Bhishma Ashtami 2026: Date, Muhurat Timings, Rituals, Mantras, Benefits & Significance

Bhishma Ashtami – Monday, January 26, 2026
Madhyahna Time – 11:44 AM to 01:58 PM (Duration: 2 Hours 15 Mins)
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 11:10 PM on January 25, 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 09:17 PM on January 26, 2026

What is Bhishma Ashtami?

Bhishma Ashtami is a highly auspicious Hindu observance that commemorates the day when the legendary warrior and patriarch Bhishma Pitamah left his mortal body. This sacred day falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the Hindu month of Magha (January-February).

Bhishma Ashtami holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the occasion when Bhishma, who had the divine boon of Ichha Mrityu (death at will), chose to leave his body during the auspicious period of Uttarayan (the northward journey of the Sun). This day is especially important for performing tarpan (ancestral offerings) and seeking blessings for liberation from ancestral debts.

The observance of Bhishma Ashtami is considered highly meritorious, and devotees believe that performing rituals on this day can help liberate not only Bhishma’s soul but also the souls of one’s ancestors who may not have received proper funeral rites.

Who was Bhishma Pitamah?

Bhishma Pitamah, originally named Devavrata, was one of the most revered characters in the Indian epic Mahabharata. He was the son of King Shantanu of Hastinapur and the river goddess Ganga.

Birth and Early Life

Devavrata was the eighth son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. According to the legend, Ganga had drowned her first seven sons immediately after birth due to a curse. When Shantanu stopped her from drowning the eighth child, Ganga left him, taking the child with her. She raised Devavrata in the celestial realms, where he received education from the greatest sages and warriors, including Parashurama, Brihaspati, and Shukracharya.

The Name “Bhishma”

Devavrata earned the name “Bhishma” (meaning “the terrible” or “one who has taken a terrible vow”) after he took a fearsome oath of lifelong celibacy and renunciation of the throne. This vow was taken to enable his father Shantanu to marry Satyavati, a fisherman’s daughter.

Bhishma’s Virtues

• Unparalleled Warrior: Trained by Parashurama, Bhishma was one of the greatest warriors who ever lived
• Epitome of Dharma: He was known for his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness
• Supreme Devotee: Bhishma was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna
• Great Scholar: He possessed immense knowledge of dharma, politics, and spirituality
• Selfless Sacrifice: He sacrificed his personal happiness for the welfare of his family and kingdom

Divine Boons

Bhishma was blessed with several divine boons:

• Ichha Mrityu: The ability to choose the time of his death
• Invincibility in Battle: No one could defeat him unless he chose to be defeated
• Eight Vasus’ Incarnation: He was the incarnation of Prabhasa, one of the eight Vasus

Significance of Bhishma Ashtami

Bhishma Ashtami carries profound spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. Here are the key aspects that make this day highly auspicious:

1. Liberation During Uttarayan

Bhishma waited on his bed of arrows for 58 days until the Sun entered the auspicious period of Uttarayan (the northward movement of the Sun). According to the Bhagavad Gita, those who depart during Uttarayan attain liberation more easily. Bhishma’s choice to leave during this period demonstrates the importance of cosmic timing in spiritual liberation.

2. Pitru Tarpan Day

Bhishma Ashtami is considered one of the most powerful days for performing Pitru Tarpan (ancestral offerings). Since Bhishma never married and had no descendants to perform his last rites, Lord Krishna declared that anyone performing tarpan on this day would help liberate Bhishma’s soul and their own ancestors.

3. Moksha Praapti

Observing Bhishma Ashtami with proper rituals is believed to help seekers attain Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The day represents the triumph of the soul over the physical body.

4. Clearing Ancestral Debts

This day is especially significant for those who:

• Have ancestors who did not receive proper funeral rites
• Have ancestors who died unnatural deaths
• Want to clear Pitru Dosha (ancestral afflictions)
• Seek blessings for family prosperity and lineage continuation

5. Dharma Teachings

Bhishma, while lying on his bed of arrows, imparted the most comprehensive teachings on Dharma, Raja Dharma (duties of kings), Moksha Dharma (path to liberation), and the famous Vishnu Sahasranama. Bhishma Ashtami commemorates these invaluable teachings.

