Pitru Stotra - Complete meaning and benefits of chanting

Pitru Stotra, also known as the "Prayer for Ancestors," is a sacred hymn dedicated to honoring and appeasing one's ancestors, known as "Pitrus" in Sanskrit. It is believed that performing prayers for ancestors can bring blessings, protection, and peace to the family.The Pitru Stotra is recited by devotees to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and offer homage to their departed ancestors.

Stotra

Architānāmamūrtānāan pitṛuṇāan dīptatejasām ।
Namasyāmi sadā teṣhāan dhyānināan divyachakṣhuṣhām ॥

Indrādīnāan ch netāro dakṣhamārīchayostathā ।
Saptarṣhīṇāan tathānyeṣhāan tān namasyāmi kāmadān ॥

Manvādīnāan munīndrāṇāan sūryāchandramasostathā ।
Tān namasyāmyahan sarvān pitṛunapsūdadhāvapi ॥

Nakṣhatrāṇāan grahāṇāan ch vāyvagnyornabhasastathā।
Dyāvāpṛuthivovyoshcha tathā namasyāmi kṛutānyjali: ॥

Devarṣhīṇāan janitṛuanshcha sarvalokanamaskṛutān ।
Akṣhayyasya sadā dātṛun namasyeshan kṛutānyjali: ॥

Prajāpate: kashyapāya somāya varuṇāya ch ।
Yogeshvarebhyashcha sadā namasyāmi kṛutānyjali: ॥

Namo gaṇebhya: saptabhyastathā lokeṣhu saptasu ।
Svayambhuve namasyāmi brahmaṇe yogachakṣhuṣhe ॥

Somādhārān pitṛugaṇān yogamūrtidharāanstathā ।
Namasyāmi tathā soman pitaran jagatāmaham ॥

Agrirūpāanstathaivānyān namasyāmi pitṛunaham ।
Agnīṣhomamayan vishvan yat etadasheṣhata: ॥

Ye tu tejasi ye chaite somasūryāgnimūrtaya:।
Jagatsvarūpiṇashchaiv tathā brahmasvarūpiṇa: ॥

Tebhyoskhilebhyo yogibhya: pitṛubhyo yatamānasa:।
Namo namo namaste me prasīdantu svadhābhuja: ॥

॥ iti pitṛu strot samāpta ॥

Stotra with meaning
Architanaammurtanaan pitranaam diptatejasamam.
Namasyami always teshaam dhyaninaam divyachakshusham.
Meaning - They worshiped immortal ancestors whose glory was dazzling.
I always salute those meditators with divine vision.

Indradin's leader Dakshamarichayostatha.
Saptarshinam Tathanyeshaam Taan Namasyami Kamdaan ॥
Meaning - He was the leader of Indra and others, and he was also the leader of Daksha and Maricha.
I pay my respectful obeisances to the seven sages who grant all wishes.

Manvādinām muṇīndrāṇam suryachandramsostatha.
Tan Namasyaamyaham Sarvaan Pitrinapsuddhavapi ॥
Meaning - The Sun, the Moon and the Moon are great sages like Manu.
I pay my respectful obeisances to all the ancestors including the waters and oceans.

Nakshatraan Grahaanaam Ch Vyavagnyornabhasasthatha.
Dyāvāpṛutrithivovyoshcha tahā namasyāmī kṛutāanjaliah
Meaning - Of stars and planets, of air, of fire, and of sky.
I salute the sky and the earth with folded hands.

Devarshinam Janitrishcha Sarvlokanamaskritan.
Akshayyasya Sada Daatrin Namasyeham Kritanjali: ॥
Meaning - He was the father of gods and sages, and was worshiped by all the worlds.
With folded hands I salute those people who always give eternal gifts.

Prajapate: Kashyapay Somay Varunay Ch.
Yogeshwarebhyascha always prays to the Lord.
Meaning - Kashyapa, the creator of the universe, was worshiped by the moon-god and Varuna.
With folded hands I always respectfully salute the masters of mystical power.

Namo Ganebhya: Saptabhyasthatha Lokeshu Saptasu.
Swayambhuve Namasyami Brahmane Yogachakshushe ॥
Meaning - I respectfully offer my obeisances to the seven hosts of the universe.
I respectfully bow to Lord Brahma, the eye of all mystical power.

