A Sacred Day of Reverence and Rituals

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Bhishma Ashtami is a major day within the Hindu calendar that commemorates the demise anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah, one of the crucial revered characters from the Mahabharata. Celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Magha Shukla Paksha, today holds immense religious and cultural significance. It marks the event when Bhishma, mendacity on a mattress of arrows on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, selected to go away his mortal physique in the course of the holy interval of Uttarayan—the time when the Solar begins its northward journey.

Bhishma Ashtami 2025 is on Wednesday, fifth February

Necessary Timings On Bhishma Ashtami 2025

  • Dawn – February 05, 7:08 AM
  • Sundown – February 05, 6:12 PM
  • Ashtami Tithi Timings – February 05, 02:31 AM – February 06, 12:36 AM

The Story of Bhishma Pitamahindepth horoscope

Bhishma Pitamah, initially named Devavrata, was the son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. His life was marked by unparalleled devotion, sacrifice, and adherence to dharma. To fulfil his father’s needs and guarantee his happiness, Devavrata took a lifelong vow of celibacy and renounced his declare to the throne. This act of selflessness earned him the title “Bhishma,” which means “one who took a horrible vow.”
Bhishma was a scholar, warrior, and statesman par excellence. Skilled in martial arts and statecraft by revered lecturers like Maharishi Parashurama and Shukracharya, he grew to become a formidable warrior and a guiding pressure within the kingdom of Hastinapur. He was blessed with the boon of Iccha Mrityu (demise at will) by his father, permitting him to decide on the second of his demise.
Throughout the Kurukshetra struggle, Bhishma sided with the Kauravas regardless of being conscious of their unrighteousness, as he had pledged loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur. He was finally defeated by Arjuna, who used Shikhandi as a defend. Fatally injured, Bhishma lay on a mattress of arrows, ready for the auspicious interval of Uttarayan to relinquish his life, believing it could result in salvation (moksha).

The Significance of Bhishma Ashtami

Bhishma left his mortal abode on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha within the month of Magha. It’s believed that Bhishma, together with his unwavering dedication to dharma, selected this auspicious day throughout Uttarayan to go away his mortal physique and attain moksha (salvation) for quite a lot of causes.

Auspicious Timing

Bhishma Ashtami aligns with the holy interval of Uttarayan, the time when the Solar begins its northward journey. Uttarayan is taken into account probably the most beneficial time for religious actions, because it symbolizes gentle, progress, and divine grace. This sacred section is believed to reinforce the efficacy of rituals, making Bhishma Ashtami a great day for noble acts.

Pitru Dosh Cures

One of many key facets of Bhishma Ashtami is its affiliation with ancestral worship. The day gives a robust alternative to remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses) by performing particular rituals like tarpanam and shraddha. These acts of devotion are believed to make sure peace and liberation for the souls of 1’s ancestors.

Blessings for Progeny

Bhishma Ashtami is particularly important for childless {couples} whose acts of fasting and performing pujas outcome within the blessing of virtuous and obedient youngsters.
Thus, this Ashtami is a day that evokes religious progress and familial well-being. It is without doubt one of the most essential days within the calendar and that’s the reason Bhisham selected to surrender his mortal abode on today, thus having it named after him as Bhishma Ashtami.

Rituals and Traditions of Bhishma Ashtami

Bhishma Ashtami is a sacred day when devotees honour the life and virtues of Bhishma Pitamah one of the crucial revered figures from the Mahabharata. This auspicious day is marked by numerous rituals and traditions carried out with deep devotion and religion. These practices not solely pay homage to Bhishma but additionally intention to invoke his blessings for religious and familial well-being.

1. Ekodishta Shraddha

One of many key rituals carried out on Bhishma Ashtami is the Ekodishta Shraddha, a particular ceremony to pay homage to ancestors and Bhishma Pitamah. Historically, this ritual is carried out by people whose fathers are not alive, as per Hindu customs. Nonetheless, in some communities, this restriction shouldn’t be noticed, and anybody can carry out the ritual to honour their ancestors. This act is believed to grant peace to the departed souls and foster concord inside the household.

