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Shattila Ekadashi: Cleansing, Self- Reflection & Charity - Online Horoscope Consultation to Align Your Life

We nourish our body with healthy food, but what do we do to nourish and purify our soul? If a soul is calm, compassionate and aware, not controlled by ego, jealousy and expectations, it becomes easier to connect ourselves with the supreme power.

"भवसागर में डूबते मनुष्यों के लिये सागर पार करने के ये पाँच ही माध्यम हैं – विष्णु, एकादशी, गीता, तुलसी, और (ब्राह्मण की) गायें।" - गरुड़ पुराण

“For those drowning in the ocean of existence, there are only five means to cross it: Vishnu, Ekadasi, Geeta, Tulsi, and (Brahmin's) cows." - Garuda Purana

Through this article, let's embrace the essence of Shattila Ekadashi, exploring its astrological, cultural and religious significance.

Ekadashi - Meaning

Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day in both the waxing and waning cycles of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu, where followers observe fasts, perform puja, and donate essentials.

According to Vaishnavism, this day holds profound significance in the life of devotees, as Ekadashi is believed to be a day divinely blessed with higher energy to gain spiritual enlightenment, karmic cleansing, protection and prosperity.

 

What is Shattila Ekadashi?

There are generally 24 Ekadashi in a lunar year. Shattila Ekadashi is one of them.

It is celebrated on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, generally involving the use of sesame seeds by six methods or procedures. In 2026, it will commence on 14th January, 2026.

Date according to the Drik Panchang:

Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Source- Drik Panchang

On 15th Jan, Parana Time - 07:10 to 09:24am

On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment - 20:16

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 15:17 on Jan 13, 2026
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 17:52 on Jan 14, 2026

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Deeper Exploration – “Shaṭ + Tila”

There are different ways to observe Ekadashi. Unlike others,  Shattila Ekadashi Vrat involves the use of sesame seeds in six different ways. That's why this vrat is called 'shattila': 'shat' means 'six', and 'tila' means 'sesame seed', that is, six different ways to use sesame seeds.

The use of sesame (til) can be categorised into six different methods:

• Til bath - While bathing, add some sesame seeds to the bathing water.
• Til in water for drinking purpose- Mix a spoonful of sesame seeds in a glass of water.
• Til food -  Make til ladoos, and other til based sweets, include til in your diet for added nourishment.
• Til daan -  Distribute till as a prasad in the form of halwa, laddu, and sweets.
• Til Tarpan - On this auspicious day, havan is performed with the offering of Tila into the sacred fire as a symbol of spiritual renewal. Tila is also mixed with water and offered to the ancestors for karmic cleansing.
• Til paste -  Make a paste of til and apply it on your forehead as an ubtan.
   

Why Tila (sesame) is central on this Ekadashi.

Sesame seeds are connected with Lord Vishnu, known as an ultimate protector and preserver of the universe.

According to Garuda Purana, during the time of intense meditation, sesame seeds were created from Lord Vishnu's sweat, and when the sesame seeds touched the ground, they became sanctified. Hence, it is said Lord Vishnu subtly resides in Tila.

In Hinduism sesame seeds represent cleansing of sin, purification of soul and negative energy cleansing. Til is also considered a sacred grain, most commonly used in every havana and puja ritual.

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Shattila Ekadashi – Vrat Katha, the Sacred Anecdotes Identify your auspicious phases through Vedic astrology reading

Beginning of Ekadashi:

According to the Padma Purana, a powerful demon named Mura was annoying gods, sages and saints; he was so powerful that no one could defeat him.

All the saints and sages then went to Lord Vishnu to seek help.

To save the world, Lord Vishnu had an intense fight with Mura, but even after fighting for a long time, Lord Vishnu could not defeat him.

Tired, Lord Vishnu decided to rest for a while inside a cave (today known as Badrinath Dham).

While Lord Vishnu was resting in the cave, the demon Mura tried to strike him from behind. In that instant, a brilliant divine feminine energy emerged from Lord Vishnu. She let out the sacred roar 'hum' and, with her divine power, vanquished the demon Mura.

