Pitru Dosh, also known as Pitra Dosh, is a concept in Vedic astrology that relates to the presence of afflictions or imbalances in a person’s horoscope due to ancestral issues or shortcomings in their lineage.

According to Hindu astrology, Pitru Dosh occurs when the ancestors’ souls are dissatisfied or restless due to unfulfilled desires, improper rituals, or negative karma from past generations. This dosh can manifest in various forms of astrological afflictions or challenges in a person’s life.

Here are some key points related to Pitru Dosh in a horoscope:

1. Causes of Pitru Dosh: Pitru Dosh may arise due to several factors, including:
   • Ancestors who did not receive proper funeral rites or ancestral rituals (Shradh).
   • Ancestors who suffered from untimely deaths, accidents, or suicides.
   • Ancestors who had unresolved conflicts, debts, or unfulfilled desires in their lifetime.
   • Curses or negative karm accumulated by ancestors, which affect the descendants’ lives.
2. Effects of Pitru Dosh: The presence of Pitru Dosh in a horoscope is believed to bring various challenges and obstacles in a person’s life, including:
   • Delayed marriage or marital discord.
   • Financial difficulties, debts, and losses in business.
   • Health issues, especially related to chronic ailments or reproductive health.
   • Struggles in career, lack of stability, or obstacles in professional growth.
   • Difficulties in conceiving or problems with progeny.
   • Mental stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
3. Identification of Pitru Dosh: Astrologers identify Pitru Dosh by analyzing the positions of specific planets like Sun, Moon, Rahu, Ketu, Saturn, and Jupiter in the birth chart (kundli) and their relationships with the ninth house (house of ancestors) and its lord. Afflictions or combinations involving these factors may indicate the presence of Pitru Dosh.
4. Remedies for Pitru Dosh: Various remedies are prescribed to mitigate the effects of Pitru Dosh and pacify the ancestors’ souls, including:
   • Performing ancestral rituals (Shradh) with devotion and sincerity.
   • Offering prayers, food, and donations to Brahmins or priests.
   • Visiting holy places, temples, or ancestral sites and offering prayers.
   • Observing fasts on specific days associated with ancestral worship.
   • Reciting mantras, such as Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Gayatri Mantra, dedicated to ancestors.
   • Performing charitable acts and acts of service in the name of ancestors.

It’s essential to consult a qualified astrologer or spiritual advisor for personalized guidance and remedies tailored to one’s specific horoscope and ancestral lineage. While Pitru Dosh is considered a significant factor in Vedic astrology, it’s also important to remember that karma, free will, and spiritual growth play crucial roles in shaping one’s life experiences and destiny.