Bhishma Ashtami is the sacred day honoring Pitamah Bhishma, the great grandsire of the Mahabharata—a timeless embodiment of dharma, unwavering duty, brahmacharya, and moral integrity. Endowed with Ichchha Mrityu, Bhishma lay upon a bed of arrows, consciously awaiting the auspicious Uttarayan to relinquish his mortal body, exemplifying mastery over time, destiny, and righteous conduct.
Observed on Monday, January 26, 2026, Bhishma Ashtami falls on Magha Shukla Ashtami. The day inspires devotees to reflect on the principles of righteousness, perform tarpan (ancestral offerings) to honor Bhishma as the supreme symbol of Pitru bhakti, and seek blessings for longevity, wisdom, and freedom from ancestral doshas through sacred rituals such as arghya and acts of charity.
ॐ वसूनामवताराय शान्तनोरात्मजाय च ।
अर्घ्यं ददामि भीष्माय आ ब्रह्मचर्यायिने नमः ॥
Om Vasūnām avatārāya śāntanor ātmajāya ca |
Arghyaṁ dadāmi bhīṣmāya ā brahmacāryāya namaḥ ||
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.