According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha was the granduncle of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He was a formidable warrior blessed with the boon of "Ichha Mrityu" or the ability to choose the time of his death. During the epic Kurukshetra war, Bhishma fought on the side of the Kauravas due to his oath of allegiance to Hastinapura's throne, despite his admiration for the Pandavas' righteousness.
Bhishma Ashtami commemorates the day when Bhishma Pitamaha, who was renowned for his vow of celibacy and devotion to duty, chose to leave his mortal body. According to the Mahabharata, he lay on a bed of arrows during the Kurukshetra War and waited for an auspicious time to depart from the world.
On this day, devotees typically observe fasting and offer prayers to Bhishma Pitamaha, seeking his blessings for strength, wisdom, and righteousness. The observance is especially significant in parts of India like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where special rituals and ceremonies are held.
As the war progressed, Bhishma became a key figure on the battlefield, displaying unparalleled valor and skill. However, he chose not to use his full prowess against the Pandavas due to his love for them. On the tenth day of the war, realizing that the Kauravas were struggling, Bhishma took a vow to ensure their victory the next day. His prowess was so fearsome that even the gods praised him.
In another incident related to Mahabharata, Bhishma is regarded as the youngest son of King Shantanu and Ganga Devi. According to Hindu mythology, Ganga agreed to marry Shantanu only on the condition that he would never question her for whatever she did. However, seven of the eight children were drowned in River Ganga as per a curse about which King Shantanu was unaware. Out of agony, he finally asks Ganga why she is drowning all the kids in such a ruthless manner. As Shantanu protests breaking his word, Ganga leaves him by offering Bhishma to him.
Ardent devotees belonging to the Hindu community are known to take Bhishma Ashtami Snan, which falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of Magh month as per the Lunar calendar. People observe the Bhishmashtami Fast on this very day as part of paying their tribute to King Bhishma. Perhaps, the king himself had chosen this day for his death after he was left on a bed of arrows by Arjun during the Mahabharata war. Bhishma, who was a Bal Bramhachari and an ancestor to Kauravas, never married in his life and remained a bachelor throughout.
On Bhishma Ashtami, devotees remember Bhishma Pitamaha by observing special rituals and prayers. Many visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as Bhishma was a devoted follower of Vishnu. The day is also significant for performing rituals such as Tarpan (offering of water) and Pinda-daan (offering of rice balls) to ancestors, which are believed to bring peace to their souls.
Legend Associated with Bhishma Ashtami
Bhishma's birth name was Devavrata. As he grew up, Ganga took him along with her to Daitya Guru Shukracharya to teach him all the skills needed. Eventually, he learned the incomparable art of fighting because of which he earned the unique distinction of never getting defeated as long as he was waging a war on the battlefield. As time passed by, King Shantanu married Satyavati after being enchanted by her beauty. However, she agreed to be his queen only on the condition that her son would be made king and not Bhishma. Shantanu agreed reluctantly to this on the insistence of Bhishma.During the war phase in Mahabharata, he chose to take the side of the Kauravas and decided to fight against the Pandavas against his will. Lord Krishna employs the tactic of pitting Shikandi against him as King Bhishma had pledged that he would never fight against a eunuch. Eventually, he was confined to the deathbed for 18 days after he reached the divine abode. The day when he died is observed as Bhishma Ashtami. People consider this day important and prominent for practicing celibacy.
Importance of Bhishma Ashtami
People who would like to get rid of the putradosh (lack of a child) find this day as the most significant one for sure. Childless couples and newly married couples who look forward to having a son consider this day to be most auspicious to observe vrat (fast). Performing a Tarpan on this day will eventually consummate the fast kept by people in this regard. Perhaps, it is considered for offering peace to Bhishma Pitamaha’s soul. It is widely believed that by seeking the blessings of Bhishma on the day, it is possible to have a male child who is equally capable of being a pitamaha himself.
Celebrations for Bhishma Ashtami often involve a range of traditional practices and rituals, including:
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Fasting: Devotees may observe a fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and sometimes water. The fast is a mark of respect for Bhishma Pitamaha and a way to seek his blessings.
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Pujas and Offerings: Special pujas (prayer ceremonies) are performed in temples or at home. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets are made to honor Bhishma Pitamaha.
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Recitations: Devotees may recite verses from the Mahabharata, especially those related to Bhishma Pitamaha’s life and teachings. Some also read or listen to stories of his valor and wisdom.
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Visiting Temples: People often visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna or other deities associated with the Mahabharata to participate in special ceremonies and receive blessings.
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Charity and Donations: Acts of charity and donations to the needy are considered auspicious on this day, reflecting Bhishma’s values of selflessness and duty.
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Community Gatherings: In some regions, community gatherings and discussions about Bhishma Pitamaha’s virtues are organized. These may include lectures, debates, or cultural performances.
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