Bhishm Panchak

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Recently when we visited Varanasi on the occasion of Dev Deepawali we found these idols on the steps of many Ghats. The one on Kedar Ghat was sculpted in a bit elaborate way while others like that on Gai Ghat were simple but each of them was being worshiped . These idols represent Bhishm Pitamah lying on bed of arrows on the battle ground of Kurushetra. The idols are sculpted on the day Ekadasi of Kartik Mas and immersed in the Ganges after Kartik Poornima. This period is known as Bhishm Panchak. Pitamah Bhishm fasted for these last five days of his life getting ready to give up his life. As our mythological texts tell us that Bhishm Pitamah had a boon to give up his life whenever he wanted. Nobody could have killed him.
People observe fast these last five days of Kartik mas and worship Bhishma. Those who observe vrat for entire Kartik Mas intensify it for these last five days.
Entire Kartik Mas is considered to be very sacred in Hindu religion. Ghats of Ganges at Varanasi witness many religious activities, specially held during this period. Bhishm Pitamah was Ganga Putra hence perhaps his last days on earth are remembered in this unique way here. Tarpan in Ganges, immersion of ashes of departed in Ganges is considered very significant and sacred in Hindu religion. Ganga Putra Bhishm's worship and his departure from earth to affectionate lap of his mother is observed with all the devotion, rites and rituals.
The various colored silken threads of  deep emotions, devotion weaving the charismatic tapestry of our cultural heritage always fills my heart with amazement and calm.

Pictures --- Sunder Iyer.

Seeking answers

I sat on the steps of a ghat at Varanasi looking around, seeping in the essence of ongoing activities on the banks of holy Ganges. I always enjoy watching people guessing about their lives, thoughts etc. The experience is like weaving stories where outline has been provided or say filling colors in a sketch. Ghats of Varanasi are perfectly ideal place for this.Varied people, varied activities.... each one busy in one's own world. My roaming glances suddenly fell upon this old gentleman. He sat all alone on a bench, clad in fairly neat clean clothes. But what caught my attention was that he was trying to beg from the people passing near the bench. The way he was hesitantly extending his palm and mumbled clearly showed that he was not accustomed of begging. Moreover he sat on bench like any other pilgrim and his attire too was in pretty good condition. But above all the expression of his deep sad eyes. Every time he extended his palm as if something died inside him. I watched him for quite some time. In the mean time few people had dropped one or two coins on his palm. I went to him and talked.
He told me that his name was Subramaniam. He belonged to Hyderabad. He had a grocery shop there.Three months ago his sons brought him to Varanasi and left him there. He was not well at that time.
I asked him whether he was collecting money to return to his home as he appeared to be fairly capable of traveling now.
The sadness in his eyes deepened a bit but a quiet detachment lingered on his face. '' return ! to whom ? They left me here. Soil of this place is miraculous. It revived me. Now I owe my existence to it. This is my Karma.'' Somehow there was neither anger nor grudge but a calm acceptance.
In the night he sleeps in a medicine shop and days he mostly spends on ghats.
I would have loved to know more about him, the thoughts churning in his mind, the emotions swirling in his heart but connecting bridges are not built in a day, so I bid adieu leaving him to search his own answers.

Pictures courtesy --- Sunder Iyer.