Unisex Name · Sanskrit Origin
Bhishma
भीष्म
Quick Answer
Bhishma (भीष्म) is a Sanskrit-origin boy's name meaning "terrible vow." It is associated with Mula nakshatra and Dhanu rashi. The Chaldean numerology value is 3 (Expression).
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning
terrible vow · the awesome one · of terrible oath · the fearsome one
Etymology
Sanskrit "bhishma" — terrible, awesome, one who made a fearsome vow. Devavrata renamed himself Bhishma after his terrible oath of lifelong celibacy.
Vedic Astrology Connection
In Vedic tradition, names starting with specific syllables are prescribed for children born under each nakshatra.Bhishma begins with "Bhi", which corresponds to Mula nakshatra. The ruling planet Ketu influences the personality and life path of Bhishma.
Numerology of Bhishma
Creative, joyful, communicative. Natural entertainers and artists. Optimistic outlook with a gift for self-expression.
Calculated using Chaldean numerology system: each letter of "Bhishma" maps to a number, and the sum is reduced to a single digit (or master number 11/22). This method is rooted in ancient Babylonian numerology and widely used in Vedic practice.
At a Glance
| Name | Bhishma (भीष्म) |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Meaning | terrible vow, the awesome one, of terrible oath, the fearsome one |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Nakshatra | Mula |
| Rashi | Dhanu |
| Numerology | 3 (Expression) |
| Popularity | uncommon |
| Region | North India, Vedic tradition, Mahabharata tradition |
Famous People Named Bhishma
- →Bhishma Pitamah — the grand patriarch of Mahabharata, greatest warrior of his age
Similar Names
Why This Name Fits Mula Nakshatra
In Vedic astrology, the nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of birth determines which syllables are auspicious for the child's name. Mulanakshatra prescribes names starting with "Ye", "Yo", "Bha", "Bhi".Bhishma begins with "Bhi", making it a traditionally appropriate choice for children born under Mula.
The belief is that using the correct starting syllable aligns the child's name with the vibrational energy of their birth nakshatra, creating harmony between the individual and the cosmos. This practice is recorded in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and is still widely followed across India.
Learn more about Mula nakshatra →Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhishma mean?
Bhishma (भीष्म) means "terrible vow, the awesome one, of terrible oath, the fearsome one". It is of Sanskrit origin. Sanskrit "bhishma" — terrible, awesome, one who made a fearsome vow. Devavrata renamed himself Bhishma after his terrible oath of lifelong celibacy....
Which nakshatra is Bhishma for?
Bhishma is traditionally recommended for children born under Mula nakshatra, as it starts with the prescribed syllable "Bhi".
What is the numerology number of Bhishma?
The Chaldean numerology number of Bhishma is 3, which represents Expression: Creative, joyful, communicative. Natural entertainers and artists. Optimistic outlook with a gift for self-expression.
Is Bhishma a popular name in India?
Bhishma is considered a uncommon name, particularly popular in North India, Vedic tradition, Mahabharata tradition.