Legend and Story Behind Bhishma Ashtami

The story of Bhishma Ashtami is deeply intertwined with the events of the Kurukshetra War and Bhishma’s final days on the battlefield.

The Kurukshetra War

During the great war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Bhishma served as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army for the first ten days. Despite his love for the Pandavas, he was bound by his oath to serve the throne of Hastinapur, which was then occupied by the Kauravas.

The Fall of Bhishma

On the tenth day of the war, Bhishma was brought down by Arjuna with the help of Shikhandi. Bhishma had vowed never to fight or raise weapons against a woman, and Shikhandi was born as a woman (Amba in a previous life) who had been transformed into a man. When Shikhandi came before Bhishma, the great warrior lowered his weapons, allowing Arjuna to pierce him with countless arrows.

The Bed of Arrows

Bhishma fell from his chariot, but due to the numerous arrows in his body, he did not touch the ground. He lay on this “Shara Shayya” (bed of arrows), with his head unsupported. When he asked for a pillow, Arjuna shot three arrows into the ground to support his head. When he asked for water, Arjuna shot an arrow into the earth, and the sacred Ganga herself rose up to quench her son’s thirst.

Waiting for Uttarayan

Using his boon of Ichha Mrityu, Bhishma chose to remain alive until the auspicious period of Uttarayan began. He lay on the battlefield for 58 days, during which time he imparted his final teachings to Yudhishthira and others who came to seek his wisdom.

The Final Departure

On the day of Magha Shukla Ashtami, when the Sun had firmly entered its northward journey, Bhishma finally released his life force. As his soul departed, celestial beings showered flowers from the heavens, and the gods themselves witnessed this momentous occasion. This day came to be known as Bhishma Ashtami.

Bhishma Pratigya – The Terrible Vow

The Bhishma Pratigya (Bhishma’s Vow) is one of the most celebrated acts of sacrifice in Hindu mythology. This vow transformed Devavrata into Bhishma and shaped the destiny of the Kuru dynasty.

The Background

King Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati, a beautiful fisherwoman. However, Satyavati’s father refused the marriage proposal unless Shantanu promised that only Satyavati’s sons would inherit the throne, bypassing Devavrata, the crown prince.

The Vow

When Devavrata learned of his father’s dilemma, he went to Satyavati’s father and made the following vows:

• He renounced his claim to the throne of Hastinapur forever
• He took a vow of lifelong celibacy (Brahmacharya)
• He promised to serve and protect whoever sat on the throne of Hastinapur

The Celestial Recognition

Upon hearing this terrible vow, the gods showered flowers from heaven, and a celestial voice declared: “From this day forward, this prince shall be known as BHISHMA – the one who has taken a terrible vow.” King Shantanu, moved by his son’s sacrifice, blessed Bhishma with the boon of Ichha Mrityu.

The Bhishma Pratigya Mantra

The essence of Bhishma Pratigya is often recited as:

“Aham Brahmacharya Vratam Dhārayāmi, Rājya Tyāgam Karomi, Pitru Seva Vratam Pālayāmi”

“I accept the vow of celibacy, I renounce the kingdom, I shall serve and protect my father’s dynasty.”

Bhishma Ashtami Rituals and Puja Vidhi

Observing Bhishma Ashtami with proper rituals brings immense spiritual benefits. Here is the complete guide to performing Bhishma Ashtami puja:

Preparation

1. Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 4:00-5:30 AM)
2. Take a holy bath, preferably in a sacred river, or add Ganga Jal to your bath water
3. Wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes
4. Maintain a sattvic (pure) state of mind throughout the day

Puja Items Required (Samagri)

• Black sesame seeds (Kala Til)
• Kusha grass (Darbha)
• Barley (Jau)
• Ganga Jal (Holy water)
• White flowers
• Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
• Rice grains (Akshat)
• Incense sticks (Dhoop/Agarbatti)
• Ghee lamp (Diya)
• Fruits and sweets as offerings
• Panchagavya (if available)
• Copper vessel for tarpan

Morning Rituals

1. Sankalpa: Take a formal resolution to observe Bhishma Ashtami vrat
2. Surya Puja: Offer Arghya (water offering) to the Sun God
3. Vishnu Puja: Worship Lord Vishnu with flowers, incense, and offerings
4. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama: This was taught by Bhishma himself

