🪔 About Bhishma Ashtami

The son of Ma Ganga, Bhishma Pitamah, shed his body on this day—the Day of the Gods. He lay on a bed of arrows on the battlefield of Kurukshetra for 58 days, waiting for Uttarayan. It is when Suryanarayan begins his northward journey, signifying the end of winter and the onset of spring. If a person dies during this period, they ascend to higher realms of existence. Bhishma Pitamah dropped his body in the presence of Lord Krishna after giving the discourse about Vishnu Sahasranaam to Yudhishthir.

🙏 How to Do Pooja

Recommended Ritual: Sahasranaam Abhishekam of Sri Hari (30 min.)

  1. Wake up early and take a bath.
  2. Clean your home and puja space thoroughly.
  3. Perform the recommended ritual with devotion.
  4. Offer flowers, fruits, and incense.
  5. Chant mantras or prayers specific to this occasion.
  6. Conclude with aarti and distribute prasad.

✅ Do's & Don'ts

✅ Do's

  • Clean your puja space and important areas of your home.
  • Decorate with flowers, lamps, and simple rangoli if possible.
  • Perform nitya puja, yajna, or abhishek of the deity associated with this festival.
  • Share prasad with family, friends, and those in need.
  • Maintain respectful and gentle behavior toward people and animals.

⚠️ Don'ts

  • Avoid eating heavy, oily food and excessive sweets.
  • Avoid alcohol, rash driving, and loud celebrations.
  • Minimize waste; don't harm animals and the environment.