The Pitris (Sanskrit पित्र्) (the fathers), are the spirits of the departed ancestors in Hindu culture. They are often remembered annually. It is a man's duty to his ancestors to beget at least one son, so that he may continue to make offerings to the Pitris. If offerings are not made, they suffer and often resort to punishing themselves to try to convince their descendant to have children, as in the story of Agastya and Lopamudra.

See also

• Ancestor veneration

References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola