39 Intresting Facts Of Bhishma pitamah

The Great Grandfather

1. Name and Birth: Bhishma’s original name was Devavrata. He was given the name Bhishma (meaning ‘terrible’) by his father after he took a vow of celibacy to allow his father to marry a fisherman’s daughter.
2. Education: Bhishma was educated by some of the greatest sages of his time, including Parashurama, who was known for his prowess in the use of weapons.
3. Vow of Celibacy: Bhishma took a vow of celibacy to ensure that his father’s marriage to a fisherman’s daughter was not hindered. This vow meant that he would never marry or have any children, and it was considered one of the most important decisions of his life.
4. Role in the Mahabharata: Bhishma played a significant role in the Mahabharata, particularly in the events leading up to the Kurukshetra war. He was a respected advisor to the Kuru king and played a key role in resolving disputes between various factions. However, his loyalty to the throne and his sense of duty often put him in difficult positions, as he was forced to make decisions that were not always popular.
5. Battle of Kurukshetra: Bhishma fought on the side of the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra war, but he was torn between his duty to his family and his sense of right and wrong. He did not want to fight against his grand-nephews, the Pandavas, but he felt that he could not betray his vow of loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur. In the end, he fought with all his might but was ultimately defeated by the Pandavas.
6. Legacy: Bhishma is remembered as a wise and noble figure in Indian mythology, and he is often held up as an example of selflessness and honor. His story has inspired countless retellings in literature, art, and film, and his character remains a beloved and respected figure in Indian culture.
7. Death: Bhishma was mortally wounded on the tenth day of the Kurukshetra war by Arjuna’s arrows. However, he did not die immediately, but instead lay on a bed of arrows for several days, imparting his wisdom and knowledge to those around him. He finally passed away on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Magha.
8. Relationships: Bhishma had complex relationships with many of the characters in the Mahabharata. He was deeply devoted to his father, King Shantanu, and he was a mentor and father figure to many of the Kuru princes, including the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He also had a strained relationship with his half-brother, Vichitravirya, who was his father’s successor, but who died without producing an heir.
9. Virtues: Bhishma is often remembered for his virtues, including his sense of duty, his loyalty to his family, his wisdom, and his courage. He was known for his unflinching commitment to his principles, and he was respected by his allies and foes alike.
10. Celebrations: Bhishma is celebrated in many parts of India through various festivals and rituals. For example, the Bhishma Ekadashi, which falls in the Hindu month of Magha, is dedicated to Bhishma and is observed by many Hindus across the country. During this festival, devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from Bhishma, hoping to emulate his virtues and values in their own lives.
11. Knowledge and Wisdom: Bhishma was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through years of study and meditation. He was well-versed in the Vedas, the Puranas, and other sacred texts, and he was regarded as a great scholar and teacher.
12. Devotion to Lord Vishnu: Bhishma was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, and he spent much of his life in meditation and worship. He was also a staunch believer in karma, and he believed that one’s actions in this life would determine their fate in the next.
13. Emancipation: Bhishma is believed to have achieved moksha, or emancipation from the cycle of birth and death, after he passed away. According to Hindu mythology, he was blessed by Lord Vishnu himself and was granted a place in Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu.
14. Depictions in Art: Bhishma has been depicted in various forms of art throughout Indian history, including in sculpture, painting, and literature. He is often portrayed as a wise and venerable figure, with a long white beard and flowing hair. He is also sometimes depicted on a bed of arrows, with his hands folded in prayer.
15. Inspirational Figure: Bhishma’s story continues to inspire people today, both in India and around the world. His unwavering commitment to duty and his sense of honor and integrity make him a timeless example of selflessness and sacrifice, and his story is a reminder of the power of faith, devotion, and wisdom.
16. Role in the Mahabharata: Bhishma played a central role in the epic Mahabharata, which chronicles the story of the Kuru dynasty and the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. As a member of the Kuru family, he was tasked with upholding the traditions and values of his clan, and he struggled with the moral complexities of the war.
17. Vow of Celibacy: One of Bhishma’s most well-known characteristics was his vow of celibacy, which he undertook in order to ensure his father’s happiness. Despite his vow, he was known to be a great lover of women, and his struggles with this dichotomy were a central theme in his story.
18. Legacy: Bhishma’s legacy continues to be felt in Indian culture today, and he is remembered as a great hero and an embodiment of virtue and selflessness. His story has inspired countless works of art and literature, and he remains a symbol of the timeless values of duty, honor, and sacrifice.
19. Lessons for Today: Bhishma’s story has many lessons that are still relevant today, including the importance of upholding one’s principles, the value of wisdom and knowledge, and the power of devotion and faith. His unwavering commitment to duty and his selfless actions in the face of great personal sacrifice continue to inspire people around the world.
20. Revered Figure: Bhishma is revered by many Hindus as a great saint and spiritual leader, and his teachings continue to be studied and followed by people of all ages and backgrounds. His story is a testament to the enduring power of human virtue and the capacity of individuals to make a difference in the world.
21. Symbol of Sacrifice: Bhishma’s decision to remain celibate and to fight against his own family in the war of Mahabharata is seen as the ultimate sacrifice. His commitment to his principles and his willingness to put his duty above his own desires has made him a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice. Bhishma’s willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good has made him a symbol of selflessness and devotion. His decision to renounce the throne and serve as a protector of the Kuru dynasty is a testament to his sense of duty and his commitment to the welfare of his people.
