Bhishma Panchak Vrat

From Hari Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kaartik Tripurari Poornima

17/11/2010 – 21/11/2010

This kind of 5 day fast is prescribed for the last 5 days of Kartika (Damodara) Month and it is known as “Bhisma Pancaka”. During that vrata puja offerings to the Lord are also prescribed. For Bhisma Pancaka, devotees may offer the following to the Deity form of the Lord:

“The last five days of Kartika month are known as Bhisma-Panacaka. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. However one observes Kartika-vrata, he should intensify it for the last five days. The best way to observe the Kartika-vrata is to abstain from eating grains for the whole month, and to take only milk or water for the last five days. If one eats grains during the month, he should avoid them for the last five days. Also, one should only eat once a day. This is the proper procedure [for strict adherence].”

If someone observes this fast, he is considered to have observed all other fasts, because it is greatly meritorious and frees one from great sins. Therefore, everyone should make a great endeavor to fast on these last five days of Bhismadeva.

“The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. One should eat only vegetables or fruits and should worship Lord Krishna. If he needs to eat, he should do so only in the evening. A woman can also observe this fast by the suggestion of a twice-born, and if a widow observes this fast, she can also attain liberation and happiness.”

The exact details about the mahatmaya and the procedure to do the BhishmaPanchak Vrat can be heard in Divine Voice of Pujya GuruDev in the Video CD Ekadashi Mahatmya

To brief :
1. One should get up before Surn rise and take bath with water remembering the Holy Rivers and if possible mixing Til (Sesam).

2. After Bath, give Argya to Bheeshmaji, if possible by mixing Chandan and Til in the water, and saying “Gangaji ke Su-putra, Aajivan Bramhcharya Palan Karnewale Pitamaha Bhishma ko yeah Argya Arpan hain, Hame Bramhacharya mein Sahayta Karna” .

Mahatmya :
Pujya GuruDev says that “Who ever take early bath before sunrise during Kartik month’s trayodashi to Poornima (last 3 days), he/she will get punya of taking Karthik Maas bath of whole month. Those who want to get rid of Swapna Dosh/Dream falls disease should give Arghya to Bhishmaji on these 5 days.

“Bhishmaji ko Argya Dene se PutraHeen ko Putra Prapt hota hai”….Jisko Swapna Dosh ya Bramhacharya Sambandi takleefein hain (celibacy related problems & bad habits), wah in Paanch Dinon mein Bhishmaji ko Argya Dene se, Brahmacharya mein Su-Drudh banta hain. Hum Sabhi Sadhakon ko in Panch Dino mein Bhishmaji ko Argya Jaroor Dena Chahiye, aur Brahmcharya Raksha ke liye prayatna karna chahiye.