Today is Bhishma Ashatami

Some Facts all should know about this Obedient Son, Great warrior and loving Brother

Being Ganga's son he was called Gangadutta/Gangaputra

Was also known as Devavrata, Shantanav Mahamahima, Gauranga, Shvetaveera & Asta Vasu

He took the vow of celibacy when he was 36 yrs old

He learnt much of his warfare from Bhagwaan Parshuram Brihaspati, Shukracharya & Vasishtha

He sacrificed his Rights & lived his life for happiness of his Step brothers Chitrangada & Vichitravirya

He was the only warrior in the era of Mahabharata who knew the knowledge of Praswapastra (divine weapon of Vasus)

Bhishma killed one million Pandava foot soldiers in the Kurukshetra war

It is said that, during the war of Mahabharata he was 150 yrs old

While He was on bed of arrows for 58 days he taught Pandavas many important lessons

He gave Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhistir

He is considered as one of the 12 Mahajanas(delegated agents) of Bhagwaan Vishnu who have the highest spiritual knowledge-Bhagavata Dharm