“In the tranquil setting of Kurukshetra, as the sun began its ascent on Prabodhini Ekadashi, a hush fell upon the land. Krishna, with the Pandavas by his side, approached the venerable Bhishma Pitamah, who lay resplendent on his bed of arrows, a testament to his vow.
“O Pitamah,” began Krishna, “We seek wisdom from your lips, a guidance for souls lost in the maze of dharma.”
Over the next five days, When Bhishma Pitamah revealed the subtleties of Raj Dharma, the commitments of Varna Dharma, and the way to Moksha, his glorious voice filled the atmosphere. Each word was a beacon, guiding the listeners towards righteousness.
On the concluding day, as the soft glow of Kartika Poornima bathed the earth, Krishna, with reverence in his eyes, spoke, “Bhishma Pitamah, your teachings have illuminated our souls. From this day forth, let these five sacred days be known as Bhishma Panchaka. Those who observe this vrat in your honor shall be blessed with joy and, in the end, find their way to salvation.”
And so, the Bhishma Panchaka emerged, a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine, reminding all of the eternal truths enshrined in dharma.”
Varanasi - 2023
Varanasi - 2023
Varanasi - 2023
Varanasi - 2023
As the morning sun bathed Varanasi, the Ganges ghat buzzed with devotion. Helmsmen's family women, draped in vibrant sarees, offered a diverse array of gifts – flowers, diyas, fruits, and sweets. Amid this spectacle, I was surprised to witness an unconventional twist: the simple Eggplant and Radish. These humble offerings, amidst fragrant blooms and shimmering diyas, spoke volumes about the authentic and diverse expressions of reverence along Varanasi's sacred shores.
In the mystical realm of Varanasi, where the sacred Ganges whispers the secrets of eternity, the devotion to Bhishma Pitamah transcends the ordinary. As the revered son of Mother Ganga, people believe that Pitamah holds a unique sway over the river's currents. For the helmsmen and their families navigating the unpredictable waters, worshiping Pitamah becomes a sacred pact. In the echoes of their prayers, there lies an unspoken plea for protection from the furious whims of Maa Ganga. Pitamah, the guardian born of river and man, becomes their celestial ally, a beacon of solace amidst the rhythmic dance of the holy waters.