Bhishma Ashtami 2022 Date

One of the main characters of the great Indian epic - the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah's death anniversary on Magha Shukla Ashtami is known as Bhishma Ashtami.

The original name of Bhishma was Devavrata which was given at the time of his birth. Bhishma also known as 'Ganga Putra Bhishma' (Bhishma son of River Ganga devi) or 'Bhishma Pitamaha' (Bhishma the grandfather) or Shantanava or Gauranga followed celibacy throughout his life. Because of his loyalty and devotion to his father, Pitamah Bhishma was blessed with a boon by his father to choose the day and time of his death i.e Ichha Mrityu (death as per his will). Bhishma was the son of Shantanu, who had given his son a boon in that he would be allowed to choose his own day of death. Bhishma had taken an oath not to marry and that he would ever remain faithful to his father's throne.

There was a time when Bhishma Pitamah got injured in the battle of Mahabharata but he didn't leave his body due to the boon. He waited for the auspicious moment to give up his body. God Suryadev moves in South direction during half of year which is considered as inauspicious period and all auspicious activities are moved ahead till Suryadev starts moving back in North direction as per Hindu belief. Pitamah Bhishma chose Magha Shukla Ashtami to give up his body and by this time Suryadev started moving back in North direction which is known as the Uttarayana (उत्तरायण), the daytime of devas. Thus, it is known that Bhishma waited for 58 days before leaving his body. Bhishma Pitamah left his body on the auspicious day of Uttarayana, i.e. on the day when the Lord Surya started moving towards Northward after completing six-month period of Dakshiyana.

Significance of Bhishma Ashtami

Despite lying on a bed of arrows he continued in that position and then left his body on Sankranti. Hindus believe that the one who dies during Uttarayana goes to heaven.

People do Ekodishta (एकोदिष्ट) Shradhha for Pitamah Bhishma. His Shradhha has been prescribed for those who have lost their father. However many peoplen believe that his Shradhha rituals can be performed by all irrespective of their father being alive or dead.

The childless couple keeps a strict fast and performs Bhishma Ashtami puja to get blessed with a son. The devotees believe that if they get the divine blessings of Bhishma Pitamah on this day then they are likely to have a male child who possesses a good character and high obedience as Bhishma himself. By observing fast, tarpan and puja on the eve of Bhishma Ashtami, the devotees get rid of their past and present sins and blessed with good fortune and also helps people in getting relieved from Pitru Dosha.

Bhishma Ashtami Tharpanam

Devotees perform tarpan on the banks of holy rivers which is called as Bhishma Ashtami Tharpanam. The ritual is done in the name of Bhishma Pitamah and the ancestors of the observer for the peace of their souls. A holy bath is another important ritual which is performed by the devotees by taking a dip in the sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada which is considered highly auspicious. Devotees offer sesame seeds and boiled rice in the holy river. A fast is observed on Bhishma Ashtami day in order to pay tribute to Bhishma Pitamah where they also take a Sankalp (vow), perform Arghyam (holy ceremony) and recite Bhishma Ashtami Mantra.

In honour of Pitamah Bhishma, Bhishma Ashtami celebrations take place in various regions of India especially in Iskcon temples and temples dedicated to Sri Hari Vishnu and in states of Bengal.

What Are The Important Teachings of Bhishma Pitamah?

When Bhishma was waiting to let the sun start its journey to the northern hemisphere, he gave some important and significant teachings to Yudhishthir which are as follows:

Try to get free from anger and forgive people to attain peace
All tasks and work should be complete as the incomplete work signifies negativity
Do not get attached to things and people
Dharma should always come first.
Work hard, protect all and be compassionate

Bhishma Ashtami Date & Timings