Midday Rituals (Madhyahna)

1. Perform Bhishma Tarpan (detailed procedure below)
2. Offer Arghya to Bhishma Pitamah
3. Recite Bhishma Stuti and Bhishma Ashtami mantras
4. Perform charity (Dana) in Bhishma’s name

Evening Rituals

1. Light a ghee lamp and offer it to Bhishma
2. Recite the Bhishma Stavaraj
3. Read or listen to the story of Bhishma from Mahabharata
4. Perform evening prayers and meditation

Bhishma Tarpan Vidhi – Complete Procedure

Bhishma Tarpan is the most important ritual of Bhishma Ashtami. This unique tarpan can be performed by anyone, regardless of whether their father is alive or not, which is an exception to regular pitru tarpan rules.

Unique Aspects of Bhishma Tarpan

• Can be performed even if one’s father is alive
• Can be performed by unmarried individuals
• Women can also perform this tarpan
• Helps ancestors who did not receive proper last rites

Step-by-Step Bhishma Tarpan Procedure

Step 1: Preparation

• Face the South direction (Dakshin)
• Sit on a Kusha grass mat or a clean seat
• Keep a copper vessel filled with water mixed with black sesame seeds
• Wear the sacred thread (if applicable) in Apasavya position (right shoulder)

Step 2: Sankalpa (Resolution)

Hold water, black sesame seeds, and Kusha grass in your palms and recite:

“Om Vishno Om Tat Sat Adya Brahmanah Dvitiya Parardhe Shri Shveta Varaha Kalpe Vaivasvata Manvantare Kaliyuge Prathama Pade Jambudvipe Bharata Varshe…”

(Continue with your location and time details)

“…Bhishma Ashtami Punya Kaale Bhishma Tarpana Karishye”

Step 3: Main Tarpan Mantra

Offer water with black sesame seeds while reciting:

“Om Vaiyaghrapadya Gotraya Samkritipravaraya Cha
Gangaputraya Bhishmaya Ajanmabrahmacharine
Bhishma Devavratah Shantanavo Yeh Aputtrikah
Tesham Triptiyartham Idam Arghyam Samarpayami”

Offer water three times while reciting this mantra.

Step 4: Secondary Tarpan Mantras

“Vaiyaghrapadya Gotraya Shankhyavatipravaraaya Cha
Gangaputraya Bhishmaya Satyadharmaparayana
Atrivatsa Mahashraya Ajanmabrahmacharine
Vasu Shreshthaya Shantaya Pitamahaya Dadamyaham”

Step 5: Arghya (Water Offering)

Offer Arghya with folded hands:

“Om Bhishmah Shantanavo Virah Satyavadi Jitendriyah
Aabhiradbirviyat Tulyam Shantirdishatu Me Sadaa”

Step 6: Completion

After completing the tarpan, offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and request forgiveness for any errors in the ritual.

Bhishma Ashtami Mantras

Primary Bhishma Ashtami Mantra

“Om Namo Bhishmaya Mahaveeraya
Shantanoratmajaya Cha
Gangaputraya Bhaktaya
Narayanaya Te Namah”

Meaning: Salutations to Bhishma, the great warrior, son of Shantanu, son of Ganga, devoted to Lord Narayana.

Bhishma Gayatri Mantra

“Om Shantanujaya Vidmahe
Gangaputraya Dhimahi
Tanno Bhishmah Prachodayat”

Meaning: We meditate upon the son of Shantanu, we contemplate upon the son of Ganga. May Bhishma inspire and illuminate our minds.

Bhishma Tarpan Mantra

“Vaiyaghrapadagotrasya Sankriteh Kulapatestu Cha
Gangaputrasya Bhishmasya Ye Aputtrasya Tadatmanah
Akshayam Salilam Dadami”

Bhishma Pranam Mantra

“Bhishmo Hi Paramam Brahma Saakshat Dharma Ivoditah
Ajanmabrahmachari Cha Tatha Satyaparaayanah
Namami Bhishmam Pitaram Kurunamadipaavam”

Bhishma Stotra for Ancestors

“Yesham Pitaro Nashta Na Krutam Tairapi Tharpanam
Teshamapi Bhishmeshah Daddayat Truptim Uttamam”

Meaning: For those whose ancestors are lost and for whom no tarpan has been performed, may Lord Bhishma grant them ultimate satisfaction.

