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Bhishma Panchak 2023: The Bhishma Panchak Vrat is a religious fast that takes place during the span of five days during the auspicious Kartik Maas. This sacred fast has been named after Bhishma Pitamah, one of the integral characters from the greatest Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is believed that whoever observes this sacred fast gets liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Traditionally, one observes the fast by consuming only milk or water for the last five days of the Kartik Maas. On the first day of this fast, devotees offer veneration to Bhishma Pitamah and on the final day, devotees take a holy dip and worship Lord Vishnu to culminate their fast. This year, the Bhishma Panchak vrat will be observed from 22nd November to 27th November 2023. 

Bhishma Panchak 2023 Dates 

- Bhishma Panchak 2023 Tithi Begins - 11:03 PM, 22nd November 2023

- Bhishma Panchak 2023 Tithi Ends - 02:45 PM, 23rd November 2023 

Bhishma Panchak 2023: Significance Of Bhishma Panchak Vrat 

The onset of the Bhishma Panchak Vrat is marked by the Dev Uthani Ekadashi. Following the conclusion of the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna explained the significance of Panchak Vrat to Bhishma Pitamah. Afterwards, Bhishma Pitamah maintained this vrat for these five days before departing from his physical form for the heavenly abode. During these five days, devotees fast in order to achieve Moksha and atone for their transgressions. During this period, believers fast in hopes of improving and being blessed with good health. 

The Padma Purana describes Bhishma Panchak Fast's grandeur. It describes that Lord Shri Hari loves this month of Kartik and that bathing in the early hours of the day lets devotees get the benefits of bathing in all holy sites. 

There is a great significance associated with bathing in the holy rivers during this Bhishma Panchak Vrat. (Image Source: Canva)

Bhishma Panchak 2023: Vrat Vidhi 

The ancient Hindu text Garuda Purana states that special offerings to the Lord should be made on the occasion of Bhishma Panchak. There are five different significant events observed during this period - 

- Dev Uthani Ekadashi (First Day, 23rd November 2023) - While fasting, devotees must offer a lotus flower at the feet of Lord Shri Hari on this sacred day. 

- Tulsi Vivah (Second Day, 24th November 2023) - Devotees must present sacred bilva leaves on the thigh of Lord Hari on this day. 

- Vishveshwara Vrat (Third Day, 25th November 2023) - On the third day of the fast, devotees must offer peasing scents (gandha) at the navel of the Lord. 

- Manikarnika Snaan (Fourth Day, 26th November 2023) - Devotees must offer Java flowers at the shoulders of Lord Hari. 

- Kartik Purnima (Fifth Day, 27th November 2023) - On the final day of this sacred fast, devotees must offer malti flowers at the head of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. 

Additionally, it is said that on each day of the five-day Vishnu Panchak, one should bathe in the Ganges or any other sacred river and offer tarpana to Bhishmadeva by reciting the mantra - “om vaiyaghra padya gotraya samkrti pravaraya ca aputraya dadamyetat salilam bhismavarmane”

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While offering Arghya, chant - “Vasunamavataraya santanoratmajaya ca arghyam dadami bhismaya ajanma brahmacarine”

While doing pranam, chant - “om bhismah santanavo birah satyavadi jitendriyah abhiradbhiravapnatu putrapautrocitam kriyam”



(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)