Hare Krishna
Bhishma Pitamah, also known as Bhishma, is a central character in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. He was a prominent warrior and a key figure in the Kuru dynasty. Bhishma is known for his unwavering dedication to principles and his pivotal role in the events leading up to and during the Kurukshetra War.
One of the most notable aspects of Bhishma's character is his vow of lifelong celibacy, known as "Bhishma Pratigya" or "Bhishma Vow." This vow was a result of a complex set of circumstances and personal choices. Bhishma was born as Devavrata, the son of King Shantanu and the river Goddess Ganga. He earned the name "Bhishma" (meaning "terrible" or "fearsome") due to his extraordinary prowess in battle. Bhishma's vow of celibacy was made to ensure the happiness of his father and to avoid any potential succession disputes in the kingdom.
The story starts with the King....
King Shantanu fell in love with a beautiful woman named Satyavati, who lived by the river. Satyavati's father had a condition that only her children could inherit the throne. However, Shantanu's eldest son, Bhishma (then Devavrata), could not ascend the throne if he were to marry and have children. Seeing his father's love and desire for Satyavati, Devavrata made a vow of celibacy to ensure his father's happiness.
Devavrata took a solemn vow that he would remain celibate for life, renouncing his right to the throne and any potential progeny. This act was intended to ensure that any descendants of Satyavati would be eligible to inherit the throne without any competition from Devavrata's lineage. In recognition of his selfless sacrifice and the magnitude of his vow, Devavrata was given the name "Bhishma" by his father, signifying his fearsome resolve and dedication to his promise. Shantanu gave boon to Bhishma of "Ichha Mrityu" (Euthanasia) which simply meant he can control his death.
Bhishma's vow of celibacy had far-reaching consequences. While it preserved his father's happiness and helped prevent potential conflicts over the throne, it also resulted in Bhishma's prolonged life due to his inability to die at will. This immortality in battle played a significant role in the events of the Mahabharata, as Bhishma fought valiantly on the side of the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra War.
Bhishma's character is often admired for his unwavering commitment to his principles, even in the face of personal sacrifice and challenging circumstances.
For more such Blogs Follow and Stay Tuned...
Radhe Radhe!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment