Sri Bheesma pitamah/ श्री भीष्मपितामह

Description

भीष्म पितामह के बचपन का नाम था देव व्रत पौराणिक कथा के अनुसार भीष्म पितामह राजा शांतनु और देवी गंगा के पुत्र थे. उनके जन्म के बाद देवी गंगा ने उन्हें देव व्रत नाम दिया गया था. देव व्रत ने महर्षि पशुराम से शास्त्र विद्या प्राप्त की, जिसके बाद देवी गंगा देव व्रत के उनके पिता राजा शांतनु के पास ले गईं थीं

Sri Bhishma Pitamah, also known simply as Bhishma, is one of the central characters in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He is a key figure in the great Kurukshetra War, offering his allegiance to the Kuru dynasty despite his personal conflicts.

Here are some key points about Bhishma:

1. Birth and Early Life: Bhishma was born as Devavrata, the son of King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga (Ganges). His birth was the result of King Shantanu’s marriage to Ganga. Devavrata was named Bhishma (meaning “terrible” or “one with a fearsome oath”) after he took a vow of lifelong celibacy and lifelong service to the throne of Hastinapur.
2. Vow of Celibacy: Bhishma’s vow of lifelong celibacy was taken to ensure his father’s happiness in marrying Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman. This vow earned him the respect and admiration of his father and others, but it also led to a life of sacrifice and loneliness.
3. Warrior and Statesman: Bhishma was an unparalleled warrior and a master of warfare. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Kuru army and played a crucial role in many battles, including the Kurukshetra War. Despite his loyalty to Hastinapur, Bhishma was known for his integrity and adherence to dharma (duty).
4. Teacher and Advisor: Bhishma was not only a formidable warrior but also a wise statesman and a mentor to the Kuru princes, especially to Pandu and Dhritarashtra’s sons, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He imparted valuable lessons in politics, governance, and ethics to them.
5. Death: Bhishma’s death is one of the most memorable episodes of the Mahabharata. During the Kurukshetra War, he fought fiercely on the side of the Kauravas, but he was ultimately defeated by Arjuna. He lay on a bed of arrows, awaiting the auspicious moment to leave his mortal coil. During this time, he imparted profound wisdom to Yudhishthira on kingship, morality, and dharma.

Bhishma is revered for his unwavering commitment to his principles, his unparalleled martial prowess, and his profound wisdom. He remains one of the most respected figures in Hindu mythology and epic literature.