Bhishma Ashtami 2023: Meaning, Significance, Mantra, Story

Significance of Bhishma Ashtami

Bhishma was the son of Kuru king Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. Shantanu had granted a boon to Bhishma that he could choose his own death. He had taken a vow of celibacy and dedicated his entire life to his kingdom.

Bhishma Ashtami is dedicated to Bhishma, a warrior, who died in the Kurukshetra war. Bhishma, also known as 'Ganga Putra’ or 'Bhishma Pitamaha' died on Uttarayana, i.e. on the day when Lord Surya started moving towards north, after completion of Dakshiyana. As per the Hindu calendar, his death anniversary is commemorated as Bhishma Ashtami, which falls on Ashtami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. It is believed that a person who dies during Uttarayana goes straight to heaven.

Bhishma Ashtami date and time

Bhishma Ashtami on Saturday, January 28, 2023
Madhyahna Time - 11:44 AM to 01:59 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 15 Mins
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 08:43 AM on Januaryy 28, 2023
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 09:05 AM on January 29, 2023

Bhishma Ashtami puja, rituals and mantra

Ekodishta Shraddha and tarpan is observed to honour Bhishma. Devotees whose fathers are no more can perform this ritual.
A holy bath known as Bhisma Ashtami snan is taken. People take a holy dip in the Ganga river and make offerings of rice and sesame seeds.
Tarpan rituals are performed on the river banks to bring peace to Bhishma Pitamah's soul.
Devotees observe a fast during the day, perform ‘Arghyam’ and chant Bhishma Ashtami mantra.

On the day of Bhishma Ashtami, “Vasunaamavtaraya Shantanoraatmajanaya ch argyam dadami Bhishmaya Aa Balabrahmacharine mantra is chanted. Devotees offer sesame, flowers, ganga water and kusha to seek blessings.

Jambukhandavinirmana Parva

This is the first sub-parva of Bhishma Parva. The Parva begins with an encounter of the Pandavas and the Kauravas agreeing to the rules of the war. Since Dhritarashtra was blind, Veda Vyasa granted Dhritarashtra the boon of eyesight. So that he could witness the destruction of the the world. However, Dhritarashtra remained futile. Later, Sanjaya, son of charioteer Gavalgana, an advisor from the ancient Mahabharata war, wwas also asked to described the world in the Parvas which finds mention in the Bhumi Parva.

Bhumi Parva

The sixth Parva of Mahabharata is known as Bhishma Parva. It is a narrative of the first 10 days events of the 18-day-long Kurukshetra battle fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

The Bhumi Parva is the shortest sub-parva of the Bhishma Parva. Through this Parva, Sanjaya describes the rivers, landscapes and the mountains. The narration also includes the popular cities of Manga, Masaka, Mandaga and Maanasa. The Brahmins and the Kshatriyas lived harmoniously in these cities, thus proving to the world that the subjects could live and prosper together without being reigned by the kings. Sanjaya also described the waxing and waning of the Moon and it effects on the sea tides.

Bhagavad Gita Parva

The Bhagavad Gita Parva is the most famous Parva in the Mahabharata. It is the best part of the entire Mahabharata since it bestows welfare to all of mankind.As stated in the Parva, the first day of the war commences under the leadership of Bhishma. Yudhishthira was concerned after learning about the magnanimous size of the Kaurava army. However, Arjuna was convinced that victory in a war does not depend on the size of the army, but on the motive of the war.

Arjuna was conflicted when he saw his family members and friends on the other side of the army. Since he was assigned the responsibility of killing his own cousins, with whom he had shared a beautiful childhood. He wondered if the cause and the need for war was justified. He approached Lord Krishna to resolve his dilemma. Lord Krishna talked about Karma Yoga,i.e selfless devotion to dharma. He preached to Arjuna that a Karma Yogi always follows his dharma under all circumstances without concerning oneself with the results. These words of wisdom spoken by Lord Krishna is the very basis of the Bhagavad Gita.

Just before the historic war began, Yudhishthira got off his chariot, took off his armour, walked up to the Kauravas, and bowed his head in front of them. Bhishma was stunned by the respect given by the brothers, on both the ends, and they wished them success. The other generals were overwhelmed and their eyes were filled with tears and a deep sense of respect for the Pandavas.

Bhishmayadha Parva

Bhishmayadha Parva is the last Parva which spans across 82 chapters. The Bhishmayadha Parva provides an intricate account of the first ten days of the 18–day long battle. The first day of the war caused massive destruction. Bhishma was engaged in a long battle with Arjuna’s son,Abhimanyu, However, it resulted in a draw. On the first day of the battle, King Shalya, the ruler of Madra kingdom who was on the side of the Kauravas, killed Uttara. Sweta,t he son of King Virata and Queen Sudeshna of Matsya kingdom killed innumerable Kauravas. Sweta was killed by Bhishma at the end of the first day. When the second day of the war began, Bhishma was engaged in a furious battle with Arjuna, which ended in a draw. Bhishma slayed the Kalinga king on the second day of the war. By the 9th day, 100 million warriors were killed. Bhishma attempted getting killed at the hands of Krishna, since he knew that dying at the hands of Lord Krishna would secure him a place in heaven.

At the end of the 9th day, the Pandavas failed to figure out a way to overpower Bhishma. So, the Pandavas approached Bhishma to plan a stategy against him. Bhishma insisted that the only way to stop him was to place him in front of Shikhandi, the daughter of Drupada, the king of the Panchalas. Bhishma had taken a vow that he would never strike at a woman and he accepted defeat on the battlefield.