22. Moral Complexity: Bhishma’s character is often seen as a complex and conflicted one. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and his duty to uphold dharma, the cosmic order of the universe. His struggles with this moral complexity make him a relatable and compelling character in the Mahabharata.
23. Respect for Women: Despite his vow of celibacy, Bhishma is known for his deep respect for women. He was a protector of women’s rights and was known to be a compassionate and empathetic figure. His portrayal as a wise and just ruler has made him a beloved figure in Indian culture.
24. Historical Context: Bhishma is believed to have lived during the time of the Kurukshetra War, which is said to have taken place around 3102 BCE. His story is set against the backdrop of a changing political landscape in ancient India, and his character is shaped by the social and cultural norms of his time.
25. Relevance Today: Bhishma’s story remains relevant today, as it speaks to timeless themes such as duty, sacrifice, and the struggle to do what is right. His character serves as a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, it is possible to uphold one’s principles and make a positive impact on the world.
26. Role Model: Bhishma is often seen as a role model for individuals seeking to lead a virtuous and selfless life. His unwavering commitment to duty and his ability to make difficult decisions in the face of adversity have made him a timeless symbol of honor and integrity.
27. Leadership Qualities: Bhishma is also admired for his leadership qualities, including his wisdom, compassion, and sense of justice. He was a trusted advisor to the Kuru dynasty and was respected by his peers for his ability to make sound decisions in the interest of the greater good.
28. Influence on Indian Culture: Bhishma’s story has had a profound influence on Indian culture, shaping the way people view concepts such as duty, family, and sacrifice. His character has been celebrated in art, literature, and film, and his legacy continues to be felt in modern-day India.
29. Lessons for Today’s Leaders: Bhishma’s story offers many lessons for today’s leaders, including the importance of leading with integrity, putting the greater good above personal gain, and staying true to one’s principles in the face of difficult choices.
30. Enduring Legacy: Bhishma’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human desire for heroes and role models. His story continues to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds, and his character remains a symbol of the timeless values of honor, duty, and sacrifice.
31. Legacy in the Mahabharata: Bhishma’s character plays a central role in the Mahabharata, serving as a mentor, advisor, and key player in the epic battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. His wisdom and experience are highly respected, and his tragic end has made him a deeply sympathetic figure.
32. Influence on Hindu Philosophy: Bhishma’s story has had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy, particularly in the areas of duty, sacrifice, and karma. His commitment to upholding dharma, or the cosmic order, has inspired generations of scholars and thinkers, and his legacy is an important part of the Hindu spiritual tradition.
33. Symbol of Strength: Bhishma is often seen as a symbol of physical and mental strength. His prowess as a warrior is legendary, and his ability to remain steadfast in the face of difficult choices has made him a powerful symbol of resilience and perseverance.
34. Respect for Ancestry: Bhishma is known for his deep respect for his ancestry and for the traditions and customs of his forefathers. His devotion to his family, and his willingness to fight for their honor, has made him a beloved figure in Indian culture.
35. Moral Compass: Bhishma’s unwavering commitment to upholding dharma has made him a moral compass for many people in India and beyond. His story serves as a reminder that even in times of great chaos and conflict, it is possible to remain true to one’s principles and make a positive impact on the world.
36. Connection to Krishna: Bhishma’s story is closely connected to that of Lord Krishna, who served as his charioteer during the epic battle of Kurukshetra. The relationship between Bhishma and Krishna is one of mutual respect and admiration, and their conversations on the battlefield are seen as a key part of the Mahabharata.
37. Human Flaws: Despite his many virtues, Bhishma is not without his flaws. His vow of celibacy, for example, is seen by many as a source of unnecessary suffering and a cause of his eventual downfall. Nevertheless, his character is celebrated for its many strengths and for the lessons it offers about duty, sacrifice, and honor.
38. Continuing Influence: Bhishma’s legacy continues to be felt in modern-day India, where he is celebrated as a national hero and a symbol of traditional values. His story serves as a reminder of the power of myth and storytelling, and of the enduring impact that great characters can have on the world.
39. Role in Hindu Mythology: Bhishma is an important figure in Hindu mythology and is considered one of the greatest warriors of all time. His story has been told and retold in countless books, poems, and songs, and his character has become a source of inspiration for generations of Indians.

Bhishma is said to have lived for more than 100 years. In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that Bhishma was given the boon of choosing the time of his death, and he chose to die on the day of Uttarayan, which comes after the winter solstice and is considered to be an auspicious time. He waited on a bed of arrows, inflicted by Arjuna, for 58 nights before he chose to pass away. This is why he is also known as Bhishma Pitamah, where ‘Pitamah’ means grandfather or an elder person.

Bhishma was also known for his valor in battle. He fought in many wars during his lifetime and was considered almost invincible. However, during the Mahabharata war, he faced a moral dilemma when he found himself fighting against his own grand-nephews, the Pandavas. He initially fought on the side of the Kauravas, but after witnessing the destruction of the war, he realized that he had made a mistake and asked for forgiveness. He died soon after, having been felled by the arrows of Arjuna, the most skilled archer among the Pandavas.

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