Vishnu Sahasranama Dhyana Shloka

Since Bhishma taught the Vishnu Sahasranama, reciting this on Bhishma Ashtami is highly auspicious:

“Shuklaambaradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet Sarva Vighnopashantaye”

Bhishma Stuti – Prayers to Bhishma

Bhishma Stuti are devotional verses praising Bhishma Pitamah. These are recited to invoke his blessings and honor his memory.

Bhishma Stavaraj

Bhishmo Hi Brahmanadibhih Stutah Sarvatra Pujitah
Dharmasthapanaya Jato Mahabharata Tattvavit
Gangayam Shantalah Putro Devavratasutah Prabhuh
Kurukshetre Mahabhage Shara Shayyapare Sthitah

Bhishma Stuti from Mahabharata

Yamunateere Kushasthale Shantanoriva Tejasa
Ganga Putroh Mahateja Bhishma Ityabhivishrutah
Devavratah Pitha Yasya Shantnuh Paravirmaha
Tasmai Bhishmaya Mahate Namasyaami Surasattama

Prayer for Bhishma’s Blessings

“Om Bhishma Pitamahaya Namah
Dharmaraja Priyaya Namah
Pandava Rakshakaya Namah
Satyavrataya Namah
Brahmachari Shreshthaya Namah
Kuru Vansha Rakshakaya Namah
Ganga Nandanaya Namah
Shara Shayya Sthitaya Namah”

Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhishma Ashtami

One of Bhishma’s greatest spiritual contributions was teaching the Vishnu Sahasranama (Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu) to Yudhishthira while lying on his bed of arrows. This makes reciting Vishnu Sahasranama particularly auspicious on Bhishma Ashtami.

The Context

After the Kurukshetra War, Yudhishthira was overwhelmed with grief for the lives lost. On Lord Krishna’s advice, he approached Bhishma to receive wisdom. Yudhishthira asked Bhishma six profound questions:

1. Who is the greatest Lord in the world?
2. Who is the one refuge of all?
3. By glorifying whom can man reach salvation?
4. By worshipping whom can man attain supreme good?
5. What is the greatest Dharma?
6. By chanting whose name can one cross the ocean of Samsara?

Bhishma’s Response

In response, Bhishma recited the Vishnu Sahasranama, declaring that chanting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu (Narayana) is the answer to all these questions. He stated:

“Iteedam Keertaneeyasya Keshavasya Mahatmanah
Namnam Sahasram Divyanam Asheshena Prakeertitam”

“Thus, I have recited the thousand divine names of the great-souled Keshava (Vishnu), which are worthy of being sung.”

Benefits of Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama on Bhishma Ashtami

• Attainment of Moksha (Liberation)
• Removal of all sins and obstacles
• Blessings of Lord Vishnu and Bhishma simultaneously
• Protection from evil forces
• Fulfillment of desires and wishes
• Peace of mind and spiritual advancement

Benefits of Observing Bhishma Ashtami

Observing Bhishma Ashtami with devotion and proper rituals bestows numerous spiritual and worldly benefits:

Spiritual Benefits

• Pitru Dosha Nivaran: Removes afflictions caused by unsatisfied ancestors
• Moksha for Ancestors: Helps liberate ancestors who did not receive proper last rites
• Spiritual Merit (Punya): Accumulates immense spiritual merit equivalent to performing tarpan at sacred sites
• Blessings of Bhishma: Receives the protective blessings of Bhishma Pitamah
• Liberation Path: Opens the path toward one’s own spiritual liberation
• Divine Grace: Attracts the grace of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna

Worldly Benefits

• Family Prosperity: Brings prosperity and harmony to the family
• Lineage Continuation: Blesses those seeking progeny and family continuity
• Removal of Obstacles: Clears obstacles in career, relationships, and life endeavors
• Protection: Provides protection from negative energies and evil influences
• Mental Peace: Brings peace of mind and emotional stability
• Health Benefits: Fasting and meditation improve physical and mental health

Special Benefits

• For Those Without Children: Those without children to perform their last rites gain merit by performing Bhishma Tarpan
• For Unmarried Individuals: Gains equivalent merit of pitru tarpan
• For Those with Pitru Dosha in Horoscope: Effective remedy for planetary afflictions related to ancestors

Bhishma Ashtami Fasting Rules

Types of Fasting

1. Complete Fast (Nirjala Vrat)

The most stringent form of fasting where one abstains from both food and water from sunrise on Bhishma Ashtami until sunrise the next day. This is recommended only for healthy individuals after consulting with a healthcare provider.

