, and the traditions we pass on to future generations. Every time I light a lamp or offer a prayer, I feel that connection, knowing that I am continuing the legacy they left behind.
In a world where we’re often focused on the future, these moments of looking back to our roots remind me of where I come from, and the love and guidance that still flows from those who came before us. Maybe that’s what “seeing” the Pitars truly means—not just with our eyes, but with our hearts and in the way we honor their memory. Have you ever felt that presence too, like a quiet whisper from the past, guiding you forward? Do share your experience in comment section below.
Have a blessed time ahead.
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