Bhishma Ashtami
Kannada
Bhishma Ashtami
About Bhishma Ashtami
Bhishma Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha (January-February). It commemorates the death of Bhishma Pitamah, the grandsire of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows for 58 days before choosing to leave his body on this auspicious day.
Devotees observe this day with special pujas, fasting, and recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama, which Bhishma recited while on his deathbed.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a light fast and perform special prayers for spiritual merit.
- Wake up before dawn and take a ritual bath.
- Observe a light fast or eat only fruits and milk.
- Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
- Visit temples and offer prayers.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the evening puja.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Set up the Vishnu altar with flowers and decorations.
- Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama with devotion.
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
- Distribute prasad to devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It commemorates the death of Bhishma Pitamah, who chose to leave his body on this auspicious day after reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.