BHISHMA ASHTHAMI: falls on the eighth lunar day of light half of Magha (January-February).

LEGEND: On this day Bhishma Pitamah, the son of Shantanu and Ganga, passed away, and his soul went on its journey to the heaven.

He was called Bhishma, because he had taken a terrible vow to remain celibate throughout his life. Bhishma literally means 'terrible' and 'dreadful'. Bhishma was renowned for his continence, wisdom, bravery and fidelity. Since he did not marry, nor had any sons, it is our duty to offer him oblations and libations considering ourselves as his great great grandsons. Bhishma has rightly been designated the status of our Pitamah or great grandfather. On this day a shraddh is performed and offerings of barley, sesame, flowers and Gangajal are made to Bhishma. Piety observed on this day ensures the attainment of the best progeny.

The story of Bhishma remaining celibate is quite interesting. Shantanu, the father of Bhishma, wanted to marry a young and beautiful damsel, Matsyagandha Satyavati, but her parents did not allow it because Bhishma (original name is Devavrata) being the eldest son was to be the heir apparent to the throne, and the children born to Satyavati would not stand any chance to succeed to the throne. Satyavati's father was insistent that he would marry off his daughter to Shantanu, only if the King promises to make her children, heir apparent to the throne. King Shantanu was reluctant to do so. When Bhishma came to know about his father's wish and the consequent situation, he went to the girl's house and took a vow before her father that he will never marry, hence will not beget any children and that he will never accept the crown. This satisfied her parents and subsequently Shantanu and Satyavati got married and two sons were born to them. During the Great War of Mahabharata, Bhishma took the side of the Kauravas and he was made the commander-in-chief of the vast army of Kauravas. He did so because he was under oath that in all circumstances he would side and protect the kingdom of Hastinapur.

In the war, he was unfairly wounded from behind. Pandavas, on the advice of Krishna sent Shikhandi (a eunuch) to fight Bhishma. But Bhishma refrained from attacking him, as he was a eunuch. At this instance, Arjuna discharged a rain of arrows at him and wounded him. There was not even a space of two-finger breadth left unwounded on his body. His body was laid on a couch of arrows created by Arjuna. He remained on his deathbed of arrows for fifty-eight days and during this period, he delivered many religious discourses. He had attained a boon that he himself can affix the time of his death and departure.

So he died on this auspicious day, when the sun had crossed to the north of the equator. Bhishma is a great example of self-denial, devotion and fidelity.