2. Partial Fast (Phalahari Vrat)

One can consume:

• Fruits and fruit juices
• Milk and dairy products
• Nuts (especially almonds and cashews)
• Sabudana (tapioca) preparations
• Potatoes (in some traditions)

3. Single Meal Fast (Ekbhukta)

Consuming only one meal during the day, preferably after completing the tarpan rituals.

General Fasting Guidelines

• Begin the fast after early morning rituals
• Avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
• Abstain from alcohol and tobacco
• Maintain celibacy during the fast
• Avoid anger, negative speech, and thoughts
• Spend time in prayer, meditation, and scripture reading
• Break the fast only after completing all rituals

Foods to Avoid

• Grains (wheat, rice, etc.) – in strict observance
• Pulses and lentils
• Regular salt (use rock salt instead)
• Onion and garlic
• Meat, fish, and eggs
• Processed foods

Teachings of Bhishma Pitamah

During his 58 days on the bed of arrows, Bhishma imparted invaluable wisdom that forms significant portions of the Mahabharata, particularly the Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva.

Key Teachings

1. Raja Dharma (Duties of a King)

• A king must prioritize the welfare of his subjects above personal gain
• Justice must be impartial and swift
• The king should be accessible to all citizens
• Economic prosperity should be pursued through righteous means

2. Apad Dharma (Ethics in Emergencies)

• Flexibility in dharma during extreme circumstances
• Preservation of life takes precedence in emergencies
• Return to normal dharma once the emergency passes

3. Moksha Dharma (Path to Liberation)

• Devotion to Lord Vishnu as the supreme path
• Importance of self-realization and knowledge
• Detachment from worldly attachments
• Practice of meditation and yoga

4. Dana Dharma (Principles of Charity)

• Charity should be given without expectation of return
• Give according to one’s capacity
• The receiver should be worthy
• The manner of giving is as important as the gift

5. Stri Dharma and Family Values

• Respect and protection of women
• Duties of family members toward each other
• Importance of family harmony

Famous Quotes of Bhishma

“Dharma Eva Hato Hanti Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah”

“Dharma destroys those who destroy it; Dharma protects those who protect it.”

“Ahimsa Paramo Dharma Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha”

“Non-violence is the highest dharma, and so too is righteous violence when necessary.”

Bhishma Ashtami vs Bhishma Ekadashi

There are two important observances related to Bhishma Pitamah that are sometimes confused. Here’s a clear distinction:

Connection Between the Two

Both observances fall in the same fortnight of Magha month and are connected through Bhishma’s final days. Some devotees observe both days as part of a comprehensive spiritual practice during this auspicious period.

Who Should Observe Bhishma Ashtami?

Bhishma Ashtami can be observed by various categories of devotees for different purposes:

Highly Recommended For:

• Those with Pitru Dosha: Individuals whose horoscope indicates ancestral afflictions
• Those without children: Individuals who have no descendants to perform their last rites
• Unmarried individuals: Those who cannot perform regular pitru tarpan
• Those with lost ancestors: Families whose ancestors died in unknown circumstances or without proper rites
• Those seeking progeny: Couples desiring children
• Those with family discord: Families experiencing conflicts and disharmony

Beneficial For:

• All devotees of Lord Vishnu
• Followers of the Mahabharata and Bhishma’s teachings
• Those seeking spiritual advancement
• Individuals facing obstacles in life
• Those seeking blessings for family prosperity
• Students of dharma and spirituality

Special Note

Unlike regular pitru tarpan which can only be performed when one’s father has passed away, Bhishma Tarpan can be performed by anyone, making this observance uniquely accessible to all.