Impressed by her divine power, Lord Vishnu named her Ekadashi. Since she appeared on the eleventh day of the lunar month, Lord Vishnu granted her a boon: anyone who observes the Ekadashi vrat with sincere devotion, discipline, and faith will be freed from the sins of past life and will receive the protection of Lord Vishnu as well as Ekadashi mata. Recognising the sacred significance of Ekadashi vrat, many devotees begin observing it with devotion.

Legend of Shattila Ekadashi Vrat:

The folklore about Shattila ekadashi fast comes from ancient times. There lived a Brahmin girl, who was a Vishnu devotee. She had immense faith in Lord Vishnu and observed all the Ekadashi fasts. The fast cleansed her body, but she never donated food to anyone.

One day Lord Vishnu went to test her; disguised as a sage, he asked her for food. But she denied.

After her death her devotion took her to Vaikuntha where she received many blessings except food. Surprised by this, she asked Lord Vishnu, “Why don't I have anything to eat?”

Lord Vishnu explained to her that her devotion was sincere, however the acts remained incomplete without anna daanam i.e. food donation. Realising her mistake, she asked for one more chance to correct it.

Then Lord Vishnu told her to perform the Shattila Ekadashi fast, offer sesame seeds and food to the poor, and use sesame seeds in six prescribed ways.

She followed Lord Vishnu’s instructions diligently. As a result, she was blessed with prosperity, abundance, and fulfilment.

Importance of Daana

Daana, or charity, is a sacred opportunity to cleanse past-life sins and gain merits in present life.

According to Vedic text, any form of worship is incomplete without charity, food and donation.

Shattila Ekadashi teaches us that wealth only stays with the person who performs the donation and shares food with needy people.

 

Rituals & Observances

On Shattila Ekadashi, devotees follow sacred rituals to express gratitude and gain merits, the rituals include:

• Waking up during Brahma Muhurat, adding sesame seeds to the water, and taking a holy bath.
• Cleansing and purifying the puja place with Ganga jal or clean water. Bathe the idol (abhishekam) of Lord Vishnu with panchamrit and gangajal, while chanting vishnu mantras.
• Spread a yellow cloth over a wooden plank, place the  idol above it, sprinkle gangajal all over the pooja place.
• Take a sankalp fast, perform Shri Vishnu prayer, Shri Vishnu sahasranama, and chant mantras specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees offer Lord Vishnu, the  sixteen ritual services, including betel leaves, Tulsi leaves, sesame seeds, flowers, yellow cloth, fragrance, lamps, incense, etc.
• Offer sweets and laddus made with sesame seeds to Lord Vishnu, and then distribute them as prasad.
• Devotees perform havan, offer sesame seeds along with other ahutis into the sacred fire. Read Ekadashi Vrat Katha, and share it with others to spread divine wisdom.
• Practise meditation through the day, and indulge in spiritual activity for positive energy.

Conclude the fast on the next day, which is during the prana of dwadashi, by eating satvik food.

PS : Avoid eating rice during Parana. Following parana time is mandatory while breaking the fast.

 

Astrological Significance – The Special Narrative

Shattila Ekadashi is considered an auspicious time to cleanse past-life karmic accounts, attract abundance, new opportunities, and the blessings of Lord Vishnu in life.

• A key ritual of this day is Tarpan. It is performed by offering black sesame seeds in water helping ancestors attain peace and release past life burdens. By offering tarpan with devotion, devotees invoke the blessings of their ancestors, fostering harmony, inner peace and enduring prosperity.
• According to Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu is the preserver, responsible for maintaining the cosmic balance.  He embodies the sattva guna, the quality of goodness and harmony, that guides devotees towards their purpose, spiritual growth, and a deeper  connection with  life.
• Black sesame seeds are strongly associated with Lord Shani Dev. From an astrological perspective, the use of black til is considered a powerful remedy for removal of Shani dosha, that include  sade sati, ashtam shani or  dhaiyya.

