Bhishma Pitamah – The Immortal Guardian of the Mahabharata
1. Who was Bhishma Pitamah in the Mahabharata?
Bhishma Pitamah, originally named Devavrata, was one of the central and most revered figures in the Mahabharata. He was the son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga, the grand-uncle of both the Pandavas and Kauravas, and the guardian of the Kuru dynasty. Known for his unshakeable vow of celibacy and devotion to duty, Bhishma embodied dharma, valor, and wisdom.
He lived through three generations of Kurus — from his father Shantanu to the time of the great Kurukshetra war — making him one of the longest-living and most respected elders in the epic.
2. What is the meaning of the name “Bhishma”?
The name “Bhishma” means “one who has taken a terrible or fearsome vow.”
He earned this title after taking a vow of lifelong celibacy and renunciation of the throne to fulfill his father’s desire to marry Satyavati. His vow was so powerful that the heavens trembled, and the gods praised him as “Bhishma,” the one of terrible resolve.
3. Who were Bhishma’s parents?
Bhishma’s parents were:
- Father: King Shantanu, the ruler of Hastinapur
- Mother: Goddess Ganga, the personification of the sacred river Ganga
According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma was the eighth Vasu, a celestial being cursed to be born as a human. Ganga drowned his seven brothers at birth to free them from the curse, while Bhishma had to live out his human destiny.
4. How was Bhishma born?
Bhishma was born as the eighth son of Ganga and Shantanu. Before his birth, the eight Vasus (celestial beings) had been cursed by Sage Vashistha to be born as mortals. Ganga, taking pity on them, agreed to give them birth and release them back into heaven by drowning them at birth.
However, the eighth Vasu, named Prabhasa, was doomed to live his life on Earth as punishment for his role in stealing the sage’s divine cow. This Vasu was born as Devavrata, who later became Bhishma.
5. What was Bhishma’s “terrible vow” or Bhishma Pratigya?
When Shantanu wanted to marry Satyavati, her father demanded that only her children should inherit the throne. To ensure his father’s happiness, Devavrata took two vows:
- He would renounce his claim to the throne of Hastinapur.
- He would never marry or have children, ensuring no descendants could challenge Satyavati’s line.
This selfless act earned him the name Bhishma.
Moved by his sacrifice, King Shantanu granted him the boon of Ichchha Mrityu, meaning Bhishma could choose the time of his own death.
6. Why is Bhishma considered immortal?
Bhishma was granted the boon of Ichchha Mrityu (death at will) by his father, King Shantanu. This meant he could not die unless he desired it. He used this power to live through the Kurukshetra War, lying on a bed of arrows after being struck down, and finally left his body only after witnessing the auspicious period of Uttarayana (the sun’s northward journey).
Thus, he is also called “Mahajit” (the great conqueror of death).
7. What was Bhishma’s role in the Kuru dynasty?
Bhishma served as the protector, regent, and statesman of the Kuru dynasty.
After Shantanu’s death, he guided and protected his half-brothers Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. Following their deaths, he helped Satyavati preserve the dynasty by supporting the birth of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura through Sage Vyasa.
He remained loyal to the Kuru throne, regardless of who ruled — Dhritarashtra, Pandu, or Duryodhana. His loyalty to Hastinapur and his sense of duty defined his life’s purpose.
8. Was Bhishma on the Kauravas’ side during the Mahabharata war?
Yes. Bhishma fought on the side of the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra War, not because he approved of their actions, but because he believed in his duty to the throne of Hastinapur.
Despite his loyalty, he refused to harm the Pandavas directly and avoided killing them in battle. He even declared that he would not fight against Shikhandi, whom he recognized as a reincarnation of Princess Amba — someone he had wronged in the past. This eventually led to his fall on the tenth day of the war.
9. How was Bhishma defeated in the Kurukshetra war?
On the tenth day of the war, Arjuna, guided by Lord Krishna, faced Bhishma in battle. Krishna advised Arjuna to use Shikhandi as a shield, as Bhishma had vowed never to fight a woman or someone who had been one.
Standing behind Shikhandi, Arjuna pierced Bhishma’s body with countless arrows, causing him to fall from his chariot. However, due to the boon of Ichchha Mrityu, Bhishma did not die. He lay upon a bed of arrows, waiting for the right time — Uttarayana — to leave his mortal body.
10. What were Bhishma’s teachings to Yudhishthira?
While lying on his bed of arrows, Bhishma imparted profound wisdom to Yudhishthira and the Pandavas. This section of the Mahabharata is known as the “Shanti Parva” and “Anushasana Parva”, where Bhishma spoke about:
- Duties of kings and rulers
- The importance of truth, justice, and forgiveness
- The path of righteousness (dharma)
- The nature of time, destiny, and karma
- The virtues of compassion and non-violence
His teachings remain timeless and are often regarded as a spiritual and philosophical guide for ethical living.
11. What was Bhishma’s relationship with Krishna?
Bhishma had immense respect for Lord Krishna, considering him the embodiment of the Supreme Being. During the war, although they were on opposite sides, Krishna honored Bhishma for his righteousness and valor.
When Bhishma was lying on his bed of arrows, Krishna personally came to bless him and grant him liberation. It was in Krishna’s presence that Bhishma chose to leave his body, attaining moksha (liberation).
12. Why is Bhishma Pitamah revered even today?
Bhishma Pitamah is revered as the symbol of ultimate sacrifice, duty, and integrity. His adherence to truth and dharma, even when it conflicted with personal beliefs, has made him a legendary figure in Indian tradition.
His life teaches that true greatness lies in self-discipline, loyalty, and righteousness, even when faced with personal suffering.
13. What lessons can we learn from Bhishma Pitamah’s life?
Bhishma’s life offers timeless moral and philosophical lessons:
- Duty above self: He placed his responsibilities before his desires.
- Sacrifice for a greater cause: He renounced marriage and kingship for his father’s happiness.
- Loyalty and dharma: He remained steadfast in his principles, even during chaos.
- Wisdom through suffering: His greatest teachings came when he was enduring the pain of arrows.
His life shows that dharma is not always easy, but it is always righteous.
14. How and when did Bhishma die?
After the war, Bhishma continued to live on the bed of arrows until Uttarayana began — the period when the sun moves northward, considered auspicious for attaining salvation. On that day, surrounded by Krishna and the Pandavas, Bhishma offered his final prayers to Lord Krishna and departed peacefully, merging into the divine light.
Conclusion
Bhishma Pitamah stands as one of the greatest embodiments of wisdom, sacrifice, and devotion in Indian mythology. His vows, loyalty, and principles continue to inspire millions. Though bound by human duties, his soul was divine — a warrior saint whose life teaches that righteousness, once chosen, must never be abandoned, no matter the cost.
Meta Description (short version for SEO):
Bhishma Pitamah, the grand patriarch of the Mahabharata, symbolizes duty, sacrifice, and wisdom through his vow of celibacy, his valor in war, and his divine death.
SEO Keywords (single line):
Bhishma Pitamah, Bhishma Mahabharata, Bhishma vow, Devavrata Bhishma, Bhishma Pratigya, Bhishma Ichchha Mrityu, Bhishma and Krishna, Bhishma teachings, Mahabharata heroes, Kuru dynasty elder
Comments are closed.