Significance of Tulsi Sewa in Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku

Hindu women perform Tulsi sewa in Bhishma Panchak/Panch bhiku of Kartik month with great devotion and faith to receive blessings.

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of resolute readings at www.onindianpath.com. Lord Vishnu is revered worldwide during the glorious and holy month of Kartik.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Hinduism is a great religion as it caters to the spiritual and religion needs of devotees. As per Puranas, there are months specified to Tridev( Trinity of gods) for worship. Apparently, Kartik mas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Sawan mas is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Do you know Tulsi is an integral part of Vishnu puja in Hinduism? To know more about this holy plant, read my blog on Tulsi.

Date and tithi of Bhishma Panchak /Panch Bhikuin Kartik mas 2024

As per Hindu Panchang, Kartik mas starts form Partipada of Krishna Paksha of Kartik mas and ends on Purnima of Kartik mas.

According to Gregorian calender, it started on 18th October 2024 and will end up on 15th November 2024 ( also known as Dev Diwali). However, Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku Tulsi sewa started from 11th November 2024 and will end up on Kartik Purnima on 15th November 2024.

What is Bhishma panchak/Panch Bhiku ?

Bhishma Panchak, a spiritually charged period in the Hindu calendar, begins from the Ekadashi ( Dev Uthani Ekadashi) of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month and concludes on Kartik Purnima. This five-day ritual of bathing, fasting, and donating is known for its immense spiritual significance and is a beautiful tradition to experience.

Why is it called Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku ?

At the end of the Mahabharata war, when Gangaputra Bhishma was resting on a bed of arrows waiting for the Sun to move north, Lord Krishna went to him with the Pandavas and Yudhishthira prayed to Bhishma Pitamah – ‘O Pitamah, please give us advice on running the kingdom.’ Then Bhishma preached for five days on Rajdharma, Varndharma, Mokshadharma etc. Furthermore, Lord Krishna was pleased after listening to his advice and said – ‘Gangaputra, I am very pleased with the religious advice you have given in the five days from Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadashi to kartik Purnima. That is why the ‘Bhishma Panchak’ fast will start in your memory in these five days. I give the blessing of pure devotion to the devotees who worship Lord Hari and engage in devotional service in these five days.’

After the Pandavas won the war, Bhishma Pitamah experienced peace. However, many texts suggests that Pandava light diyas for these last five days of Kartik mas as Bhishma Panchak.

Significance of Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku

Observing Bhishma Panchak fills us with a sense of spiritual growth and purpose, allowing us to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors who cherished these practices for centuries. Ultimately, Bhishma Panchak offers us a time to renew our faith, cleanse our spirits and give with an open heart.

Although, it celebrates devotion, humility and spiritual alignment, reminding us that true joy lies not in material wealth, but in acts of selfless love and gratitude.

Through various rituals, devotees believe they can attain the blessings of moksha, or salvation. This fast, observed during the last five days of the Kartik month, was initially practiced by sages like Rishi Vasishtha, Bhrigu and sage Garg. King Ambrish also observed this fast, renouncing all his royal pleasures. Furthermore, many places it is called Panch Bhiku because of King Ambrish.

By observing the Bhishma Panchak fast, one gains the benefits of fasting for all four months of Chaturmas.

My family rituals of Bhishma Panchak/Panch bhiku

I have been watching my family always indulging in these five days with a sense of reverence. Especially, my mother and grand mother used to wake up early in the Brahm Muhurat in these five days. Their early mornings would begin with a cool, refreshing bath, symbolizing a new start and purification of body and soul.

Bathing

Although, this simple act of bathing felt transformative, marking the beginning of a day dedicated to inner peace and devotion to Tulsi mata and Shri Hari Vishnu.

Fasting

During Bhishma Panchak, fasting is also an integral part of the practice. As I have grown up and married, I am continuing the rituals of Panch Bhiku like them.

During these five days, we actively abstain from indulgences, reminding ourselves to focus less on the physical and more on the spiritual. Moreover, this fast goes beyond mere ritual; it embodies a commitment to self-discipline, cleansing both body and mind.

Observing this fast, I often feel a deepened sense of gratitude and inner calm. As it is part of a time-honored tradition.

Charity

Bhishma Panchak also calls for acts of charity, a chance to give back. Over the years, I have come to see donations during this period as a way of sharing the blessings we receive with others. Whether it’s offering food, clothing, or other essentials, the act of giving reinforces compassion and humility—qualities that truly reflect the essence of Bhishma Panchak.

Why do Hindu women doTulsi sewa in Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku?

Tulsi, with its cherished medicinal properties, brings comfort and healing, especially during the seasonal shifts of Kartik. By honoring this sacred plant, women lovingly express their gratitude—not just for its health benefits, but also for the gentle reminder it offers to cherish nature and maintain a balanced environment.

