Bhishma ashtami is the reverence day of the great Bhishma pitamah. The son of goddess Ganga and Maharaj Shantanu of Kuru dynasty. The only character who lived uniquely adhered to his principles till his death and also died in a fashion, which none of the heroes in past could even think of. Such is the glory of Devavrata who became Bhishma after taking the oath to remain celibate through out his life so that his father could fulfill his desire of getting married and also gave

Dhoomravarnam deerghatundam daityaanaam sainya naayakam l uddanda chanda pramattamisham simhikeyam tam natosmyaham ll Ardha kaayam devashatrum maayaavi kutilopama l Gomedhapriya vinashakari sarva swaartha saadhakam ll Dhanadata buddhidata Shatrunjayasya bhayaharakam l Somamitra grasanah Kali raajendrasya paatu maam ll nilaambarasya Aarakta netram bhrukuti kutilekshanam l Krurakarmaa vyagrachittaa mama shatru- baadhaan vinaashaya ll Oh Rahu the son of Simhika and Viprachitti,

From Dhyan to Deepa upachara ritual is known as archana which also includes pushpa/tulasi/bilva/kumkum/dhanya archana with various names or mantras of the deity. From Dhyan to naivedya upachara ritual is known as Puja which also includes pushpa/tulasi/bilva/kumkum/dhanya archana with various names or mantras of the deity and avarana puja. From Dhyan to balidaan upachara ritual is known as shanti which also includes pushpa/tulasi/bilva/kumkum/dhanya archana with various names

May the supreme consciousness descend in everybody's mind and free them from animalistic bondages. May the Supreme Vishnu awaken in each and every soul. May all the jeevas attain their true self. Let all get evolved to higher existence. May the transcendental Indra destroy the enemies of enlightenment with his unbreakable Vajra. May the great Saraswati once again flow down and quench the thirst of knowledge. May the great Mitra Varuna lead the way of mankind to divine existen