Bhishma Ashtami is a sacred day observed by devotees to honor Bhishma Pitamah, a revered figure from the Mahabharata, through various rituals and traditions. These practices pay homage to Bhishma and seek his blessings for spiritual and familial well-being. The observance of Bhishma Ashtami combines respect for elders, religious adherence, and spiritual development.
Time-tested rituals for strength and devotion performed on Bhishma Ashtami:
Ekodishta Shraddha A special ceremony to pay homage to ancestors and Bhishma Pitamah. Traditionally, this ritual is performed by individuals whose fathers are no longer alive. However, some communities do not observe this restriction, and anyone can perform the ritual to honor their ancestors. This act is believed to grant peace to departed souls and foster harmony within the family.
Tarpanam The ritual of offering water mixed with sesame seeds, is performed on the banks of sacred rivers. Devotees invoke the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah and their ancestors. This ritual is believed to free the souls of ancestors from worldly attachments and ensure their peace in the afterlife, eliminate Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses), and bring prosperity to their lineage. During Tarpan, traditions call for the distribution of sesame seeds along with water and kusha grass.
Fasting and Puja Devotees observe a fast, taking a vow to dedicate the day to Bhishma Pitamah. They perform puja by reciting mantras, offering arghyam (holy offerings), and lighting lamps in his honor. Fasting is believed to cleanse the mind and body, enabling devotees to focus on spiritual growth and devotion. Devotees offer sesame seeds, barley, and water during the rituals and recite prayers to seek blessings and pay homage to Bhishma’s devotion and sacrifice.
Performing Ekodishta Shraddha on Bhishma Ashtami is believed to offer several benefits:
It is believed to grant peace to departed souls and foster harmony within the family.
It is a way to honor ancestors and seek the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah.
Performing Tarpan and Shraddha ensures peace and liberation for ancestors’ souls.
It helps devotees eliminate Pitru Dosh (ancestral curses).
It is considered an auspicious day for remedies related to Pitru dosha.
The puja and fasting cleanse the mind and soul, leading to spiritual elevation and good fortune.
It is said to cleanse devotees of faults and advance their progress toward salvation.
During Bhishma Ashtami puja, devotees chant specific mantras dedicated to Bhishma Pitamah to seek his blessings and guidance. Some of the mantras include:
“Vasunaamavtaraya Shantanoraatmajanaya ch argyam dadami Bhishmaya Aa Balabrahmacharine”.
“वैयाघ्रपदगोत्राय सांकृत्यप्रवराय च, गंगापुत्राय भीष्माय सर्वदा ब्रह्मचारिणे, भीष्म: शान्तनवो वीर: सत्यवादी जितेन्द्रिय:, आभिरभिद्रवाप्नोतु पुत्रपौत्रोचितां क्रियाम्, ॐ भीष्माय स्वधा नमः, पितृपितामहे स्वधा नमः”.
A mantra to chant after placing a pot on the right shoulder, while facing south: “Vayaghrapadagotray Sankritipravaraya Ch. Gangaputraya Bhishma. Pradasaiyam Tilodakam Aputraya Dadamyetatsalilan Bhishmavarmane”.
Devotees also recite the Bhishma Stuti, verses praising Bhishma’s virtues, along with other Vedic hymns.
Reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama is considered especially auspicious, as Bhishma Pitamah imparted it to Yudhishthira and the Pandavas.
Vishnu Sahasranama on Bhishma Ashtami :
Reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama on Bhishma Ashtami enhances the spiritual experience due to its profound significance and benefits:
- Purification: It is believed that reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama purifies the mind, heart, and soul, removing negative karmas accumulated from previous lives3. Fasting and worshipping Lord Vishnu on this day can purify the soul.
- Divine Connection: Reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam helps devotees establish a profound connection with Lord Vishnu, fostering a sense of divine presence and guidance1.
- Spiritual Merits: Reciting or listening to these names with devotion brings divine grace and leads the devotee toward spiritual liberation.
- Teachings of Bhishma: Bhishma Pitamah himself imparted the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishthira and the Pandavas, making its recitation on Bhishma Ashtami especially auspicious.
- Stress Reduction: Recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama calms the restless mind and promotes positivity, effectively reducing stress2. Chanting slows breathing and heart rate, leading to the release of endorphins.
- Holistic Well-being: The synchronized blend of breathing techniques, focus, and sound vibrations creates an integrated experience, benefiting the whole body and promoting overall harmony.
- Liberation: Chanting the Vishnu Sahasranama with devotion has the ability to deliver a person from the cycle of birth and death to emancipation4.
- Material and Spiritual Progress: Chanting Vishnu’s names can give one material success as well as spiritual progress.
- Guidance: The recitation guides toward the right path in life.
- Removes Obstacles: Chanting or listening to these names with devotion removes obstacles.
- Experiencing freedom: By completely surrendering our will to God, we experience freedom from the ego and its attachments.
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