Bhishma Ashtami !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!





 




 
Bhishma Pitamaha , son of King Shanthanu and Goddess Ganga, the Nitya Brahmachari from the great epic Mahabharath  had always taken the side of truth and justice took his last breath from the bed of arrows on this day.  He remained for some time on the bed of arrows and waited for the completion of Dhakshinayana Kalam and when the Utharanayana Punyakalam arrived on the day of Shukla Paksha  in the month of Magh, he took his last breath as he was desired.  Observance of Severe austerity and Tarpan on this  propitious day brings virtuous offspring’s.

 

Devavrata/Bhishma was brought up by his mother Godess Ganga.  He learnt Astra/Shastra Vidhya knowledge in Astra-weapon/Sastra from Sage Shukracharya.  He became an eminent warrior under the guidance of his mentor.  Once Devavrata completed his learning, his mother Ganga returned her son to King Shantanu.  Eventually, King Shantanu declared his son Devavrata as the crown prince of Hastinapur.   Later, King Shantanu got attracted towards Satyavati from fishermen clan.  Their marriage took place on a specific condition that the child born to Satyavati would be the king of   Shantanu's Kingdom.  Though King Shantanu was not agreeable with the proposed condition, with the influence of Devavrata who was always cherished his father’s happiness, King Shantanu had to accept the conditions.  Finally, Devavrata took the vow of Brahmacharya Vrutha/ to reamin bachelor in his whole life for the happiness of his father.  King Shantanu was overwhelmed at the gracefulness of his son, and offered an extra ordinary boon, "Your death may occur only as and when you wish for it".

 
 

During the Great War of Kurushetra, Bhishma Pitamaha abstained from fight against Shikhandi and discarded his weapons.  This incident made a twist in the war and Bhishma Pitamaha severely injured and put down on the bed of arrows for eighteen days and continued to wait there till the sun arrived in Utharayana and took his last breath.  


 

 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!


No comments: