Bhishma Ashtama is today and Bhishma Ekadasi is on Friday

February 3, 2009

Bhishma Ashtami is observed on the 8th day of the sukla paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Magha Month. This day is dedicated to Bhishma of Mahabharata, popularly known as Bhishma Pitamaha or Ganga's son Bhishma.

His Divine Soul departed on this day not on Sankranthi day or On Bhishma Ekadasi as generally believed.Bhishma Pitamaha had got a boon from his father, Shantanu that he will only die when he wishes. After the 18 day war in Mahabharat,Bhishma chose the Ashtami day to leave his body and merge with the Supreme soul. This happened during the auspicious Uttarayana Punya kalam, the day time of Devas.A fast is kept in honour of Bhishma Pitamaha, the day being the anniversary of his departure from this world, for those who can do it.

Bhishma Ekadasi is on Friday, February 6th:

Bhishma Ekadasi is an auspicious occasion, the birthday of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram. This sthothram was revealed to Pandavas by Bhishma when he was on the bed of arrows, after the Mahabharatha war.

After the war, Pandavas approached Bhishma to teach them the higher principles of life and wisdom, from all his great experiences. Bhishma reveals Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra to Pandavas on Magha Suddha Ekadasi day in presence of Lord Krishna, showing Him and telling them that He is Lord of all Lords and praying Him with all 1000 names is all one can ever do to become more dear to Him which itself leads to salvation.

Reciting it regularly or even listening to it is itself a great thing that empowers one with the strength to overcome all the difficulties and get on to the right path of Salvation. It is said that he who chants Shri Vishnu Saharanama Stotra three times a day is freed from all worries and gets moksha. Many scholars have written bhashyam on vishnu saharanamam.

The best thing to do is on this day is chant Vishnu Saharanama on this day.

Those of you who wish to recite in Telugu while listening can do that by clicking the link below :

http://www.esnips.com/doc/9f4634da-49d1-4842-8e8b-bf5dddcc7f03/VISHNU-SAHASRANAMA-STOTRAM-IN-TELUGU-VIDEO

What is the real meaning of this Vishnu Sahasra Namams? This can be read in a simple way by in English by clicking the link below

http://www.stephen-knapp.com/sri_vishnu_sahasranam_translations.htm