Bhishma Pitamah is considered the main character of Mahabharata. Bhishma Pitamah's father is Shantanu and mother is Punyadayini Maa Ganga. Bhishma Pitamah had the boon of Ichchha Mrityu. He did not rule Hastinapur as a king, but protected Hastinapur as a protector. Bhishma Pitamah even turned a blind eye on many occasions. However, he did so because the situation was difficult.

According to religious experts, Mahabharata could not be stopped due to the negligence of Bhishma Pitamah. Bhishma Pitamah did not stop or rebuke Duryodhan for wrongdoings many times. Because of this, Duryodhan misused power. Ultimately, the Kauravas were destroyed. Bhishma Pitamah was also involved in this. Bhishma Pitamah sacrificed his penance and strength due to religious duties. But do you know why and when Bhishma Ashtami is celebrated? Let's know everything about it-

When is Bhishma Ashtami celebrated?

According to Sanatan scriptures, the great warrior of Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, gave up his body on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month. For this, Ekodishta Shraddha is performed every year on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month. Bhishma Ashtami is celebrated on this auspicious occasion. During the Mahabharata war, Bhishma Pitamah was injured by the arrows of the great archer Arjun.

Bhishma Pitamah had the boon of Iccha Mrityu, but he did not raise his voice against untruth on many occasions. Hence, Bhishma Pitamah had a feeling of remorse that no matter how great one is, mistakes are still possible. For this reason, Bhishma Pitamah did not want to come back to Earth again. For this reason, Bhishma Pitamah chose the month of Magha to give up his body after the Sun had moved to Uttarayan.

Bhishma Ashtami Shubh Muhurat

The Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Magh month will start on 05 February at 02:30 am and will end on 06 February at 12:35 am. In Sanatan Dharma, the date is calculated from sunrise. Hence, this year Bhishma Ashtami will be celebrated on 05 February. The time for Shradh on this day is from 11:30 am to 01:41 pm.