Bhishma Dwadashi 2026

Bhishma Dwadashi, also known as Govinda Dwadashi or Bhaishmi Dwadashi, is a highly sacred day in Hinduism. It marks the conclusion of the great warrior Bhishma Pitamah’s life on earth. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma left his mortal body on Dwadashi tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha. This day is observed with deep devotion by devotees who seek righteousness, protection, peace, and blessings of Lord Vishnu. In 2026, Bhishma Dwadashi falls on: Bhishma Dwadashi: Thursday, January 29, 2026 Dwadashi Tithi Begins: 01:55 PM on January 29, 2026 Dwadashi Tithi Ends: 11:09 AM on January 30, 2026 Dwadashi Parana (Breaking the fast): January 30, 2026 Parana Time: 07:10 AM to 09:20 AM On Parana day, the Dwadashi tithi will already be over before sunrise, so devotees should break their fast in the morning during the recommended time.

Bhishma Dwadashi is the sacred day when Bhishma Pitamah, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, ended his life voluntarily after the end of the Kurukshetra war. Blessed with the boon of Ichcha Mrityu (the power to choose the time of death), Bhishma chose this day under the auspicious influence of Uttarayana, when the Sun begins its journey northward. Devotees observe this day to honor Bhishma’s righteousness, purity, courage, and devotion to dharma. This day is especially important for: Those seeking blessings for righteousness

People who want peace and success

Devotees who wish to strengthen their connection with Lord Vishnu

Those who want protection from negativity

Bhishma Dwadashi is also considered an auspicious day to perform charity, Vishnu puja, and recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama, which was originally taught by Bhishma himself.

1. In Honoring Bhishma Pitamah Bhishma, the son of Ganga, is regarded as one of the greatest warriors and wisest men in the Mahabharata. He symbolized discipline, sacrifice, truthfulness, and spiritual devotion.
2. Teachings of Vishnu Sahasranama Bhishma recited the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram on his deathbed to Yudhishthira. This sacred hymn is considered one of the most powerful prayers in Hinduism.
3. Celebration of Dharma Bhishma’s life represents the greatness of dharma and the importance of performing one’s duties with purity and truth.
4. Auspicious Period of Uttarayana It is believed that departing from life during the Sun’s northward movement leads to liberation and spiritual upliftment.

This vrat and puja are recommended for:

1. Those seeking spiritual progress Bhishma Dwadashi is excellent for individuals wishing to deepen their connection with dharma and spirituality.
2. Married couples It brings peace, stability, and strength to married life.
3. Students & knowledge seekers Bhishma represents wisdom. Worshiping him brings clarity, intelligence, and mental strength.
4. People facing difficulties Observing this vrat reduces obstacles, removes negativity, and brings harmony.
5. Devotees wishing for protection Bhishma prayed for the welfare of future generations; his blessings protect devotees from unseen forces. Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can observe this vrat.

Performing the puja with faith and devotion brings powerful blessings. Below is the complete procedure: Step 1: Morning Routine Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta.

Take a holy bath.

Wear clean and simple clothes, preferably white or light-colored.

Clean the puja area and arrange all puja items.

Step 2: Sankalp (Vow) Sit before the deity and take a sankalp: "I observe Bhishma Dwadashi Vrat today for peace, righteousness, protection, and the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Bhishma Pitamah." Step 3: Setting up the Puja Altar You will need: Picture or idol of Lord Vishnu

Image of Bhishma Pitamah lying on the bed of arrows (optional)

Flowers, rice, turmeric, kumkum

Diya, camphor, incense

Tulsi leaves

Fruits, sweets, and milk

Light a diya and offer fresh flowers to the Lord. Step 4: Worship Ritual Perform the puja in the following order:

1. Vishnu Puja Offer yellow flowers, tulsi leaves, and naivedya.

Chant Vishnu mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

2. Bhishma Pitamah Puja Offer flowers and recite Bhishma prayers such as: “Bhishmaaya Namah”
3. Recite Vishnu Sahasranama This is the most important part of the puja. The Vishnu Sahasranama was given by Bhishma to all humanity. Chanting it today brings: Protection

Inner strength

Removal of negative karma

Peace and blessings

Devotees may also listen to or read the Vishnu Sahasranama if not able to chant fully. Step 5: Observe Fasting There are three ways to keep the fast:

1. Nirjala Fast (without water) — Optional & for strict observers
2. Phalahar Fast — Fruits, milk, nuts
3. Satvik Meal — One simple meal without onion, garlic Choose whichever is suitable. Step 6: Evening Puja & Aarti Light a diya once again.

Offer tulsi and flowers.

Perform Vishnu aarti.

Pray for blessings, protection, and peace.

Step 7: Parana (Breaking the Fast) Parana is done when Dwadashi ends. Parana for Bhishma Dwadashi 2026: January 30, 2026 Time: 07:10 AM to 09:20 AM Break your fast only during this time. Traditionally, after the fast, devotees: Eat satvik food

Donate clothes or grains

Offer water to cows

Do’s Maintain purity of mind and body Read Vishnu Sahasranama Speak truth and avoid negative emotions Offer tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu Perform charity

Don’ts Avoid anger, arguments, and lies Do not consume onions, garlic, or tamasic food Avoid meat, alcohol, or intoxicants Avoid harming any living being

Allowed Fruits and dry fruits Milk, curd, ghee Sabudana, peanuts Simple satvik food Rock salt

Not Allowed Onion, garlic Grains (strict observers avoid grains) Non-veg food Fried or junk food Alcohol

The Bhishma Dwadashi Vrat Katha is rooted in the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows, waiting for the auspicious time of Uttarayana to leave his body. During this period, he shared profound knowledge with Yudhishthira, including: Duties of a king

Morality and justice

Importance of truth and righteousness

The divine Vishnu Sahasranama

On the Dwadashi day of Shukla Paksha in Magha month, Bhishma chose to depart from the physical world. The moment he left: Divine flowers showered from the sky

Devas welcomed him

The atmosphere was filled with peace

The earth became blessed with his final teachings

The moral of the Bhishma Dwadashi story is: “A life lived with truth, discipline, and devotion leads to liberation and eternal peace.”

Bhishma personally taught this sacred hymn to Yudhishthira. Benefits include: Protection from negative energies

Relief from stress and suffering

Increased concentration and clarity

Spiritual upliftment

Blessings of Lord Vishnu

Even listening to the Sahasranama on this day brings great merit.

1. Protection from Negativity This vrat creates a spiritual shield around the devotee.
2. Peace and Stability Life becomes more harmonious and peaceful.
3. Blessings from Bhishma Pitamah Bhishma blesses devotees with strength and righteous thinking.
4. Health Benefits Fasting purifies the body and enhances inner wellness.
5. Fulfillment of Wishes Prayers offered on this day are believed to be successful.
6. Spiritual Growth The vrat removes karmic impurities and helps progress on the spiritual path.

Vishnu Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” Bhishma Mantra “Om Bhishmaaya Namah” Shanti Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Chanting these mantras 108 times enhances the results of the vrat.

After completing the fast and puja: Eat simple satvik food

Donate food, grains, or clothes

Offer water to cows or birds

Thank Lord Vishnu and Bhishma Pitamah

Recite or listen to Vishnu Sahasranama

Charity performed on this day brings immense punya (spiritual merit).

Bhishma Dwadashi is one of the most spiritually powerful days in the Hindu calendar. It honors the eternal teachings of Bhishma Pitamah and his devotion to dharma. Observing the vrat with sincerity brings: Protection Peace Prosperity Righteousness Removal of difficulties

Whether you seek spiritual upliftment, blessings for your family, or peace of mind, Bhishma Dwadashi 2026 offers divine grace for everyone.