Bed of Arrows (Śara-Śayyā) – The Profound Symbolism in Bhishma’s Life

The bed of arrows, known as śara-śayyā in Sanskrit, is one of the most iconic and deeply symbolic images from the Mahabharata. After being felled by Arjuna (with Shikhandi’s aid) on the tenth day of the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma Pitamah—blessed with the boon of icchā-mṛtyu (death at will)—chose not to die immediately. Instead, he asked Arjuna to fashion a bed from the very arrows that pierced his body, elevating him above the ground in a state of suspended, yet serene, suffering.

This was no ordinary fall from battle. Bhishma refused comforts like silk pillows, accepting instead three arrows pointed upward as his headrest—symbolizing a warrior’s dignity even in defeat. Arjuna then shot an arrow into the earth to bring forth water (Bana Ganga) to quench his thirst, underscoring themes of compassion amid conflict.

Deeper Significance and Layers of Symbolism

• Supreme Sacrifice and Uncompromising Dharma
  Bhishma’s life was defined by extraordinary vows—celibacy for his father’s happiness and lifelong loyalty to the Hastinapura throne. The bed of arrows represents the ultimate fulfillment of these vows: enduring excruciating pain without resentment, showing that true dharma often requires personal torment for the preservation of righteousness and the greater good.
• Mastery Over Life, Death, and the Senses
  By delaying his departure until the auspicious Uttarāyaṇa (the sun’s northward journey, ideal for moksha), Bhishma demonstrated absolute control over his life-force. The arrows symbolize the piercing forces of karma, time, worldly attachments, and inevitable suffering that afflict every soul—yet through detachment and will, he transcended them, transforming agony into a conscious path to liberation.
• Pain as a Platform for Wisdom and Teaching
  Lying on the arrows for weeks (traditionally 51 days), Bhishma imparted profound teachings on dharma, rajadharma (governance), ethics, moksha, and the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishthira and others. His suffering elevated him to a “throne of wisdom,” illustrating that deep insight and guidance often emerge from reflection in adversity.
• Mirror of the Human Condition
  The bed reflects the “bed” every being faces at life’s end—pierced by regrets, unfulfilled duties, attachments, and karmic consequences. Bhishma’s calm acceptance teaches vairāgya (detachment), equanimity, and the transient nature of bodily pain, emphasizing that how one confronts suffering determines spiritual growth.
• Ancestral Devotion and Pitru Legacy
  On Bhishma Ashtami, devotees perform tarpan and arghya to honor him as the ideal ancestor figure. The bed symbolizes his role as protector of lineage and dharma even in death—his prolonged presence allowed final counsel, helping free descendants from pitru doshas.

In essence, the bed of arrows is not a symbol of tragedy or defeat but a triumphant emblem of self-mastery, ultimate sacrifice, and the victory of the spirit over the material. Bhishma turned what could have been pitiable suffering into an eternal lesson: true strength lies in bearing pain with grace, upholding dharma to the last breath, and departing with full awareness and peace.

ॐ भीष्माय नमः ।
Om Bhīṣmāya namaḥ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Bhishma Ashtami is one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, commemorating the liberation of one of the greatest souls in Indian mythology. The observance of this sacred day offers a unique opportunity for spiritual advancement, ancestral healing, and receiving the blessings of both Bhishma Pitamah and Lord Vishnu.

The beauty of Bhishma Ashtami lies in its inclusive nature – unlike regular pitru tarpan, Bhishma Tarpan can be performed by anyone, making it accessible to unmarried individuals, those whose parents are still alive, and women. This universal accessibility reflects Bhishma’s own nature of sacrificing for others.

By observing Bhishma Ashtami with devotion – through fasting, tarpan, mantra recitation, and meditation – devotees can:

• Clear ancestral karma and Pitru Dosha
• Help liberate ancestors who did not receive proper last rites
• Receive Bhishma’s blessings for dharmic living
• Accumulate immense spiritual merit
• Progress on the path toward liberation

As Bhishma himself taught, devotion to Lord Vishnu through the recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama is the supreme path to liberation. Bhishma Ashtami provides the perfect occasion to follow this teaching while honoring the great patriarch who gave us this invaluable wisdom.

May the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah be upon all who observe this sacred day with faith and devotion.

“Om Bhishma Pitamahaya Namah”

Salutations to Grandfather Bhishma