Bheeshma and Vaikunta Ekadashi

Today is the festival of Mukkoti Ekadashi, also called Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Bheeshma was resting on the bed of arrows for 66 days. The body was full of arrows that were pierced into it. The body was on the bed of arrows but the head was reclining. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva followed by Draupadi went to see their great grandfather. "O grandfather, how is it that you are suffering now?" Arjuna asked. Bheeshma replied, "That has to be so. The body has been gifted to be sacrificed for the country, for service and for truth. What for is the body? The body has to be put to use for good things. Arjuna, all the arrows that you shot at me are in my body but they have not reached my head. Therefore the head is bent downwards. In fact you laid the bed but I have no pillow. Therefore the head is bent. Having done so much, give me a pillow." The heart of Arjuna melted and he asked, "Grandfather, what should I do?" Two arrows were shot in the opposite direction to each other. In between the space of two arrows shot against each other, the head rested. "Not only this. Arjuna, I lost my mother long back. In fact I lost her at the time of my birth. I am the son of Ganga. So I have the name 'Gaangeya'. As I leave my body I want to have Ganga water. Make every attempt so that I merge in my mother." Arjuna being almighty with all his expertise in archery shot an arrow towards the ground. A fountain of water sprung up from there and filled his gullet. "There are many people who will help you but in this world you won't find anyone who will show your mother towards the end of your life. Arjuna you have shown me my mother." Thus Arjuna could have so many titles namely, Arjuna, Phalguna, Parthiva, Kiriti, Sethuvahana, Jaya krishna, Sabyasachi, Dhananjayaha. He gave all these titles to Arjuna. "Because of this mighty deed you made me happy." Saying so, he blessed them with victory and success. In order to get the blessings of elders, we should please them and satisfy them.