Spiritual importance of UttarayanImage Credit source: AI-ChatGpt
Bhishma Ashtami 2026 Date: The war of Mahabharata was not only a battle of weapons, but it was also a school of religion, dignity and high ideals. Bhishma Pitamah, one of the most powerful characters of this epic, is known for his vow and strength. He had received the boon of euthanasia from his father King Shantanu, that is, he could die only if he himself wanted. Despite this, even after being pierced by Arjun’s arrows and lying on the bed of arrows, he did not give up his life for many days. He waited for the sun to turn Uttarayan. Why after all? According to the Panchang, in the year 2026, Bhishma Ashtami will fall on 26th January, which will start from 11:10 pm on 25th January and will continue till 09:17 pm on 26th January. Let us know the religious and spiritual reasons behind this.
The boon of euthanasia and the resolution of Bhishma
Grandfather Bhishma had received the amazing boon of euthanasia from his father King Shantanu. This boon meant that he would accept death only when he wanted to. In the Mahabharata war, Bhishma Pitamah lay down on the bed of arrows, but even then he did not sacrifice his life. It was his resolve that life and death should also be according to religion. Bhishma knew that not only power or boon, but sacrificing the body at the right time and in the right spirit opens the path to salvation. Therefore, he did not use his boon unrighteously or hastily, but respected the dignity of time.
Spiritual importance of Uttarayan
According to the scriptures, the Uttarayan period of the Sun is considered extremely sacred and gives salvation. In Uttarayan, the movement of the Sun God is towards the north, which is called the path of the gods. There is a religious belief that by leaving the body in Uttarayan, the soul attains salvation and salvation. Grandfather Bhishma was well aware of this spiritual truth. He showed that euthanasia is not arbitrary, but a decision based on religion and scriptures. That is why, despite being on the bed, he waited patiently for the sun to set and respected the rules of time.
Importance given to religion in last moments
While waiting for Uttarayan, grandfather Bhishma preached Rajdharma, Apaddharma and Mokshadharma to Yudhishthir while on his bed. This was not only a time of waiting for his death, but also a time of teaching religion. Bhishma Pitamah made it clear that the last time of life is an opportunity to give guidance to the society and the future generation. His teachings are still considered an important part of Mahabharata in the form of Shanti Parva and Anushashan Parva. Thus, waiting for Uttarayan was necessary not only for spiritual reasons but also for the establishment of religion.
Deep message related to euthanasia
Bhishma Pitamah’s wait for Uttarayan gives a deep message for human life. It teaches that along with authority and power, restraint and decorum are also necessary. Despite having the blessing of euthanasia, he followed the laws of time, religion and nature. On the day of Bhishma Ashtami, devotees remember this sacrifice, patience and devotion. Even in today’s time, this decision of Bhishma Pitamah teaches that only waiting for the right time and taking the decision according to religion makes life meaningful. Therefore, the wait for Uttarayan is considered an immortal example of Bhishma’s great character.
Also read: How did Bhishma survive for 58 days on a bed of arrows? Deep mystery related to Sharashiya!
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on the information from the Mahabharata story. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this. For any kind of suggestion contact astropatri.com.