Bheeshma Tarpanam: A Sacred Ritual to Honor Bhishma Pitamah

Bheeshma Tarpanam is a Vedic ritual performed to honor and pay respects to Bhishma Pitamah, one of the most revered characters from the Mahabharata. Bhishma was known for his steadfastness, wisdom, and his vow of celibacy. The Tarpanam is observed during Bhishma Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (05-Feb-2025) (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Magha (January-February). This ritual is significant for Hindus, especially for those seeking to honor their ancestors and receive blessings for family well-being.

Significance of Bheeshma Tarpanam

Bhishma is remembered for his immense dedication to Dharma (righteousness), sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty. He had the boon of choosing the time of his death, and he passed away during the auspicious time of Uttarayana (the Sun’s movement towards the northern hemisphere). According to tradition, he also granted a boon to his devotees—those who perform Bheeshma Tarpanam would be blessed with prosperity, good health, and familial harmony.

The ritual involves offering water and sesame seeds while chanting mantras, as a mark of respect to Bhishma and other ancestors. It is believed that by performing this Tarpanam, one ensures peace and liberation (moksha) for the soul of their ancestors, and gains their blessings.

Steps and Rituals of Bheeshma Tarpanam

1. Purification (Sankalpam)

Before performing the Tarpanam, devotees take a ceremonial bath early in the morning to purify themselves. They then make a Sankalpam (solemn vow) to perform the Tarpanam, stating their intention to honor Bhishma Pitamah and their ancestors.

2. Offering of Water (Jala Tarpanam)

The devotee, usually sitting by a river, lake, or any source of clean water, offers Jala Tarpanam (water offering). Water is poured from the palms while chanting specific mantras that invoke the blessings of Bhishma and the ancestors. The water symbolizes purity and acts as a medium to convey respect and gratitude to the departed souls.

3. Offering of Sesame Seeds (Til Tarpanam)

Along with water, sesame seeds (til) are offered as they are considered sacred in Hindu rituals. The seeds represent fertility, abundance, and protection, and they are believed to satisfy the ancestors during the Tarpanam.

4. Chanting of Mantras

During the Tarpanam, specific mantras dedicated to Bhishma Pitamah and the ancestors are recited. These mantras not only express gratitude but also seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during the ritual and invoke blessings for future generations.

5. Food Offerings (Naivedyam)

Some people also offer food to priests or distribute it among the needy in Bhishma’s name as part of the ritual. It is a way to ensure the departed souls are satisfied and to invoke the blessings of Bhishma for health, long life, and familial happiness.

Spiritual Benefits of Performing Bheeshma Tarpanam

Blessings for the Family: Performing Bheeshma Tarpanam is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and unity in the family. It helps resolve ancestral issues and eliminates any negative effects of Pitra Dosha (ancestral karma).

Moksha for Ancestors: The ritual helps in providing peace and liberation (moksha) to the departed souls, especially to those who might not have received proper rituals at the time of their passing.

Health and Longevity: Bhishma Pitamah’s blessings are said to bring good health and longevity to those who sincerely perform the Tarpanam with devotion.

Spiritual Growth: Engaging in the ritual deepens one’s connection with their roots, ancestors, and the larger cycle of life and death, leading to a greater understanding of spirituality.

Conclusion

Bheeshma Tarpanam is not merely a ritual but an opportunity to connect with one’s ancestors and seek their guidance and blessings. It serves as a reminder of the values embodied by Bhishma Pitamah—loyalty, righteousness, and sacrifice—and encourages individuals to integrate these qualities into their own lives. By performing this sacred ritual, devotees honor the contributions of their forefathers and reaffirm their commitment to their family’s well-being and spiritual growth.