PS : Using white sesame seeds pleases Goddess Lakshmi and provides prosperity, an ancient remedy for good fortune.

 

Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi

Observing Shattila Ekadashi is believed to offer profound benefits, including:

Karmic cleansing:

Shattila Ekadashi vrat is believed to remove accumulated past-life sins and purify the soul and body.

To attain salvation:

Observing a fast on this day helps break the cycle of rebirth and attain salvation, leading to the abode of Lord Vishnu (Vaikuntha).

For prosperity and abundance:

Observing Ekadashi vrat invites Lord Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi’s blessings, removes hurdles, and attracts abundance.

Detoxification of the body:

Fasting offers physical and mental rest. It helps to cleanse the gut and detoxify the body.

Align with lunar energies for higher consciousness:

The moon is associated with heightened intuition, wisdom, and emotional balance. Performing spiritual practices on Ekadashi helps to build a deeper connection with the supreme energy.

 

Conclusion

Every year, Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. Ekadashi doesn't mean starving the body but directing all our senses towards inner cleansing and purifying the soul through the worship of God.

Shattila Ekadashi is considered one of the most spiritually potent days in Santan Dharma. On Ekadashi, let the blessings of Lord Vishnu flow into your life.

 

Author’s Bio - Your Vedic Expert Ekktaa

This article is curated by Ekktaa, a renowned Vedic astrologer, numerology expert, Vastu consultant, and avid learner of psychology and human behavior.  With more than two  decades of experience, she offers online and offline consultations to the global audience.

Ekktaa integrates  spiritual, Vedic, and philosophical wisdom to support holistic transformation, easing life’s worries and helping one lead a purpose-driven life.

From the Knowledge Bank:

With years of dedication, studies, research and lived spiritual experience, Ekktaa highlights the sacred importance of using sesame seeds in Shattila Ekadashi, helping you connect deeply with vedic wisdom.

Let’s understand - why Til(sesame) holds sacred importance in spiritual traditions

Hindu sacred rituals always have something to offer mankind. Ancient Vedic wisdom acknowledged that the union of body, mind, and soul is the foundation of spiritual enlightenment. This is why sesame seeds were consciously incorporated in the rituals, fasts, and offerings, serving as spiritual symbolism and simultaneously promoting holistic well- being.

Apart from spiritual use, the incorporation of sesame seeds in our diets shows countless benefits in our bodies too. Scientifically, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B, which keeps bones stronger, skin healthier, lowers inflammation, and provides higher energy.

 

FAQs

1) Why is this Ekadashi named Shattila Ekadashi?

On Shattila Ekadashi, til plays a significant role in ritual observances. The word "Shattila" signifies the six sacred ways of using til.   The worship of Lord Vishnu is incomplete without sesame seeds on Shattila Ekadashi.

2) In what forms can I have til (sesame) on this day?

During Shattila Ekadashi sesame seeds are consumed in various forms, including sesame laddu, til sweets, til thepla, til chikki, and sprinkling sesame seeds in kheer, milk, salads, yoghurt and water.

3) What are the easy mantras that I can chant on this day to please Lord Vishnu?

On Shattila Ekadashi, you can please Lord Vishnu by chanting the most powerful and effective mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, such as

|| Om Namo Narayana ||

|| Om Na Bhagavate Vasudevaya ||

4) Which graha, or planet, in astrology is closely connected to Shattila Ekadashi?

Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated in the Magha Maas, when we pay reverence to our ancestors through Tila homa. Pitru doshas, or doshas related to Shani graha, are pacified to reduce karmic burdens.

5) Can I get in touch with Ekktaa for astrology and numerology guidance at Ekohumm?

At Ekohumm, Ekktaa  provides expert guidance on astrology and numerology to help you understand the favorable periods for career success, relationships, and other important events in life. Creating a holistic view of your strength, personality, and challenges to make informed decisions in life.