Bhishma Dwadashi: Attaining Freedom from All Imperfections through Ancestor Worship

Time of Bhishma Dwadashi: The auspicious occasion of Magh Shukla Dwadashi is revered as Bhishma Dwadashi, holding significant religious importance since ancient times. It is believed that ancestor worship performed on this day aids in alleviating various troubles.

Significance of Bhishma Dwadashi:

Bhishma Dwadashi commemorates the sacrifice of the venerable grandfather Bhishma. On this day, Pitru Tarpan and puja are conducted to honor both the ancestors and Bhishma Pitamah.

Also known as Magh Shukla Dwadashi, this day holds profound significance rooted in the Mahabharata epic. According to legend, the Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma as he had no offspring due to remaining unmarried. It was through his penance and sacrifice that Bhishma earned the boon of choosing the time of his death. Thus, when he relinquished his life, the Pandavas conducted his final rites on the banks of the Ganga, facilitating his salvation. Bhishma Dwadashi holds immense religious importance in Hindu tradition.

Celebrated on the Dwadashi date of the Shukla Paksha of the Magh month, Bhishma Dwadashi commemorates the aforementioned incident from the Mahabharata era. Bhishma had the unique boon of selecting the day of his demise and chose the auspicious occasion of Uttarayan of the Sun. It is believed that when he departed from his mortal coil, the Pandavas conducted his last rites on Dwadashi. Performing Pitru Tarpan and Pitru Puja for ancestors on Bhishma Dwadashi is considered highly meritorious, and it is believed that offering such rituals for Bhishma can yield auspicious outcomes.

Story of Bhishma Dwadashi:

Bhishma Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami of Shukla Paksha in the Magh month, with Bhishma Dwadashi following four days later. According to religious texts, it is customary to honor Bhishma Pitamah during the Shraddha observance on both Ashtami and Dwadashi of the Magh month's Shukla Paksha. Let us delve into the narrative of Bhishma Dwadashi.

During the Mahabharata era, Bhishma Pitamah valiantly fought for the Kauravas in the battlefield. Defeating him was no easy feat, and the Pandavas sought to uncover his vulnerability. After thorough investigation, they learned that Bhishma Pitamah had never raised arms against a woman.

Armed with this knowledge, the Pandavas strategically placed Shikhandi before Bhishma Pitamah. Respecting his vow, Bhishma refrained from attacking Shikhandi, allowing Arjun to launch a volley of arrows, eventually injuring him gravely. As the sun reached its northernmost point, Bhishma Pitamah, honoring his boon, laid down his life on the Ashtami Tithi.

Since time immemorial, Bhishma Pitamah has been venerated on the Dwadashi date of the Magh month's Shukla Paksha, believed to usher happiness, prosperity, and peace into households. Worshiping Bhishma Pitamah on Dwadashi Tithi is believed to please the ancestors, bringing joy and blessings to the devotee.

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