Bhishma Dwadasi, or Bhishma Dvadasi, is observed on the 12th day in the month of Magha (January – February) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). In 2013, the date of Bhishma Dwadasi is February 22. Bhisma Dwadasi is also known as Magh Shukla Dwadasi. It is widely believed that Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma, the son of King Shantanu and Ganga in Mahabharata, on this day.
It is popularly believed that Bhisma who was mortally wounded and was lying on a bed of arrows chose to leave the earth 58 day after the beginning of the Great War in Mahabharata. Bhishma was blessed with a boon that he can choose the day of his death. It is believed that he chose Magh Shukla Ashtami day to leave the earth and merge with Brahman.
On the Bhishma Dwadasi day, Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma Pitamah on the banks of Ganga .
There is a popular belief that offering Tarpan and Shradh on the day to ancestors is highly beneficial. Some people also perform Tarpan in the name of Bhishma as he had no children.
4 comments:
You have mentioned Bhishma dwadashi as 6.02.09, however in one of your earlier blogs on Bhishma ekadashi, you have given the same date as ekadashi date. Pl confirm when to observe ekadashi and when dwadashi
Bhisham Ekadasi is on February 5. Bhishma dwadashi is on February 6.
But there is also Sarvathra Ekadashi on February 6 (This is as per Vaishnava Tradition).
I am trying to chant Vishnu Sahasranama as much as possible on this occasion.
If Bhishma had chosen Ashtami to leave his mortal body, How he could have chanted 'Vishnu Sahasranama' on Ekadasi day which falls after 3 days..? OR the previous ekadasi has to be the right date to celebrate as Bhishma Ekadasi?
Please clarify!
Bhishma Ekadasi is only observed in South India that too by some communities. It is known as Jaya Ekadasi in all other places. And Jaya Ekadasi is not associated with Bhishma. So the difference that you feel is due to regional version.
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