Every month, on the day of Amavasya (new moon), the veil between the living and the ancestral realm grows thin. According to our ancient scriptures and the Garuda Purana, the souls of our departed ancestors — our Pitrus — descend to the earthly plane on this day, silently watching their descendants and carrying with them unfulfilled longings, unsettled karmas, and a deep hunger — both physical and spiritual.

When we fail to honour our ancestors through proper rituals, an affliction known as Pitru Dosha takes root in the family lineage. This dosha manifests as repeated misfortunes, delayed marriages, health struggles, financial obstacles, and a general heaviness that passes from generation to generation, unseen but deeply felt.

The ancient remedy prescribed by the Rishis is Annadhaan — the sacred offering of food. When food is offered to the hungry, especially to sadhus and holy men, it is believed that the merit travels directly to the ancestors, nourishing their departing souls and releasing them from cycles of suffering. Our scriptures declare: "Anna danam param danam" — the gift of food surpasses all other gifts.

At Tiruvannamalai, the abode of Lord Arunachaleswarar — Shiva himself as the sacred fire mountain — this act carries extraordinary potency. The great saint Ramana Maharishi taught that Arunachala is not merely a hill but the very form of the divine. Feeding sadhus here, in the shadow of Arunachala, is equal to feeding Lord Shiva himself.

On each monthly Amavasya, performing Pitru Paksha Annadhaan to the sadhus of Tiruvannamalai:

• Dissolves Pitru Dosha accumulated over generations

• Grants moksha to departed ancestors, releasing them from rebirth

• Brings peace, health, and prosperity to the living family

• Accumulates immense punya that shields future descendants

This simple, compassionate act of feeding transforms grief into grace, and karma into liberation.