Shattila Ekadashi Meaning Significance Vrat Rules and Puja Vidhi Shattila Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually powerful Ekadashi observances in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its deep connection with sesame seeds (til), which symbolize purity, nourishment, and divine blessings. This Ekadashi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month and is widely observed across India with devotion and charity. If you are looking to understand the deep significance of the sacred Hindu festival, this guide from the genuine and most famous astrologer, Pandit Pawan Kaushik, is for you.

Shattila Ekadashi Meaning

The term Shat-Tila literally translates to “six types of sesame usages.” This refers to the six sacred ways in which devotees use sesame seeds—through bath, paste, fire offerings, tarpan, food, and charity. These practices purify the body and mind and strengthen spiritual discipline.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date

Those searching for when Shattila Ekadashi 2026 is can refer to the information given below.
  • This year, Shattila Ekadashi falls on 14 January, 2026.
  • Shattila Ekadashi Parana (Varat breaking muhurat) falls on 15th January, 2026, and the parana timing is from 07:15 am to 09: 21 am (on the same day).
  • The ending of dwadashi on the day of Paran Tithi is at 8: 16 pm on the 15th of January.
  • Ekadshi tithi start timing: 13th of January, 2026 at 03:17 pm.
  • Ekadashi Tithi end timing: 14th of January 2026 at 5:52 pm.
For those planning to observe Shattila Ekadashi 2026, the fast will fall in the Krishna Paksha of Magha as per the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees will observe the fast from sunrise of Ekadashi until the appropriate time for breaking the fast on Dwadashi.

The fast should be broken only after the Shattila Ekadashi parana time, which occurs after sunrise and after the end of Hari Vasara.

Also check out our thoughts on How important is Mohini Ekadashi for Hindus?

Why Is It Called Shattila Ekadashi?

To understand why this Ekadashi is called Shattila Ekadashi, we first need to look at the essence of the vrat and how it originated. Hindu scriptures, especially the Bhavishya Purana, mention that there was once a devoted woman who performed severe fasting and worship, yet she remained unhappy because she never practiced daan (charity). Seeing her condition, Lord Krishna taught her that devotion becomes complete only when it is combined with compassion and giving. He advised her to observe a special Ekadashi where sesame seeds (til) had to be used in several sacred ways to purify past karma.

From this teaching came the concept of using til not just as a ritual item, but as a symbol of self-purification, nourishment, generosity, and spiritual cleansing.

The word “Shat-Tila” itself explains the nature of the fast:
  • Shat means six
  • Tila means sesame seeds
So the vrat requires a devotee to use sesame seeds in six different forms, which are:
  • Bathing with sesame-mixed water
  • Applying sesame paste
  • Offering sesame in havan
  • Offering sesame water to ancestors
  • Eating sesame-based food
  • Donating sesame to the needy
Each of these actions purifies a different aspect of life—body, mind, ancestors, environment, karma, and community.

Over time, this unique combination of six sacred sesame practices became the defining characteristic of the fast.

This is why the Ekadashi was named “Shat-Tila Ekadashi” — the Ekadashi where six forms of til are used to complete the vrat and receive Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

Shattila Ekadashi Significance

Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

The Shattila Ekadashi significance lies in its emphasis on cleansing and charity. This Ekadashi is believed to remove poverty, eliminate negativity, and bring peace and divine blessings into one’s home. It encourages generosity, reminding devotees that devotion becomes truly complete when paired with compassion and giving.

Shattila Ekadashi Importance

The Shattila Ekadashi importance is also connected to the belief that sesame seeds carry purifying properties. Using til in worship is said to please Lord Vishnu, promote spiritual growth, and even offer protection from misfortune. Devotees also believe that this Ekadashi helps gain the blessings of ancestors and remove obstacles caused by past karmas.

Six Sacred Uses of Sesame Seeds

The six traditional til practices associated with this Ekadashi are:
  • Til Snan – Bathing with sesame-infused water
  • Til Ubtan – Applying sesame paste
  • Til Havan – Offering sesame into sacred fire
  • Til Tarpan – Offering sesame water to ancestors
  • Til Bhojan – Eating sesame-based food
  • Til Daan – Donating sesame to the needy
These practices help cleanse the mind, body, and environment, inviting positivity and divine protection.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Rules

The Shattila Ekadashi vrat rules are simple but deeply meaningful. Devotees avoid grains and eat only sattvic food or fruits. Many choose to perform a complete fast, while others follow a partial fast. The day is spent in prayer, chanting, listening to the Ekadashi story, performing til-based rituals, avoiding anger, and practicing charity.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Puja Vidhi 

The Shattila Ekadashi 2026 puja vidhi focuses on worshipping Lord Vishnu with devotion and performing the six sacred sesame rituals. Each step of the puja symbolizes purification and attracts divine blessings.

Step by Step Puja Vidhi of Shattila Ekadashi

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

 Early Morning Preparation
  • Wake up before sunrise.
  • Take a bath using sesame-infused water for purification.
  • Wear clean, preferably white or yellow clothes.
 Set Up the Puja Space
  • Clean the altar or worship area.
  • Place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Shri Hari.
  • Light a diya (ghee lamp) and incense sticks.
Offerings to Lord Vishnu
  • Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, sandalwood paste, and fruits.
  • Place a small bowl of sesame seeds (til) as part of the offering.
  • Chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or the Vishnu mantra.
Recitation & Worship
  • Read or listen to the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.
  • Read the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha, which is an essential part of the ritual.
Six Sacred Sesame Rituals (Shat-Tila Practices)
  • Til Snan – Use til-mixed water for bath.
  • Til Ubtan – Apply a paste of sesame seeds.
  • Til Havan – Offer sesame seeds in sacred fire.
  • Til Tarpan – Offer sesame water for ancestors.
  • Til Bhojan – Consume sesame-based food (if on partial fast).
  • Til Daan – Donate sesame seeds, food, clothes, or money.
Aarti & Prayers
  • Perform Vishnu Aarti with devotion.
  • Meditate for a few minutes to absorb divine energy.
Charity (Most Important Part)
  • Donate sesame seeds, food, grains, clothing, or money.
  • Feeding the needy on this day brings special blessings.
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
  • Break the fast only during the proper Ekadashi Dwadashi timing the next morning (after Hari Vasara ends).
  • Traditionally, the first bite should be sattvic and simple.
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Conclusion

Shattila Ekadashi is a beautiful blend of devotion, discipline, and generosity. Whether you observe it for purification, prosperity, or spiritual growth, this Ekadashi offers a powerful opportunity to align yourself with divine energy. By following the rituals with sincerity and an open heart, devotees believe they receive blessings that uplift every area of life — physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

If you want to learn about the important Hindu festivals, their spiritual significances and about the subh muhurat. You can consult one of the best astrologers in India– Pandit Pawan Kaushik. He can guide you on performing which puja and worshipping which particular god and goddess, that align well with your kundli and can positively transform your life. You can enhance cash flow, overcome difficulties, and negative trauma that hinder you in reaching your goal by contacting Pandit Ji. He offers genuine astrological insights based on your kundli and also corrects Vastu that changes people’s lives. Whether it’s business, relationship, education, conceiving issues, numerous individuals contact Pandit Ji for personalized Kundli verification and true guidance, and effective remedies that change life and help in overcoming issues.