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Bhishma Pitamah, Lord Vishnu
Bhishma Ashtami honours the great warrior Bhishma Pitamah of the Mahabharata, son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. After being fatally wounded by Arjuna, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows and chose to depart on this day during Uttarayana, exercising his boon of Iccha Mrityu (death at will). His selfless vow of lifelong celibacy (Bhishma Pratigya) and unwavering dharma make him one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition.
Bhishma Ashtami teaches the values of sacrifice, unwavering resolve, and adherence to one's vow (Pratigya). Offering Tarpan on this day is believed to be equivalent to offering it to all ancestors. It is the only day when Tarpan is offered to someone who was neither a father nor a direct ancestor.
Devotees perform Tarpan (water libation) for Bhishma, even those without departed ancestors, as he died without progeny. Sesame seeds and water are offered while facing the north. Recitation of Bhishma Stuti and Vishnu Sahasranama — which Bhishma narrated from his deathbed — is considered highly meritorious.