What is Bhishma Panchak and how is it observed?

Every little austerity performed in the month of Kartik gets benefited a thousand times.Kartik is itself the most glorious month but Kartik’s last 5 days known as “BHISHMA PANCHAK” is even more glorious. Bhishma Panchak is also known as Vishnu Panchak.

Those who are unable to perform Kartik Maas fasting can keep fast during the last 5 days of Kartik and this will give them the benefit of the whole month of Kartik fast.

On these last 5 days of Kartik Month, Pitamah Bhishma fasted in order to prepare to leave his body. Seeing Bhishma Dev performing fast during the last 5 days of Kartik with all love and devotion, Lord Hari became so pleased that he agreed to give pure love of devotion to those who chant, sing, hear, read, worship and fast for these five days of Bhishma Panchak.

Bhishma Panchak 2024 fast begins on 12rd November 2024 and will end on 15th November 2024. i.e This fast begins on Ekadashi day by remembering Bhishmadev and ends on Purnima.

Those who fail to observe Chaturmaas vrat, get the benefit of observing four months of fasting just by fasting on the last five days of Kartik maas that is on Bhishma Panchak.

“Srila Suta Goswami says in the Padma Purana, Uttarakhanda, ‘This liberating fast is unknown even to the demigods. If one listens to what I have said and fasts on these five days, he becomes free from that sin. Even if someone carefully listens to this narration, he also achieves happiness. I tell you the reality again and again that one should keep this fast secretively, and continue performing it unceasingly – that person surely achieves Liberation.”

The best way to observe the Kartika-vrata is to abstain from eating grains for the whole month, and to take only milk or water for the last five days. If one eats grains during the month, he should avoid them for the last five days. Also, one should only eat once a day. This is the proper procedure [for strict adherence].”

“This five day fast is difficult for those people who are not serious in Bhakti. If someone observes this fast, he is considered to have observed all other fasts, because it is greatly meritorious and frees one from great sins. Therefore, everyone should make a great effort to fast on these last five days of Bhismadeva.

“The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. One should eat only vegetables or fruits and should worship Lord Giridhari. If he needs to eat, he should do so only in the evening.

Finally, Chant more and more rounds of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra in the month of Kartik. If you’ve completely missed it, don’t worry. Bhishma Panchak is your final ticket to gain the complete spiritual credits of Kartik!! DO NOT MISS!

Hare Krishna!