Bhishma Ashtami 2026 Date: According to religious texts, Bhishma Ashtami fast is observed on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha of Magh month. This time this date is on 26th January, Monday. In this fast, tarpan, shraddha etc. are performed for Mahatma Bhishma. According to Mahabharata, when Bhishma Pitamah got injured, he waited for the sun to rise and sacrificed his life on the Ashtami of Shukla Paksha of Magh month. Therefore, Bhishma Ashtami fast is observed every year on this date. On this day every Hindu should offer water to Bhishma Pitamah. Know further the importance of this date and the fasting method…

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Know the auspicious time of Bhishma Ashtami (Bhishma Ashtami 2026 Shubh Muhurat)

According to the Panchang, Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month will remain for the whole day on 26th January, Monday. On this day, it will be auspicious to perform Tarpan, Shraddha etc. for Mahatma Bhishma before 12 o'clock in the morning. On this day, four auspicious yogas named Sarvarthasiddhi, Sadhya, Shubh and Char will be formed.

Do Bhishma Ashtami fast with this method

- Take a bath in a holy river or lake on the morning of Monday, January 26. If it is not possible to do this, then take a bath at home by reciting the bath mantra.
- After taking bath, take sesame seeds, water and flowers in your hand and face towards south and chant this mantra and offer it to Bhishma Pitamah -
Vaiyaghrapadgotraya Sankrityapravraya Ch.
Son of Ganga, Bhishmay is always celibate.
Bhishma: Shantanvo Veer: Satyavadi Jitendriya:.
अभीरभिद्रवाप्नोतु पुत्रपौत्रोचितां क्रियाम्.

- After this, Arghya should be offered to Ganga's son Bhishma by reciting the mantra written below-

Vasunamavataraya Shantaroraatmajay Ch.
Arghyandadaami Bhishmay Aabaalbrahmacharine.

- If possible, keep a fast on this day, if it is not possible then you can eat fruits at one time. The next morning, have food after performing Parana.

Why do we observe fast on Bhishma Ashtami?

According to the Puranas, the person who fasts as per the rituals on Bhishma Ashtami is blessed with a worthy child. On this day, by performing Tarpan and Shraddha, sins are destroyed and one also gets freedom from Pitrudosh. According to religious scriptures…

Maghe Masi Sitashtamyan Satilam Bheeshmatarpanam.
Shraddhacha Ye Nara: Kuryuste Syu: Santatibhagin:.

Meaning- By offering tarpan, water donation etc. to Bhishma on Magh Shukla Ashtami, the sins of the year are destroyed.