What exactly is Bhishma Ashtami
The Hindu holiday of Bhishma Ashtami occurs during Uttarayan, the holy half of the year when the Sun begins to journey northward. As the anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah’s passing, Bhishma Ashtami is regarded as one of the luckiest and most auspicious days. The day Bhishma decided to depart from his body was that one. He didn’t leave the bed of arrows until the lucky day of Uttarayan when he finally let his body go after being defeated on the battlefield. Devavrata, the name given to Bhishma at birth, was his first name. In addition to Bhishma, Bhishma was known as Gauranga, Shantanava, Ganga Putra Bhishma, and Pitamah.
Bhishma Ashtami’s relevance
It is thought that Bhishma Ashtami is a particularly lucky day and is ideal for carrying out auspicious rituals. It is a crucial day for doing the required rituals in order to remove the Pitru dosha. Even childless couples observe a severe fast and participate in the Bhishma Ashtami puja hoping to receive a son. The followers of Bhishma Pitamah believe that if one receives his divine blessings on this specific day, they would most likely give birth to a boy with excellent obedience and moral character.
Rituals of Bhishma Ashtami
- The devotees perform Ekodishta Shraddha on the eve of Bhishma Ashtami. According to Hindu mythology and religion, those who do not have living dads are only permitted to conduct this Shraddha. The ceremony is performed by anyone, whether or not their father is living, in some societies and religions where such a criterion is not observed.
- It is known as Bhishma Ashtami Tarpanam when devotees perform tarpan on the banks of revered rivers on this specific day. The ceremony is performed in honor of Bhishma Pitamah and the observer’s forefathers for the benefit of their souls.
- Another significant ritual carried out on this day by the followers is a holy bath. A plunge into one of the holy rivers is seen as extremely lucky. Sesame seeds and cooked rice are required to be offered in the holy river by observers.
- The followers keep a fast on Bhishma Ashtami in addition to making a vow, performing a holy ceremony, and reciting the Bhishma Ashtami Mantra in order to honor Bhishma Pitamah.
Celebration of Bhishma Ashtami
Various parts of the country observe Bhishma Ashtami with festivities. There is a large celebration in his honor in each and every ISKCON temple as well as in the temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The devotees observe this event with elaborate rituals and puja throughout the state of Bengal.
The Advantages of Bhishma Ashtami Puja and Vrat
According to mythology, those who do the Bhishma Ashtami Puja and observe a fast on this specific day are granted honest and submissive offspring. On the eve of Bhishma Ashtami, worshippers can purge their past and present sins and receive good fortune by engaging in different rituals, such as fasting, tarpan, and puja. Additionally, it aids in the relief of Pitru Dosha.
The Bhishma Pitamah teachings
Yudhishthir received some crucial teachings from Bhishma as he waited for the sun to begin its trek to the northern hemisphere.
- To achieve peace, learn to let go of your anger and forgive others.
- All chores and work should be finished because unfinished work suggests negativity.
- Avoid becoming sentimental about things and people.
- Always put the dharma first.
- Work hard, keep everyone safe, and show compassion.
Bhishma Ashtami Vrat Story
King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga’s eighth child, Bhishma, was given the name Devavrata at the time of his birth. Devavrata lived a lifelong celibate lifestyle to please his father and his benefit. Maa Ganga mainly raised Devavrata, and she later sent him to Maharishi Parshuram to obtain Shastra Vidhya. Under the direction of Shukracharya, he developed excellent fighting techniques and knowledge, becoming unbeatable.
Devavrata was introduced to his father, King Shantanu, by Goddess Ganga after he had finished his schooling and was later made the Prince of Hastinapur. A woman named Satyavati was the object of King Shantanu’s love at the time, and he desired to wed her.
King Shantanu’s descendants and Satyavati would be the ones to rule the kingdom of Hastinapur in the future, Satyavati’s father stipulated in his agreement to the arrangement.
Upon realizing the situation, Devavrata abdicated his throne and swore to live a bachelor’s life for the benefit of his father. Devavrata earned the honorific name Bhishma for his tenacity and devotion. And he called his pledge Bhishma Pratigya.
When King Shantanu saw all of this, he was exceedingly happy with Bhishma and gave him a blessing in the form of Iccha Mrityu. Bhishma Pitamaha earned a great deal of respect and fame throughout his lifetime. He fought alongside the Kauravas and remained by them throughout the Mahabharata battle. Bhishma Pitamah had sworn not to use any force against Shikhandi and to avoid engaging in combat with him. Bhishma was injured and knocked to the ground on the bed of arrows when King Arjuna assaulted him while hiding behind Shikhandi.
He waited on the bed of arrows for a number of days until finally passing away on the auspicious day of Uttarayan, which is today commemorated as Bhishma Ashtami, since according to Hindu beliefs, the person who passes away on this day achieves Moksha (salvation).
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