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Bhishma Ashtami — Magha Shukla Ashtami — the day Bhishma Pitamaha left his body after lying on the bed of arrows for 58 days (he chose to depart in Uttarayana). Devotees perform Bhishma tarpanam with til, water, and kusha grass — believed to bestow great merit even for those without putra.
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
ॐ भीष्माय नमः
Om Bhishmaya Namah
Salutations to Bhishma Pitamaha
✦ Special Note
The unique tarpanam: 'Vaiyaghra-padasya gotraya, Sankrti-pravarasya cha, Aputraya dadamy etat udakam Bhishma-varmane' — offered by even those whose own ancestors are not from Bhishma's lineage.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Single ekabhukta meal of rice, dal and ghee after performing til-jal tarpanam to Bhishma
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Get a reminder before the next Bhishma Ashtami
At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.
Remind meDates shown for India (default). Enable JavaScript to set a reminder for your location.
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