Bhishma Panchak, a revered five-day fasting ritual, is observed during the final days of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. It will be celebrated on Monday, November 12, 2024. This Vrat begins on Kartika Suddha Ekadashi, also known as Devutthana Ekadashi, which is the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha, and continues until Kartika Purnima. Named after Bhishma from the Mahabharata, this fasting period is deeply rooted in spirituality and dedication to Lord Vishnu. Observing this Vrat, devotees aim to attain moksha (liberation) and the purification of sins.
Significance of Bhishma Panchak
The Bhishma Panchak fast holds high spiritual importance. These last five days of Kartik, beginning from Ashvin Purnima and ending on Kartika Purnima, are considered auspicious for performing religious activities. It is believed that during these days, Lord Krishna narrated the significance of Bhishma Panchak to Bhishma, who observed this fast before renouncing his physical body and attaining the heavenly abode.
Devotees observe Bhishma Panchak to seek moksha and cleanse themselves of sins. Additionally, this fast is believed to bless devotees with good health and well-being for themselves and their loved ones. The greatness of this Vrat is highlighted in the Padma Purana, which explains that the Kartik month is dearly beloved to Lord Vishnu, and taking a holy dip in the early morning during this period holds as much merit as bathing in all pilgrimage sites.
Key Verse from the Padma Purana
This verse extols the Kartik Vrat and Bhishma Panchak, stating that devotees who observe it are protected from the Yama’s servants, attaining a place in Vishnu’s divine abode.
Bhishma Panchak Vrat Vidhi
According to the Garuda Purana, each day of Bhishma Panchak has specific offerings to be made to the Lord, symbolising the devotion and purity of the Vrat. Here is a breakdown of the offerings for each of the five days:
- First Day (Dev Utthana Ekadashi): Offer lotus flowers at the feet of the Lord.
- Second Day (Tulsi Vivah): Place Bilva leaves on the thigh of the Lord.
- Third Day (Vishveshwara Vrat): Present fragrant scents at the Lord’s navel.
- Fourth Day (Manikarnika Snan): Offer Java flowers on the shoulder of the Lord.
- Fifth Day (Kartika Purnima): Place Malati flowers on the head of the Lord.
Each of these offerings holds symbolic significance, and devotees believe they purify the soul, bringing them closer to moksha.
Rituals and Mantras for Bhishma Panchak
In addition to specific offerings, devotees engage in several rituals, including daily bathing in holy rivers such as the Ganges, and offering tarpana (water oblations) to honour Bhishma. The following mantras are chanted during the ritual:
Tarpana Mantra:
“Om vaiyaghra padya gotraya
samkrti pravaraya ca
aputraya dadamyetat
salilam bhismavarmane”
Arghya Mantra:
“Vasunamavataraya
santanoratmajaya ca
arghyam dadami bhismaya
ajanma brahmacarine”
Pranam Mantra:
“Om bhismah santanavo birah
satyavadi jitendriyah
abhiradbhiravapnatu
putrapautrocitam kriyam”
By following these mantras, devotees honour Bhishma’s legacy and invoke blessings from the divine. These rituals represent gratitude and respect for Bhishma’s wisdom and sacrifice.
Bhishma Panchak, also known as Vishnu Panchak, is a time of deep devotion, reflection, and self-discipline. This five-day fasting period allows devotees to connect spiritually, seek divine blessings, and strive for liberation. Observing Bhishma Panchak with faith, devotion, and adherence to ritualistic offerings grants devotees peace, forgiveness, and a path towards moksha.
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