Bhishma Ashtami 2025 Date & Time: Check Madhyahna Time, Rituals and Significance

Bhishma Ashtami 2025 Date & Time: Check Madhyahna Time, Rituals and Significance

Bhishma Ashtami, observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha, marks the death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah, one of the most revered figures from the Mahabharata. In 2025, Bhishma Ashtami falls on Wednesday, February 5. 

Bhishma Ashtami 2025 Date & Time

Bhishma Pitamah was a key character in the Mahabharata, known for his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice. He took a lifelong vow of celibacy to honor his father, Shantanu, and was blessed with the boon of choosing the time of his death.

During the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma was gravely injured but, due to his boon, he delayed his death. According to Hindu tradition, the Sun God (Suryadev) moves in a southern direction (Dakshinayana) for half of the year, which is considered an inauspicious time. Bhishma waited for Suryadev’s northward movement (Uttarayana), an auspicious period, to relinquish his life. He chose Magha Shukla Ashtami as the day to leave his mortal body.

Rituals Performed on Bhishma Ashtami

1. Ekodishta Shraddha: On this day, devotees perform Ekodishta Shraddha in honor of Bhishma Pitamah. Traditionally, this ritual is carried out by those who have lost their father. However, many believe that the Shraddha rituals can be performed by anyone, regardless of whether their father is alive or deceased.

2. Offerings and Prayers: Devotees offer sesame seeds, barley, water, and other items during the rituals. Prayers are recited to seek blessings and pay homage to Bhishma’s devotion and sacrifice.

3. Observing Fast: Some people observe a fast on Bhishma Ashtami as a mark of respect and devotion.

Significance of Bhishma Ashtami

Bhishma Ashtami is significant not only as a day to honor Bhishma Pitamah’s life and sacrifices but also as a reminder of the spiritual values he upheld. His dedication to dharma (righteousness) and his ability to control his own destiny inspire countless devotees.

Moreover, Bhishma’s choice of Uttarayana to leave his body highlights the importance of aligning life’s significant events with auspicious timings, as believed in Hindu tradition. Uttarayana is considered a sacred period when divine energies are more favorable for spiritual practices.

Bhishma Ashtami is a day of reverence, reflection, and rituals, commemorating the virtues and values exemplified by Bhishma Pitamah. Whether through fasting, performing Shraddha, or offering prayers, devotees honor his unparalleled dedication to dharma and his father’s wishes. Observing Bhishma Ashtami provides an opportunity to imbibe his teachings of devotion, sacrifice, and righteousness in our own lives.

Make sure to perform the rituals during the prescribed Madhyahna time, between 11:30 AM and 01:42 PM, to align with the auspicious timings and seek the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah.