Mumbai · Maharashtra
Bhishma Ashtami 2025in Mumbai
Exact puja times & muhurta computed for Mumbai coordinates (19.08°N, 72.88°E)
Key Timings
Festival Date
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Sunrise
07:11
Sunset
18:33
Why This Date?
Bhishma Ashtami follows the Udaya Tithi rule – the festival is observed on the day when the required tithi prevails at sunrise. This is the default Dharmasindhu convention for festivals without a special time-window requirement.
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Deity
Bhishma Pitamah, Lord Vishnu
Legend & History
Bhishma Ashtami honours the great warrior Bhishma Pitamah of the Mahabharata, son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. After being fatally wounded by Arjuna, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows and chose to… Read full legend →Show less ↑
Bhishma Ashtami honours the great warrior Bhishma Pitamah of the Mahabharata, son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga. After being fatally wounded by Arjuna, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows and chose to depart on this day during Uttarayana, exercising his boon of Iccha Mrityu (death at will). His selfless vow of lifelong celibacy (Bhishma Pratigya) and unwavering dharma make him one of the most revered figures in Hindu tradition.
How to Observe
Devotees perform Tarpan (water libation) for Bhishma, even those without departed ancestors, as he died without progeny. Sesame seeds and water are offered while facing the north. Recitation of Bhishma Stuti and Vishnu Sahasranama – which Bhishma narrated from his deathbed – is considered highly meritorious.
Significance
Bhishma Ashtami teaches the values of sacrifice, unwavering resolve, and adherence to one's vow (Pratigya). Offering Tarpan on this day is believed to be equivalent to offering it to all ancestors. It is the only day when Tarpan is offered to someone who was neither a father nor a direct ancestor.