Benefits of Bhishma Ashtami vrat

Blesses the person with good progene.
The puja, tila tarpan and vrat absolves the individual from all sins.
Bhishma was a Brahmachari. Therefore, doing tarpan invokes the blessings of God.
Bhishma Ashtami vrat and tarpan frees a person from pitru dosha.

Scroll Down to read more

Shop Now for Energized Products

Dashavatar Shaligram Murti

INR 1,07,425 | USD 1,342.81

Product Code : SIM609

Add To Cart
Virat Roop of Lord Krishna Shaligram Murti

INR 38,200 | USD 477.50

Product Code : SIM623

Add To Cart
10 mukhi Krishna bracelet from Java

INR 2,125 | USD 26.56

Product Code : DR426

Add To Cart
Ten Mukhi from Nepal - XCIX

INR 8,000 | USD 100.00

Product Code : R10CV

Add To Cart
Collector Gauri Shankar - 10 Mukhi from Nepal - XXVII

INR 24,000 | USD 300.00

Product Code : CGS10DD

Add To Cart
Ten Mukhi from Nepal - CXVII

INR 8,000 | USD 100.00

Product Code : R10DM

Add To Cart
Thirteen Mukhi from Java Indonesia - Large - CXVII

INR 3,500 | USD 43.75

Product Code : RJL13BR

Add To Cart

Related Testimonials

I loved the hessonite ring

Hi, I loved the hessonite ring. The ring was fashioned delicately. Tell your gemstone ring maker/s many thanks for a beautiful, dainty ring. Sincerely yours, Margaret
- Margaret
I am very much attached with you and your centre

Respected Neeta Ji, Namaste, I am very much attached with you and your centre. Now a days I feel much better in physically and mentally, after wearing your recommended ARM BAND and GEM STONES which you adviced me according to my birth chart and requirement. I have shared my experiences with all near and dear one. Regards Sraboni Dasgupta
- Sraboni Dasgupta
I am feeling so good last 7 days its unbelievable

I am feeling so good last 7 days , its unbelievable. Especially your energy and stamina. Also if you sleep wearing both Mahalaxmi and Mahashakti Kavach, you will have a very good sound sleep. Absolutely no interruptions. I used to snore sometimes. My wife said it completely stopped last 7 days sleeping with both Kavach. I used to wake up tired likely mild obstructive sleep apnea. That is completely gone. I wake up completely fresh. Mohan Rajpal,USA
- Mohan Rajpal, USA
I am extremely satisfied i am looking forward to buy more in future

i am extremely happy with your quality of product you have delivered exactly how i wanted i have purchsed black hakeek mala from your bangalore centre i am extremely satisfied i am looking forward to buy more in future store coordinator is extermly helpful n polite
- Sidharth
The Mahashakti Ratna Kavach is showing its power

Dear Neetajee So nice to hear back from you. The Mahashakti Ratna Kavach - (8 Gemstone Gold Bracelet) is showing its power. I am feeling better and confidence as well as new opportunity are keep coming to me. I just received a new offer that I have been waiting for - that is working from home and travel partially. Amazing enough how quick all is coming back together. Very Respectfully, G Vasudev
- G Vasudev
I have worn the mala and bracelet and after certain days of wearing it I have started to see the wonderful results

Madam Neetaji, As per your advice, I have worn the mala and bracelet and after certain days of wearing it I have started to see the wonderful results. Madam, with grace of God , now I am very much focussed on my work and some of the physical problems like back pain have started to waive off gradually. Also as per you advice, I have shifted the red coral from ring finger to small finger and am feeling much more addicted and attracted towards spirituality. Regards, Barnik
- Barnik
My sister is very happy with the ring

"Just writing to inform you that we have received the gemstone ring. The ordering process was quick and Neeta Singhal replied promptly to all the emails. We received pictures of the ring from all directions to ensure we were satisfied with the size and appearance of it before they dispatched the order. The arrival date of the order was also provided so we knew which day to expect the delivery. My sister is very happy with the ring."
- Patita Pavana Das
You truly honest about your Gemstones and products and you provide Genuine Gemstones and gold!

Dear Neeta Singhal,Thanks so your outstanding customers service and help ! I truly appreciate it! The bracelet looks very nice my mother will love it! Thanks for making a very special birthday gift to my mom! I want to tell you that your high quality products which always confirmed by my jeweler and customer services make me a customer for life! As I said my jeweler checked the quality of the gold and they confirm it is solid 22K and the blue Sapphire, Emerald stone ring was confirmed to be real Emerald and blue Sapphire Gemstones by a gemology. You truly honest about your Gemstones and produc
- Eman Weiss
I received the ring on today and extremely glad after seeing the ring,

Respected sir,I received the ring on today and extremely glad after seeing the ring, which is adorably superb craftsmanship and i should thanku all of u for the effort and making customer satisfaction at its peak. I will surely order furthermore in future also. U and the whole team deserve great success !I also convey my sincere gratitude for your dedication and frequent updation which promotes trust. Thank you lots. Best wishes....!!!!!!!🤗
- Ayswarya Devi
Gemstone bracelet

I have received my gem bracelet in perfect shape and size. Also, thank you for giving me so many free gifts along with the gem bracelet.
- Manikoot