Bhishma Ekadashi 2026

bhishma no-watermark

Bhishma Ekadasi is observed on Shukla Ekadashi in Magh Month (Magha masam). In 2026, Bhishma Ekadashi date is January 29.

It is an auspicious occasion, also considered as the birthday of Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram (Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra Jayanti). Vishnu Sahasranama stotram was revealed to Pandavas by Bhishma. While on the bed of arrows, Bhishma revealed the stothram to Pandavas and became a major reason for their success in Kurukshetra war. Lord Krishna himself told to Pandavas that chanting Vishnus 1000 names will provide success and salvation in life.

Bhishma Ekadasi is celebrated with utmost fervor in Vishnu temple across India and abroad. ISKCON Temples and other Vishnu temples consider it as one of the major festivals. In Andhra Pradesh, ‘Narasimha Kalyanam is observed at Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple.

In Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Simhachalam Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadagirigutta Narasimha Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra swamy temple, and Tirumala Tirupati Sri Balaji temple, Bhishma Ekadasi is celebrated in a grand manner. Bheeshmashtami or Bhishma Astami and Bhishma Dwadasi are also celebrated with fervor in all Vishnu temples.

Bhishma Tharpanam Procedure | Vidhi with Mantras, Slokas

Name and timing

• Bhishma Ekadashi falls on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Magha (Jan–Feb), with the dvadashi next day used for parana and for honouring Bhishma Pitamaha (Bhishma Dwadashi).​

• Many regional calendars list it primarily under the name Jaya Ekadashi or Bhaimi Ekadashi, with “Bhishma Ekadashi” highlighting its connection to the Mahabharata episode and Vishnu Sahasranama.​

Scriptural significance

• On this Ekadashi, Bhishma Pitamaha, resting on his arrow‑bed during Uttarayana, expounded the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishthira; the day is thus revered as Vishnu Sahasranama‑jayanti in several traditions.​

• The vrata is believed to grant punya equivalent to major yajnas, destroy papa, and help in attainment of higher gati and steadiness in dharma, taking Bhishma’s unwavering vow and surrender as the ideal.​​

Vrat and puja‑vidhi (brief)

• Fasting:

  • Observe fast from sunrise on Ekadashi to at least sunrise on Dwadashi; many follow nirjala or phalahar, strictly avoiding rice and most cereals as in other Ekadashis.​

• Puja:

  • Morning snan, then worship of Vishnu (especially as Krishna or Narayana) with tulsi, flowers, incense, deepa and sattvic naivedya; reading or listening to Vishnu Sahasranama is central.​​

  • Remember Bhishma Pitamaha, mentally offering respects on his arrow‑bed and praying for strength to follow dharma and keep vows.

Bhishma Dwadashi and parana

• The following Dwadashi is known as Bhishma Dwadashi or Bhishma Mahadwadashi; devotees break the fast (parana) in the proper dvadashi period after offering food and water in remembrance of Bhishma and performing Vishnu‑puja.​

• Some traditions also perform symbolic tarpan for Bhishma on this day, reciting portions of Vishnu Sahasranama and praying for pitru‑shanti and firmness in righteous conduct.