Bhishma Panchak 2025: 5 Sacred Days of Devotion — Dates, Significance & Rituals

Why is Bhishma Panchak 2025 known as five sacred days of devotion? Know its dates, significance, and Vedic rituals.

Bhishma Panchak 2025 comprises five days considered as divine by people for performing austerity, worship, and devotional activities during the last five days of the holy month of Kartik. Rooted deeply in Sanatangyan tradition and guided by the shastras, these days honor Bhishma Pitamah — the great warrior and devotee from the Mahabharata. Fasting, bathing, and worshiping Lord Vishnu are practices done to attain moksha and divine blessings, especially during the time from Dev Uthani Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima. 

Bhishma Panchak 2025: Start and End Dates

Bhishma Panchak period, as per the Hindu Panchang, commences on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, which is popularly celebrated as Dev Uthani Ekadashi, and concludes on the full moon day, Kartik Purnima.

• Start Date: Saturday, 1st November 2025

• End Date: Wednesday, 5th November 2025

During these five days, Bhishma Pitamah, the noble son of Ganga Maiya, is remembered for meditating on Lord Krishna while resting on a bed of arrows, waiting to attain moksha.

The Sanatangyan Significance of Bhishma Panchak

In the epic Mahabharata, Bhishma the Pitamah, noted for his self-control and righteousness, chose to relinquish his body only when the Sun commenced its northward journey. During these five sacred days, from Ekadashi to Purnima, Bhishma went into deep meditation upon Lord Krishna and shared timeless wisdom on Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha with the Pandavas.

Lord Krishna declared these days as “Bhishma Panchak”, marking them as spiritually potent for all Sanatangyan followers. The Padma Purana mentions:

"भीष्मपञ्चकव्रतेन तु मोक्षमार्गं लभेद् नरः।"

"By observing the vow of Bhishma Panchak, a human being attains the path of liberation."

This teaching and practice inspire all devotees on the Sanatangyan path, reflecting, noting, and trying to align with Bhishma's faith, submitting, and surrendering to divine truth. 

Rituals to Follow During Bhishma Panchak

Importantly, shastras state that all five days possess unique offerings meant for Vishnu. It is said that a person is supposed to bathe before dawn to keep both body and mind pure in order to offer prayers to Vishnu.

Day 1 — Dev Uthani Ekadashi:

Offer lotus flowers to Lord Vishnu as a symbol of purity and divine awakening. Then begins the five-day fast.

Day 2 — Tulsi Vivah:

Offer Bilva leaves on the thigh of Lord Lakshminarayan, which symbolizes humility and surrender. Celebrate the holy union of Tulsi Devi and Lord Vishnu.

Day 3 — Vishweshwara Vrat:

Apply fragrance or perfume on the navel of Lord Vishnu, signifying spiritual refinement and detachment from material desires.

Day 4 — Manikarnika Snan:

Offer the flowers of Hibiscus on the shoulder of Lord Vishnu. The bath at Manikarnika Ghat or any sacred river is believed to purify one's sins.

Day 5 — Kartik Purnima:

Offer Malti flowers on the head of Lord Vishnu. Doing so, it is said, brings about the end of Bhishma Panchak and accrues the combined merit of bathing in all holy rivers.

As described in the Skanda Purana:

"पञ्चरात्रं तु यः कुर्याद् भक्त्या विष्णोर्यथाविधि।

सर्वतीर्थफलं तस्य लभ्यते नात्र संशयः॥"

“One who devoutly observes these five nights of Lord Vishnu attains the merit of all sacred pilgrimages—without a doubt.”

Spiritual Benefits and Divine Blessings

The shastras state unmistakably that the grace of Lord Vishnu and the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah are showered upon those who observe Bhishma Panchak with devotion. Fasting, charity, and chanting during this period wipe away past karmic debts and ultimately result in moksha, or spiritual salvation. 

Devotees who bathe before sunrise on all five days and perform Vishnu Puja are said to gain the merits of bathing in all tirthas (holy rivers).

As the Skanda Purana beautifully declares:

“पञ्चकं यः समाचरेत् भक्त्या विष्णोः समीपतः।

भवसागरमुत्तीर्णो विष्णुलोके महीयते॥”

“He who observes Bhishma Panchak with devotion crosses the ocean of worldly life and attains Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.”

Bhishma Panchak 2025 reminds each Sanatangyan soul of the power of devotion, discipline, and divine surrender. The observation of these five days with faith and guided by the shastras and wisdom of Bhishma Pitamah brings the devotees closer to the grace of Lord Vishnu and the eternal path of moksha.