Bhishma’s Instructions and Passing: The Final Lesson of a Noble Grandfather

Bhishma’s Instructions and Passing: The Final Lesson of a Noble Grandfather

From Canto 1: Creation (Adhikarana) — A Gentle Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs

Once Upon a Time…

After the great Mahabharata war, the battlefield was silent, and many heroes had gone to the heavens. But one mighty soul remained—Bhishma Pitamah, the grandfather of the Kauravas and Pandavas, still lying on a bed of arrows.

Bhishma was no ordinary man. He was the son of King Shantanu and the river goddess Ganga. He had taken a powerful vow to protect the throne of Hastinapura and serve as a wise guardian to all the princes. Throughout his long life, Bhishma was known for his truthfulness, courage, and devotion to dharma.

The Bed of Arrows

During the war, Bhishma fought bravely but was finally brought down by Arjuna, his own beloved grandson, with Krishna’s guidance. Even after being struck by hundreds of arrows, Bhishma did not leave his body. Thanks to a boon from his father, he could choose the moment of his passing. He decided to wait for an auspicious time, so he could leave peacefully while remembering the Lord.

As he lay on the bed of arrows, kings, sages, and warriors gathered to honor him. The Pandavas, Krishna, and even the new king, Yudhishthira, came to seek his wisdom.

The Greatest Teacher

Yudhishthira was troubled. He had become king after a terrible war, but his heart was full of questions. How should a king rule justly? How can one live a good and righteous life? Bhishma, even in pain, was happy to guide him.

Bhishma’s voice was soft but strong. He spoke about the duties of a king, the importance of truth, kindness, and forgiveness, and the value of serving others selflessly. He explained how to be fair to everyone—rich or poor, friend or enemy—and how to follow the path of dharma in every situation.

He also shared the secrets of devotion—how loving and remembering God brings peace to the heart. He told the story of his own life, how he always tried to serve his family and the kingdom with honesty, even when it was difficult.

Bhishma’s Last Moments

Bhishma’s heart was full of gratitude as he looked at Krishna, whom he knew was the Supreme Lord. With folded hands and a joyful smile, Bhishma spoke his final words, praising Krishna’s greatness and thanking Him for guiding the Pandavas to victory.

At last, the sun began to move northward—an auspicious sign for departing the world. Bhishma fixed his mind on Lord Krishna, closed his eyes, and left his body peacefully. A shower of flowers rained from the heavens, and the hearts of all present were filled with respect and love.

The Pandavas, Krishna, and the sages performed all the final rites for Bhishma with great devotion, honoring his memory and teachings.

Bhishma’s Legacy

Bhishma’s words lived on in the hearts of the Pandavas and the people of Hastinapura. King Yudhishthira ruled with wisdom and compassion, always remembering the lessons of his noble grandfather.

Moral of the Story

Dear children, the story of Bhishma’s instructions and passing teaches us the importance of living a life of honesty, courage, and devotion. No matter how hard life gets, we should always follow the path of truth and serve others with love. Just like Bhishma, let us fill our lives with good deeds, help others, and remember God in our hearts. Then, our lives will shine like the brightest star.

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Bhishma’s Last Lesson: The Noble Grandfather’s Instructions and Passing from the Mahabharata

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A heartfelt bedtime story of Bhishma’s wise teachings to the Pandavas and his peaceful passing, inspiring courage, devotion, and righteousness.

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