Bhishma Swargarohana Parva or Bhishmarohana Parva is the ninetieth Upa parva included in the thirteenth Maha parva named as Anushasana Parva. Vaishampayana continued narration to Janamejaya in reply to his queries as follows.
What was the date and time decided by Bhishma for his Swargarohana?
माघोऽयं समनुप्राप्तो मासः पुण्यो युधिश्ठिर ।
त्रिभाग शेषः पक्षोऽयं शुक्लो भवितुमर्हति ॥
The date in the lunar calendar, to be prescribed then was, Uttarayana, Magha Masa, Shukla Paksha, Ashtami. Bhishma had not told the time to anybody, but decided his own time for his final journey into heaven.
That day was a pleasant one for all of the people who were silently observing the sunrise as well as the heavenly ascent of the soul of lying Bhishma, then and there.
Which place did Bhishma choose for his Swargarohana?
The battlefield Kurukshetra, where he was lying after the war, Bhishma decided.
How did Yudhishtira make arrangements for the Swargarohana of Bhishma?
Bhishma had been in Yoga Samadhi, waiting for Yudhishtira with his people, on the morning of his Swargarohana day. Yudhishtira had invited a group of priests well versed in various branches of Vedic reciting, various peaceful lines under the guidance of Krishna and Dhaumya. White silky cloths, various perfumery items with sandal wood logs, cow ghee, burning fire in the small ceramic vessels, coins of gold, and silver vessels filled with Ganga water, were collected and brought to the site near Bhishma.
Yudhishtira informed Bhishma that all the articles desired by him were made ready there. Then, Yudhishtira asked Bhishma what to do next. Bhishma, hearing his voice, opened his eyes, smiled and looked at all the people around him. After confirmation of Bhishmarohana, his pyre was arranged.
Why was Bhishma confident that his next life would be in heaven but not in hell?
Bhishma was very confident about his next life in heaven, since he knew yoga.
Who were present before Bhishma when his soul had ascended to heaven?
Krishna, Yudhishtira, with all his four brothers and all the palace people, except Kripa, were present before Bhishma, when his soul had ascended from his head to heaven.
What happened to the weapons stuck in the body of Bhishma then?
Then, some wonders had happened. Bhishma had silently vibrated his own body. The weapons stuck in his body slowly fell to the earth one by one, the blood stains vanished away; the armouring covers had also fallen. He was chanting Narayana, Narayana, Narayana. He was fully healthy and happy. He asked Krishna for his permission to go to heaven, and Krishna agreed to it.
How was the funeral arranged by the palace people there for Bhishma?
The funeral pyre was arranged by Dhaumya as per the ritual systems. The palace people were sad, but they were guided by Dhaumya for their work related to the funeral customs.
They had gone to the Ganga River for a holy bath and for the water oblations. Yudhishtira had returned to the palace with the palace people. Yudhishtira had arranged for the donations to the Vedic Brahmins to get their blessings by making them happy.
Then, Vyasa visited Yudhishtira, but there was silence for a moment due to the sad demise of Bhishma. Krishna and Vyasa desired to advise Yudhishtira on conducting the Ashvamedha yaga. But Yudhishtira could not speak with them. The palace people then thought of the Ashvamedha yaga, and they returned.
Next post, Mahabharat: Ashvamedhika Parva would be more interesting.
Mahabharat: Babruvahana Parva would be presented separately in another article.
What are the benefits of reading this story?
On reading this story, children would gain more memory power, great moral strength in their lives in future; creating a sense of self-reliance, leading to peace and progress.
It is humbly prayed for the blessings of God Krishna upon us.
Readers may share this story with children, friends and family.
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