Bhishma Meets Sage Pulastya at the Ganga
Bhishma, emaciated from vows and study, meditates at the mouth of the Ganga when he sees a figure blazing like fire approaching — the sage Pulastya. He worships him with every prescribed ritual, then falls silent with joined hands, declaring himself the sage's slave.
Narada told Yudhishthira: listen to what Bhishma heard from Pulastya.
In earlier times, Bhishma — supreme among those who uphold dharma — was observing a vow for his father on the banks of the Bhagirathi, living like a hermit. The place was pure and sacred, frequented by the devarshis (divine sages). He was at the mouth of the Ganga, in a region where gods and gandharvas (celestial musicians) gathered. The immensely radiant one made offerings to the ancestors and the gods, and satisfied the rishis in accordance with the prescribed rituals.
After some time, when the immensely famous one was meditating, he saw the supreme rishi Pulastya approaching. The sage's appearance was extraordinary — a terrible ascetic, blazing in fortune. Bhishma was extremely delighted and overcome by wonder.
He worshipped Pulastya in accordance with the prescribed rituals. He purified himself and concentrated his mind. He placed the arghya (water offering) on his head and announced his name to the supreme among brahmarshis (Brahmin sages).
"O fortunate one whose vows are great! I am your slave Bhishma. At the mere sight of you, I have been cleansed of all my sins."
Having said this, Bhishma became silent and controlled his speech. He joined his hands in salutation.
On seeing that Bhishma, best among those of the Kuru lineage, had become emaciated because of the rituals and the studying, the sage was pleased in his mind. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 377