Guest guest Posted December 13, 2007 Report Share Posted December 13, 2007 Dear friends and devotees, Bhakti is eternal. 28. Bhishmaashtmi The eighth day (ashtami) of the waxing moon (shukl paksha) of Magha is celebrated as Bheeshmaashtami. This is in reverence to Bheeshma the most revered of characters of the Mahabharat who is respected for his honesty, sincerity and determination. Bheeshma was the son of King Shantanu by his wife Ganga. In order to please his father, Bheeshma took an oath of celibacy and hence promised that he would never marry and would forever remain faithful to the throne of Hastinapura (Kaurava dynasty). This oath has becoming the touchstone of determination in Indian. To take up a herculean task is described as a Bheeshma Pratignya. During the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhishama was obliged to enter the war on the side of the Kauravas. Since the Kauravas were facing one defeat after another, Duryodhana suspected that Bheeshma was not impartial. Bheeshma, to save his self respect, in anguish, took up such a weapon which could only be opposed by Lord Krishna. Krishna was compelled to lift the Sudarshana Chakra. Seeing that, Bheeshma stopped fighting and welcomed the death straight from Krishna, whom he was aware as Lord Sreemannarayana. However on Arjuna’s request, Krishna came back and with the help of Shikhandi, Arjuna conquered him. Bheeshma laid himself on the arrows (Ampasayya) until uttarayana punyakala and afterwards reached the eternal abode. This day is observed as a festival in reverence to Bheeshma. With love and regards, Sastry. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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