The Bhishma Panchak Vrat is a Hindu religious fast that is observed for five days during the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. The fast gets its name from Lord Bhishma of the Mahabharata, and it is believed that by observing this fast, one can attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The fast is traditionally observed by eating only milk or water for the last five days, and by avoiding all grains for the entire month. On the first day of the fast, devotees remember Bhismadev and offer prayers to him. On the fifth and final day, known as Purnima, devotees perform puja of Lord Vishnu and take a holy dip in a sacred river.

When is Bhishma Panchak Vrat?

Bhishma Panchak Vrat starts on 22 November 2023 and ends on 27 November 2023. This fast starts from Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and continues until Purnima (full moon). This day is named after Bhishma Pitamah.

Bhishma Panchak 2023, Date and Important Timings

• Panchak Starts: 11:03 p.m on November 22, 2023
• Panchak Ends: 02:45 p.m on November 27, 2023

Bhishma Panchak Puja Method

The Bhishma Panchak Puja method involves the worship of Lord Vishnu in different forms. The devotees should wake up early in the morning and take a bath. Then, they should resolve to fast for the purpose of attainment of Dharma, Aartha, Kama, and Moksha. The puja is performed for five days, and each day a different form of Vishnu is worshipped. On the first day, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Vamana, the dwarf incarnation. On the second day, he is worshipped as Narasimha, the lion-headed incarnation.

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Then on the third day, he is worshipped as Hayagriva, the horse-headed incarnation. On the fourth day, he is worshipped as Matsya, the fish’s incarnation. And on the fifth day, he is worshipped as Kalki, the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The puja is performed by offering flowers, incense sticks and oil lamps to the Lord. Havan is also performed by chanting the mantra Om Vasudevaya Namah: Swaha and 108 offerings of ghee, sesame and barley are made.

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Story of Bhishma Panchak Vrat

The Bhishma Panchak Vrat Katha is a sacred Hindu text that tells the story of the devoted Hindu warrior Bhishma. After being mortally wounded in battle, when Bhishma was lying on a bed of arrows and was awaiting his death, he reflected on his life and shared his wisdom with the five Pandavas. There, at the request of Lord Krishna, Bhishma Pitamah gave sermons on Rajdharma, Varna Dharma, Mokshadharma, etc. to the Pandavas for 5 days.

Lord Krishna was extremely pleased with his teachings. Hence, he said that whoever observes a fast for these five days will attain salvation without any obstacles. The Katha is full of moral lessons and provides guidance on how to live a good life. It is an important text for Hindus, and many people perform the Vrat or vow to read the Vrat Katha every year. The story of Bhishma is an inspiring tale of devotion and courage, and the lessons he taught are still relevant today. 

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