Top 10 Interesting Facts About Bhishma Pitamah

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Bhishma Pitamah.

1. Bhishma Pitamah's birth was a result of a divine curse

According to Hindu mythology, Bhishma was born as the son of King Shantanu and Ganga, the goddess of the Ganges. Ganga, on the other hand, had been cursed by a sage to be born as a mortal woman and agreed to wed Shantanu on the condition that their kids would be whisked away by her as soon as they were born.

2. His celibacy oath and ability to control death

Bhishma Pitamah took an oath of celibacy and was granted the power to control the time of his death. His original name was Devavrata, and he renounced the pleasures of marital life and his claim to the throne to honor his father's promise. This act earned him the name Bhishma and the power of "Iccha Mrityu," which allowed him to choose the time of his death.

3. Amaba's story and her revenge

The princess Amba sought revenge against Bhishma for abducting her during her Swayamvara ceremony. She later reincarnated as Shikhandi and played a crucial role in Bhishma's defeat during the battle of Kurukshetra.

4. The deadlock in a combat among Parshurama and Bhishma - student and teacher 

Bhishma Pitamah engaged in a long battle with Parshurama, his own teacher and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Their fight resulted in a stalemate as Parshurama was immortal, and Bhishma had the power to choose the time of his death.

5. Even Lord Krishna was obliged to pose a threat Bhishma, the mighty warrior, with the use of weapons

Lord Krishna had to threaten the use of weapons against Bhishma during the Kurukshetra War to motivate Arjuna to fight at his full strength. Bhishma's remarkable bravery and skill forced Lord Krishna's intervention.

6. Bhishma Pitamah was an expert with all weapons

Bhishma Pitamah was a master of all weapons and had expertise in various forms of combat, including archery, swordsmanship, and mace fighting. He was also trained in the use of divine weapons, such as the Brahmastra.

7. He was revered by both the Kauravas and the Pandavas.

Bhishma was respected by both the Kauravas and the Pandavas due to his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his family and kingdom. Even Lord Krishna held great respect for him.

8. Bhishma's fall in combat was the result of deception

Bhishma's defeat in battle came through a clever strategy devised by Lord Krishna. Arjuna and Shikhandi together fought Bhishma, resulting in his fall on a bed of arrows.

9. Bhishma died of his own choice.

Bhishma Pitamah chose to wait for 58 days, lying on a bed of arrows, until the winter solstice or the first day of Uttarayana to give up his life. It is believed that he attained salvation after his death and was granted the Maatru Lok, a celestial realm above heaven.

10. Even now, Bhishma Ashtami is celebrated

Bhishma Ashtami is celebrated to commemorate Bhishma Pitamah's death. On this day, Hindus observe rituals like Ekodishta Śrāddha and perform the Bhishma Panchaka Vrata. It is believed that observing these rituals brings blessings, happiness in life, and eventual salvation.