Bheeshmashtami

Bheeshmashtami

Bheeshma Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Magha. It is believed that Bheeshmacharya, one of the great warriors and statesmen from the Mahabharata, left his mortal body on this day.

Magha Shukla Ashtami marks the death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah, a key figure in the Mahabharata, and is known as Bhishma Ashtami. Bhishma took a vow of celibacy and upheld it throughout his life. Due to his devotion to his father, he was granted a boon to choose the time of his death.

After being injured in the Mahabharata battle, he waited for an auspicious moment to pass away. According to Hindu belief, the period when the sun (Surya) moves southward is considered inauspicious. Bhishma waited until the sun began its northward journey, known as Uttarayana, before choosing to leave his body on Magha Shukla Ashtami.

On this day, people perform Ekodishta Shradhha for Bhishma. Traditionally, this ritual is for those who have lost their father. However, some believe that Bhishma's Shradhha can be performed by anyone, regardless of whether their father is alive.

Bhishma was a noble soul, known for his honesty, determination, and warrior skills. For the sake of his father, he took a vow of celibacy and remained loyal to the Kuru dynasty. He was also an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. It was Bhishma who revealed the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra to the world in the presence of Lord Krishna, making it one of the most sacred prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Despite his painful end on a bed of arrows for 48 days, Bhishma had a noble death in the presence of Lord Krishna. This day is observed as a festival to honor Bhishma, especially in Vishnu and ISKCON temples. The five days from Bhishma Ashtami to Bhishma Dwadashi are known as the Bhishma Panchaka Vrata.

Bheeshma Tarpana:

• On this day, it is considered a duty (Dharma) to offer Tarpana (a ritual of paying homage) to Bheeshmacharya.
• Tarpana is to be performed even by those whose fathers are still alive.
  • If the father is alive, Tarpana should be offered with rice and water while wearing the Janivara (sacred thread) in the Savya (over the left shoulder) position.
  • Others should use Til (sesame seeds) and place the Janivara in the Apasavya (over the right shoulder) position.

Arghya:

• Bheeshma Tarpana is different from Pitru Tarpana (ancestor offering). It is simply an Arghya (offering) where Til-water flows through the four fingers, not through the thumb. Therefore, there is no food restriction at night.

Arghya Mantra:

vasUnAmAvatArAya SantanOrAtmajAya ca | arGyam dadAya BIShmAya AbAlya brahmacAriNE ||

Tarpana Mantra:

vaiyAGrapAda gOtrAya sAnkRutya pravarAya ca | gangA putrAya BIShmAya Ajanma brahmacAriNE || aputrAya jalaM dadmi namO BIShmAya varmaNE | BIShma: SAntanO vIraH satyavAdI jitEndriyaH | ABiradBiravApnOti putrapautrOcitAM kriyAm || mAGE mAsE sItAShTamyAm satilaM BIShma tarpaNam | jIvatpitApi kurvIta tarpaNaM yama BIShmayO: ||

This offering shows respect and devotion to Bheeshmacharya, who lived a life of truth, discipline, and unmatched valor.