Bhishma Dwadashi or Bheeshma Dvadasi is observed on Magha Shukla Dwadashi, the day after Bhishma Ekadashi. In 2026, Bhishma Dwadashi date is January 30.
Bhishma Dwadashi is an auspicious day during when devotees break their Bhishma Ekadasi vrat upvaas. It is believed that Pandvas observed the final rituals and rites for Bhishma pithamaha who died on Bhishma Ashtami (Magh Shukla Ashtami).
Bhishma Dwadasi is the second auspicious day during Bhishma Panchak Vrat, observed from Bhishma Ekadashi to Magh Purnima. It is not only observed by Vishnu devotees but also by Shiva devotees.
This festival is a grand occasion in ISKCON Temples, Vrindavan Krishna Temple, Banke Bihariji Temple and Lord Puri Jagannath Temple.
Bhishma Dwadashi is the Dwadashi tithi following Bhishma (Jaya) Ekadashi in Magha Shukla Paksha, dedicated to honoring Bhishma Pitamaha’s moksha and teachings, especially Vishnu Sahasranama, with parana of the Ekadashi vrat and special pitru-shraddha.
Timing and context
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Follows immediately after Bhishma Ekadashi; for 2026, it falls on Friday, January 30, after Ekadashi parana window (approx. 7:13 AM to 9:29 AM IST), continuing through Dwadashi tithi.
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Marks the completion of Bhishma’s Ekadashi observance on his arrow-bed during Uttarayana, when he attained higher gati after imparting dharma-jnana to Yudhishthira.
Observances and rituals
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Parana: Ekadashi observers break fast post-sunrise on Dwadashi with sattvic bhojan after final Vishnu puja; offer naivedya to Lord Narayana/Krishna and distribute prasada.
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Bhishma puja: Light deepa before Vishnu murti or photo, recite Vishnu Sahasranama (or key shlokas), and perform symbolic tarpan/pinda-daana for Bhishma and pitrus using til, akshata, and Ganga-jal.
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Daan: Give food, clothes, grains, or dakshina to brahmanas, poor, or cows in Bhishma’s name for punya, pitru-kripa, and vow-keeping strength.
Spiritual benefits
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Said to grant fruits of Ashwamedha yajna, removal of ancestral doshas, and steadiness in samskaras like Bhishma’s ichcha-mrityu and dharma-nishtha.
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In South Indian (Andhra/Telangana) traditions, emphasis on Vishnu bhakti and family shraddha aligns well with Hyderabad observances during Makha month.