Somadharan Pitrganan Yogamurtidharansthatha.
Namasyami and Soman Pitram Jagatamaham.
Meaning - They also worshiped moon gods, ancestors and yoga idols.
I also bow to Chandradev, the father of the universe

Agrirūpāanstathāvanyān namasyāmī pitrinaham।
Agnishommayam Vishwam Yat Etadsheshat: ॥
Meaning - I salute the ancestors and others in the form of fire.
The entire universe is made up of fire and sacrificial fire.

Yeh tu tejasi ye chaite somsuryagnimurtayah.
Jagatswaroopinashchaiva and Brahmaswaroopin: ॥
Meaning - But those who are in brightness and who are in the form of moon, sun and fire.
He is also the embodiment of the universe and the ultimate truth.

Tebhyoskhilebhyo yogibhyah pitribhoyo yatmanasah.
Namo Namo Namaste Me Prasidantu Swadhabhuj: ॥
Meaning - From all those yogis and fathers, with a concentrated mind.
I bow to you respectfully and may you, whose arms are offering havinas, be pleased with me.


Benefits of chanting Pitru Stotra

Chanting or reciting the Pitru Stotram is believed to have several benefits, both for the ancestors and for the living beings who perform the ritual. Some of the benefits include:

1. Ancestor's blessings
2. Purification of ancestral karma
3. Fulfillment of ancestral desires
4. Protection and guidance
5. Healing ancestral relationships
6. Protection from ancestral curses
7. Blessings for prosperity and success
8. Spiritual growth and liberation (Moksha)

Who can chant Pitru Stotra & When to chant?

The Pitru Stotram can be chanted by anyone who wishes to honor and remember their ancestors or departed loved ones. There are no strict restrictions based on age, gender, caste, or creed. Whether you are a devout follower of Hinduism or someone seeking to pay respects to your ancestors, you can chant the Pitru Stotram with sincerity and devotion.
As for when to chant the Pitru Stotram, there are certain occasions and times that are considered particularly auspicious:
Pitru Paksha: Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honoring one's ancestors. It usually falls in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September–October). Chanting the Pitru Stotram during Pitru Paksha is considered highly auspicious and is believed to benefit the ancestors.
Amavasya (New Moon) Day: Amavasya, or the new moon day, is considered a significant day for paying homage to ancestors. Many people choose to chant the Pitru Stotram on Amavasya days as a way to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.
Purnima (Full Moon) Day: Purnima, or the full moon day, is also considered auspicious for ancestral worship. Some individuals may chant the Pitru Stotram on Purnima days to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.
Anniversary of Ancestor's Death: The anniversary of an ancestor's death, known as the "tithi," is considered an important occasion for performing rituals and prayers for the departed soul. Chanting the Pitru Stotram on this day is a way to commemorate and honor the departed loved one.
During Shraddha Rituals: Shraddha is a Hindu ritual performed annually to honor and remember one's ancestors. Chanting the Pitru Stotram during Shraddha ceremonies is considered beneficial for the departed souls and is believed to help them progress in their spiritual journey.

How to chant the stotram?
Chanting the Pitru Stotram is a sacred practice in Hinduism, aimed at honoring and seeking blessings from one's ancestors. Here's a general guide on how to chant the Pitru Stotram:
Prepare for the Chanting Session: Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can sit comfortably without distractions. You may light a lamp or candle and some incense as a form of invocation and purification.
Invoke Divine Blessings: Begin by invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. You can chant a brief prayer or mantra dedicated to them, such as the Ganesh Mantra or the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Connect with Your Ancestors: Close your eyes and visualize your ancestors or departed loved ones. Feel their presence and imagine them showering their blessings upon you. Offer your respects and gratitude to them from the depths of your heart.
Start Chanting: Begin chanting the Pitru Stotram with focus, clarity, and devotion. You can chant it aloud or silently, depending on your preference. Pay attention to the pronunciation of each word and try to imbibe the meaning and significance of the verses as you chant.
Maintain a Reverent Atmosphere: Maintain a reverent atmosphere throughout the chanting session. Keep your mind focused on the divine and your ancestors, avoiding distractions or wandering thoughts.
Repeat and Reflect: Repeat the verses of the Pitru Stotram multiple times, allowing the vibrations of the sacred words to resonate within you.
Express Gratitude: Conclude the chanting session by expressing gratitude to your ancestors for their love, guidance, and blessings. Offer a final prayer or mantra seeking their continued support and protection.