One of the most prominent characters of Mahabharata was Bhishma Pitamah, whose knowledge, strength and intelligence were discussed all over the earth. Despite being so ritualistic, he (Bhishma Pitamah) had to face great pain in his last days. However, the reason behind this is very important, so let's know the reason due to which he had to endure so much torture.

Why did Bhishma continue to suffer on the bed of arrows?

It is said that people who die in Dakshinayan have to go to hell after death and their soul keeps wandering. This is the reason why Bhishma Pitamah held back his life as long as the Sun was in Dakshinayan and suffered a lot for 58 days. After this, he gave up his life in the lap of his mother Ganga as soon as the Sun moved to Uttarayan.

this is also a reason

Regarding the death of Bhishma Pitamah, it is also said that he wanted to see Hastinapur in safe hands, due to which he did not give up his life until the future of Hastinapur was secured. Along with this, while suffering on the bed of arrows, he gave the knowledge of religion and ethics to the Pandavas, so that they could discharge their responsibilities by walking on the path of truth.

What happens if one dies during Surya Uttarayan?

It is said in the Bhagavad Gita that if a person dies during the Shukla Paksha i.e. when the Sun is in Uttarayan, then that person is freed from the bondage of birth and death. Also, he never has to return to the mortal world. Not only this, the person attains salvation.

Let us tell you, this auspicious period occurs on Makar Sankranti. This is why the festival of Makar Sankranti is considered very auspicious and auspicious works start from this day.