Bhishma Panchaka

The last five days of the month of Kartika (Damodara month) are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. Grandfather Bhishma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life while lying on a bed of arrows, meditating on the universal form of Lord Sri Krishna.

In the Hari Bhakti-Vilasa, it is stated that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. The Padma Purana states that one pleases the Lord and makes rapid spiritual advancement by such optional austerities. Lord Krishna, highly pleased by Grandfather Bhishma's devotion, agreed to grant His pure love to those fortunate souls who chant, sing, hear, read, worship, and fast during these five days.

"If anyone fasts and observes the Kartika-vrata according to the rules and regulations, the Yamadutas, the messengers of Yamaraja, run away from him, just as an elephant runs away by seeing a lion." — Padma Purana

Levels of Fasting (Bhishma Panchaka Vrata)

Depending on physical capacity, devotees can choose between three progressive types of fasting from Ekadashi to Purnima (broken at moonrise on Purnima):

Type 1 (Strict Pancha-gavya Vrata):
The devotee takes only the five products of the cow, one on each of the five days:

• Day 1 (Ekadashi): Cow dung (Gomaya)
• Day 2 (Dvadashi): Cow urine (Go-mutra)
• Day 3 (Trayodashi): Cow milk (Kshiira)
• Day 4 (Chaturdashi): Cow yogurt (Dahi)
• Day 5 (Purnima): All five cow products mixed together (Pancha-gavya)

Type 2 (Ekadashi-style Fruits & Roots Vrata):
If one cannot follow the first type, one can eat only fruits and roots. Fruits with many seeds (like guava, pomegranate, cucumber) should be avoided. Plain cashew nuts, raisins, and dates are allowed. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and raw bananas can be boiled and taken with sea salt. No dairy or milk products are taken.

Type 3 (Havishya Khichari Vrata):
One can eat only "Havishya" (a sacred, unboiled form of rice and specific ingredients cooked without oil). Allowed ingredients: Aatap rice, pure cow ghee, sea salt (Saindhava), cow milk, ripe bananas, wheat, mango, jackfruit, roots, pippali, haritakii, and sugarcane derivatives (other than gur). Mung dal, sesame oil, radishes, tamarind, and jeera must be avoided.

Special flower offerings to the Lord's body parts

Daily Flower Offerings (Garuda Purana)

During the five days, devotees offer specific leaves, scents, and flowers to different parts of the Lord's deity form:

• Day 1 (Feet): Offer Padma (lotus) flowers to the lotus feet of the Lord.
• Day 2 (Thighs): Offer Bilva (wood-apple) leaves to the thighs of the Lord.
• Day 3 (Navel): Offer Gandha (scents/sandalwood paste) to the navel of the Lord.
• Day 4 (Shoulders): Offer Java (hibiscus) flowers to the shoulders of the Lord.
• Day 5 (Head): Offer Malati (jasmine) flowers to the head of the Lord.

Daily Bhishma Tarpana & Prayers

It is highly recommended to take a bath in the Ganges (or other holy rivers) early in the morning and offer water tarpana three times for Grandfather Bhishma with the following mantras:

1. Tarpana (Water offering):
om vaiyaghra padya gotraya samkrti pravaraya ca
aputraya dadamyetat salilam bhismavarmane

2. Arghya (Auspicious offering):
vasunamavataraya santanoratmajaya ca
arghyam dadami bhismaya ajanma brahmacarine

3. Pranam (Obeisances):
om bhismah santanavo birah satyavadi jitendriyah
abhiradbhiravapnatu putrapautrocitam kriyam