Bhisma, also known as Bhishma or Devavrata, is one of the most celebrated and revered characters in Indian mythology. He is known for his unwavering devotion to his father’s word and his unparalleled martial prowess. Despite being a central figure in the epic Mahabharata, there are many unknown facts about Bhisma that are not widely known. In this article, we will explore 12 unknown facts about Bhisma that shed light on his life and legacy.
Bhisma Was Born as Devavrata
Bhisma was born as Devavrata, the son of King Shantanu and Ganga. He was known for his exceptional wisdom and was well-versed in the scriptures from a young age.
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Bhisma Took a Vow of Celibacy
After his father fell in love with a woman named Satyavati, Devavrata made a vow of celibacy, promising never to marry or father children. This was done to ensure that Satyavati’s children would inherit the throne.
Bhisma Had Exceptional Fighting Skills
Bhisma was known for his exceptional fighting skills and was regarded as one of the greatest warriors of his time. He had unparalleled mastery over weapons and was known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield.
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Bhisma Was a Devotee of Lord Vishnu
Bhisma was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and had unwavering faith in his teachings. He would often recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, a hymn in praise of Lord Vishnu, and considered it to be one of the most powerful prayers.
Bhisma Was a Great Statesman
Bhisma was not only a great warrior but also a wise statesman. He was known for his impeccable integrity and was respected by all for his wisdom and diplomacy.
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Bhisma Was an Expert in Politics
Bhisma was an expert in politics and was one of the chief advisors to the kings of Hastinapura. He was known for his astute understanding of the political landscape and was often called upon to mediate disputes and settle conflicts.
Bhisma Was a Just Ruler
Bhisma was a just ruler and was known for his fair and impartial judgments. He was respected by his subjects for his sense of justice and was often called upon to settle disputes.
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Bhisma Was a Master of Martial Arts
In addition to his exceptional fighting skills, Bhisma was also a master of martial arts. He was well-versed in various forms of combat, including wrestling, sword fighting, archery, and mace fighting.
Bhisma Was a Great Teacher
Bhisma was a great teacher and was known for his ability to impart knowledge to his students. He taught many of the great warriors of his time, including Karna, Drona, and Arjuna.
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Bhisma Had a Complex Relationship with Women
Although Bhisma was known for his unwavering devotion to his vow of celibacy, he had a complex relationship with women. He was deeply in love with Amba, but she rejected him, and this led to a lifelong enmity between them. Bhisma also abducted Amba’s sisters, Ambika and Ambalika, which led to the birth of the Kuru dynasty.
Bhisma Was Cursed to Die
During the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhisma was cursed to die by a young warrior named Shikhandi. This was because Bhisma had refused to fight against a warrior who was born a woman and then became a man through divine intervention. This curse prevented Bhisma from dying until he chose to leave his mortal body.
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Bhisma Was Immortal
Bhisma was granted the boon of choosing the time of his death by his father, Lord Shiva. This made him virtually immortal, and he could only die when he chose to do so. He lay on a bed of arrows for many days, waiting for the auspicious moment to leave his body and attain salvation.
In conclusion, Bhisma is an iconic figure in Indian mythology, and his life is filled with fascinating details and intriguing mysteries. He was a warrior, a statesman, a teacher, and a just ruler who was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. Despite his complex relationship with women, Bhisma was respected and revered by all for his unwavering commitment to his vow of celibacy and his sense of justice. His exceptional fighting skills and mastery over martial arts make him one of the greatest warriors of all time. Although he was cursed to die, his boon of choosing the time of his death made him virtually immortal, and he continues to be celebrated and revered to this day.
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