Shattila Ekadashi 2026, the first spiritually significant observance for devotees of Lord Vishnu in the year, will coincide with Makar Sankranti, creating a rare and auspicious day for charitable acts. The observance, linked to the use of sesame seeds, is believed to purify the body and invite prosperity when the fast is kept with devotion.
Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time
According to the Hindu Panchang, Shattila Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha.
- Shattila Ekadashi date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Ekadashi tithi begins: 03:17 pm on January 13, 2026
- Ekadashi Tithi ends: 05:52 pm on January 14, 2026
- Parana (fast breaking) Time: January 15, 2026, from 07:15 am to 09:21 am
The Ekadashi tithi prevails during sunrise on January 14, making Wednesday the traditional day for observing the fast.
Significance of Shattila Ekadashi
The name ‘Shattila’ comes from ‘shat’ (six) and ‘tila’ (sesame). Devotees utilize sesame seeds in six ways to gain spiritual benefits and purify the body:
- Til-snan: Mixing sesame seeds in bathing water.
- Til-ubtan: Applying a paste made of sesame seeds on the body.
- Til-havan: Offering sesame seeds into the sacred fire during puja.
- Til-tarpan: Offering water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors.
- Til-bhojan: Consuming food prepared with sesame seeds.
- Til-daan: Donating sesame seeds to the needy.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Rituals and Puja Vidhi
To properly observe the fast, devotees should wake up during Brahma muhurta and bathe using water mixed with sesame seeds. A vow (sankalp) should be taken to observe the fast with full devotion to Lord Vishnu.
A lamp with sesame oil should be lit, and yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, and fruits offered to Lord Vishnu. A special bhog consisting of sesame seeds and jaggery (til-Gud) is offered to the deity. Recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama or the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is also part of the ritual, as is reading or listening to the Shattila Ekadashi vrat katha.
Shattila Ekadashi Fasting Rules
During the fast, devotees should avoid all types of grains (rice, wheat, etc.) and pulses. If a complete fast is not observed, milk, fruits, and nuts (Phalahar) can be consumed. Practitioners should also avoid anger, falsehood, and negative thoughts. Donating clothes, food, and sesame seeds to the poor is considered highly auspicious on this day.
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