Further, Tulsi, revered as a goddess (Tulsi Devi/ Tulsi Mata), represents purity, love and devotion. Women worship her during Kartik mas as an act of deep devotion and spiritual cleansing.
Besides, Women align themselves with Tulsi’s virtues as they seek blessings for a pure heart and a peaceful mind.
In addition to, Tulsi Devi is often associated with a happy and harmonious marriage. Do you know she is worshipped as Pativrata? Pativrata is a Hindi term used for woman who is dedicated to her husband whole heartedly and faithfuly. Likewise, Sita, Draupadi, Mandodhari, Ahiliya and Ansuiya are considered Pativrata women in Hindu texts.
By worshipping Tulsi, married women pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands and for a blessed family life. Unmarried women, on the other hand, pray for a virtuous spouse by paying reverence to Tulsi mata.
Lastly, Kartik marks a month of spiritual awakening and devotion, closely associated with Lord Vishnu. According to belief, he resides within the Tulsi plant. Therefore, by worshipping Tulsi during this time, women seek to please Lord Vishnu, who, in turn, bestows blessings of prosperity, health and spiritual growth.
In southern India, this month is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya.
The Tulsi plant is believed to protect the household from negative energies. Worshipping Tulsi daily, especially in Kartik, is thought to bring peace, prosperity and protection to the family. Lighting a diya (lamps) around Tulsi during Kartik evenings is a common practice to ward off negativity and invite divine blessings.
Infact, tulsi has medicinal, spiritual and cultural significance which represents feminine energy. Whereas, Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe represents divine masculine energy. Amalgamation of these two energies symbolises the balance and harmony of life on the Earth resultign Tulsi Vivah.

Legend of Tulsi marrying Shaligram

Tulsi was a pious woman in her previous birth, named Vrinda. She was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and was married to Jalandhar, a demon. One day, all the demons waged war against the gods and demigods in the heavens, with Jalandhar leading them. Due to Vrinda’s unwavering chastity (pativrata vrat), Jalandhar could not be defeated. Therefore, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhar and approached Vrinda. When he touched her, Vrinda’s chastity was broken, leading to Jalandhar’s defeat and death. In her grief and anger, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu to take the form of a stone (Shaligram).

Kartik Dwadashi (13 November 2024)

Eventually, Lord Vishnu transformed into a black-colored stone, known as Shaligram. According to the Vishnu Purana, the devoted and pious Vrinda received a unique blessing from Lord Vishnu—to become his divine consort in his Shaligram form. Consequently, it’s believed that on the sacred day of Dwadashi during the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, they were united in marriage on Earth, an event cherished by devotees even today.

Consequently, it’s believed that on the sacred day of Dwadashi during the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month, they were united in marriage on Earth, an event cherished by devotees even today.

Rituals on Bhishma Panchak/Panch Bhiku of Kartik for Tulsi sewa

Although, starting from Dev Uthani Ekadashi till Kartik Purnima or Dev Diwali, Hindu women find it pious and spiritually uplifting to do tulsi sewa for five consecutive days.

Ancient Hindu text suggests if a married woman perform Tulsi Sewa for whole Kartik month, she will be lucky to get good luck and opulence in abundance.

Here are the steps of Tulsi Sewa, observed with devotion during Kartik:

Waking Up in Brahma Muhurat: Devotees rise during Brahma Muhurat, the serene time just before dawn, which is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices. This quiet, peaceful period enhances focus and allows for a deep connection with the divine.
Bathing Rituals: After waking up, devotees perform cleansing rituals through a sacred bath, purifying both body and mind. However, it is considered best to have holy ddip in holy river like Ganga and Yamuna.This act of purification is a way to prepare oneself for worship with a pure heart and fresh energy.
Lighting a Diya for Tulsi: Each morning and evening, devotees light a diya (lamp) in front of the Tulsi plant. This small flame represents devotion and reverence, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the removal of negativity, creating a sacred atmosphere around the Tulsi.
Listening to Katha and Religious Hymns (Bhajans): Devotees gather to listen to stories (Katha) like Panch Bhiku, Lapsi tapsi ki kahani, Budia ki Kahani, Illi and ghun ki kahhani, Rai Damodar ki kahani, Sita ki kahani, Sahukar and Ganga Yamuna ki Kahani etc.
Also, they sing devotional songs (bhajans) that praise Mata Tulsi. These hymns and stories serve as a reminder of Tulsi’s sacred role and bring a sense of peace and devotion, fostering a closer bond with the divine.
Aarti and Bhog: At the end, devotees perform aarti of Tulsi mata and offer her bhog prasadam.

Together, these rituals of Tulsi Sewa during Kartik mas and Bhishma Panchak/ Panch Bhiku help devotees cultivate gratitude, devotion and spiritual discipline, filling their hearts with a sense of peace and divine connection.

Conclusion

Thus, Kartik Mas is a time of deep spiritual significance, with Tulsi Sewa playing a central role. Through rituals like waking up early, offering light, and singing hymns, devotees express their devotion and gratitude. Tulsi, a symbol of purity and healing, helps strengthen our connection to the divine and nature, bringing peace and blessings into our lives.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

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