2. Tarpanam

Tarpanam, the ritual of providing water combined with sesame seeds, is a vital observe on Bhishma Ashtami. Devotees carry out this providing on the banks of sacred rivers, invoking the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah and their ancestors. This ritual is believed to free the souls of ancestors from worldly attachments and guarantee their peace within the afterlife. Moreover, it helps devotees remove Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses) and brings prosperity to their lineage.

3. Holy Tub

Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers just like the Ganges is a vital custom on Bhishma Ashtami. Devotees consider that bathing in these purifying waters washes away sins and grants religious benefit. Throughout the holy tub, choices of sesame seeds and boiled rice are made to the river as a mark of gratitude and devotion.

4. Fasting and Puja

Observing a quick is a standard observe on Bhishma Ashtami. Devotees take a sankalp (vow) to dedicate the day to Bhishma Pitamah. They carry out puja by reciting mantras, providing arghyam (holy choices), and lighting lamps in his honour. Fasting is believed to cleanse the thoughts and physique, enabling devotees to concentrate on religious progress and devotion.

5. Temple Celebrations

Temples devoted to Lord Vishnu and ISKCON centres maintain grand celebrations on Bhishma Ashtami. Particular prayers, discourses, and rituals are carried out to honour Bhishma Pitamah. Devotees collect to take part in these occasions, looking for divine blessings and inspiration from Bhishma’s exemplary life.

The Teachings of Bhishma Pitamah

Bhishma’s knowledge and teachings, imparted to Yudhishthira throughout his remaining days, are timeless and related even right now. A few of his notable classes embrace:

  • Forgiveness and Peace: Free your self from anger and observe forgiveness to realize internal peace.
  • Full Your Duties: Keep away from leaving duties incomplete, as they create negativity and hinder progress.
  • Non-Attachment: Don’t turn out to be overly hooked up to materials possessions or relationships.
  • Observe Dharma: All the time uphold righteousness in thought, phrase, and deed.
  • Compassion and Safety: Work onerous, be compassionate, and shield others.

The Advantages of Bhishma Ashtami Vrat and Puja

Observing Bhishma Ashtami vrat and performing the related rituals provide a number of religious advantages:

  • Blessings for Kids: {Couples} observing the vrat are believed to be blessed with virtuous and obedient progeny.
  • Ancestral Peace: Performing tarpanam and shraddha ensures peace and liberation for ancestors’ souls.
  • Elimination of Pitru Dosh: Devotees can rid themselves of ancestral curses and sins by means of the rituals of today.
  • Religious Development: The puja and fasting cleanse the thoughts and soul, resulting in religious elevation and success.

Celebrations Throughout India

Bhishma Ashtami is noticed with immense devotion and reverence in numerous components of India, honouring the virtues and teachings of Bhishma Pitamah. In Bengal, today holds particular significance, with devotees performing elaborate rituals and pujas to pay homage to their ancestors and Bhishma. Sacred choices, fasting, and prayers are central to the observance.
In ISKCON temples and shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu, grand celebrations mark the event. Particular prayers, discourses on Bhishma’s life, and devotional songs fill the temples with religious fervour. Devotees collect to hunt blessings and imbibe the values of righteousness and selflessness that Bhishma epitomized.
Acts of charity, together with feeding the needy and distributing choices, are frequent throughout areas, reflecting Bhishma’s compassion and dedication to dharma. The day serves as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to obligation, inspiring devotees to guide a lifetime of integrity and devotion.

Conclusion

Bhishma Ashtami shouldn’t be merely a day of rituals; it is a chance to replicate on the profound values of obligation, sacrifice, and righteousness embodied by Bhishma Pitamah. By observing the vrat and performing the prescribed rituals, devotees can search religious progress, ancestral blessings, and freedom from sins. Bhishma’s life continues to encourage generations, reminding us to uphold dharma and lead a lifetime of advantage and integrity.

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