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News Topical, Digital Desk : Bhishma Ashtami 2026 The Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of the month of Magha holds special significance in Hinduism. This day is celebrated as Bhishma Ashtami. This year, this sacred date falls on January 26th. This is the day when Bhishma Pitamah, the great hero of the Mahabharata, voluntarily gave up his life. According to religious beliefs, offering prayers to the ancestors on this day pleases the ancestors and also eliminates the ancestral curse from the horoscope.
Why is Tarpan of Bhishma Pitamah done on this day? (Why Bhishma Pitamah Tarpan Performed On This Day?)
Bhishma Pitamah was a celibate from childhood, so he had no children of his own who could perform his Shraddha or Tarpan. Pleased with his devotion and sacrifice, Lord Krishna granted him a boon that anyone who performs Tarpan and offers water to him on Bhishma Ashtami will be satisfied and the inauspicious effects of Pitru Dosh will be reduced from his life. It is also believed that performing Tarpan on this day satisfies the ancestors of seven generations, bringing happiness and peace to the family.
Correct method of offering water to ancestors (Tarpan Rules)
- On Bhishma Ashtami, perform Tarpan in the afternoon i.e. during Kutpa period for the peace of the ancestors.
- Wear clean clothes after bathing in the morning.
- Sit facing south.
- Take pure water in a copper or brass vessel.
- Mix Ganga water, raw milk, black sesame seeds, Akshat and barley in it.
- Wear a Kusha ring on the ring finger of the right hand or take Kusha in your hand and slowly drop water into the vessel through your palm.
- While offering tarpan, chant the Vedic mantras of the ancestors and this mantra "Vaiyaghrapadgotraya Sankrityapravarai Ch." Chant Gangaputray Bhishmay Sarvabhuthitaya Cha.
- Along with offering water to the ancestors, meditate on Bhishma Pitamah and offer water to him.
Do these remedies (Pitru Dosha Remedies)
- Donating black sesame seeds and jaggery on this day provides relief from the ill effects of Rahu-Saturn and ancestral curse.
- In the evening, light a lamp towards the south direction or place a lamp under the Peepal tree.
- Avoid tamasic food and arguments on this day. Also, keep a feeling of devotion in your mind.
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