“Shattila Ekadashi”, also known as “Sat-Tila Ekadashi”, holds immense significance in the Hindu tradition. It is observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi Tithi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either January or February.
This year, we are celebrating the divine festival of “Shattila Ekadashi” on the 25th January 2025.
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Shattila Ekadashi” in the year ‘25 is as follows:
This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and emphasizes the importance of charity, especially the offering of food to the needy. The unique feature of this Ekadashi is the integral role of sesame seeds (Til), which are used in various spiritual practices to attain blessings and prosperity.
The day underscores the virtue of donating food and helping the less fortunate. According to Hindu Shastras, donating grains, especially on this day, can help cleanse sins and bring spiritual enlightenment. The story of “Shattila Ekadashi” highlights the importance of selflessness and charity. Devotees believe that observing this Ekadashi with full devotion brings abundance, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha).
Additionally, the use of sesame seeds on Shattila Ekadashi is symbolic of purification and spiritual growth. The seeds are not only used for bathing and rituals but are also consumed and offered as a sacred item.
In ancient times, there lived a wealthy woman who was widely known for her generosity. She often donated lavish gifts—gold, silver, and fine clothes—to temples and the needy. However, despite her wealth and acts of charity, she was strangely indifferent to feeding the hungry. She would never offer food to the poor or the starving, believing her contributions of wealth were sufficient to earn divine blessings.
The gods, watching from above, noticed this imbalance. While the woman appeared charitable, her actions lacked the compassion necessary to alleviate the suffering of the hungry. Lord Vishnu decided to intervene to teach her the true essence of selfless giving.
One day, disguised as a humble beggar, Lord Vishnu approached the woman at her doorstep. Clad in tattered clothes and carrying an empty bowl, he extended his hands and said, “Oh kind lady, I have heard of your immense generosity. I am a starving man who has traveled far. Will you bless me with some food to satisfy my hunger?”
The woman frowned, taken aback by his request. She was not accustomed to being asked for food and did not consider it an important offering. Annoyed by his persistence, she decided to teach him a lesson. Instead of food, she picked up a small lump of clay, rolled it into a ball, and mockingly placed it in the beggar’s bowl. “Here is something for your hunger,” she said sarcastically.
The beggar accepted the clay ball with a smile, bowed in gratitude, and walked away.
Days passed, and the woman noticed something strange. Every time she prepared food, it mysteriously transformed into lumps of clay. Her granaries, once overflowing with grains, were now filled with nothing but dust and dirt. She could no longer eat or feed her family. Weak and distraught, she realized that her refusal to share food with the hungry had brought this misfortune upon her.
Desperate for help, the woman prayed fervently to Lord Vishnu, seeking forgiveness for her actions. The compassionate Lord appeared before her in her dreams and said, “You have been generous with wealth but failed to share the most basic necessity of life—food. To cleanse your sins and restore balance, observe the sacred Shattila Ekadashi. On this day, use sesame seeds in your rituals, bathe with them, consume them, and give them away in charity. Most importantly, feed the hungry with love and devotion.”
The woman woke up with newfound resolve. On Shattila Ekadashi, she followed every instruction given by the Lord. She prepared food using sesame seeds and distributed it to the poor with humility and compassion. She donated sesame seeds, bathed with them, and used them in fire sacrifices to purify her home and soul.
Her acts of selflessness pleased Lord Vishnu, and her granaries were miraculously restored. Her wealth multiplied, and her home was filled with abundance and joy once more. More importantly, the experience transformed her heart, and she became a true devotee who practiced charity with sincerity and compassion.
The story of Shattila Ekadashi teaches us that charity goes beyond material wealth. True generosity lies in understanding the needs of others and selflessly helping them, especially by offering cooked food or food grains as it is one of the most important and basic needs for human survival. . Lord Vishnu's guidance emphasizes that acts of kindness, when performed with a pure heart, not only purify the soul but also bring lasting blessings and prosperity.
Thus, Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated as a reminder of the power of selfless giving and the importance of nourishing both the body and spirit of those in need.
Devotees undertake a complete or partial fast, refraining from grains and cereals. The fast is observed with utmost devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Sesame seeds are mixed in water for the pre-dawn bath, believed to cleanse the body and soul of impurities.
Devotees perform a detailed puja dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The altar is adorned with flowers, lamps, and offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, and fruits.
Tulsi leaves and sesame seeds are offered during the puja as they hold great significance on this day.
Sesame seeds are used in the sacred fire as an offering to the gods.
Sesame seeds, along with food, clothes, and other essentials, are distributed to the needy.
Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and other prayers for spiritual upliftment.
Meals made from sesame seeds (such as sesame ladoos, sweets, or curries) are consumed by those not observing a complete fast.
The day emphasizes acts of charity. Food, clothes, money, and sesame seeds are donated to those in need.
Some devotees engage in a Jagaran (staying awake) while singing hymns and meditating on Lord Vishnu.
The fast is concluded, i.e. the “Parana” is done, the next day after offering food to Brahmins or the poor, symbolizing selfless service and devotion.
As per “Drik Panchang”, the “Parana” timings for “Shattila Ekadashi” in the year 2025 are as follows:
These rituals collectively emphasize cleansing, devotion, and generosity, encapsulating the essence of Shattila Ekadashi.
Observing Shattila Ekadashi brings numerous spiritual and material benefits to devotees. It is a sacred practice that purifies the soul, cleanses past sins, and paves the way for spiritual upliftment. Devotees are often blessed with material prosperity, including wealth, abundance, and happiness, while rituals involving sesame seeds promote good health and physical well-being. By observing this Ekadashi with devotion, one can attain liberation (moksha) and freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Additionally, this vrat pleases Lord Vishnu, ensuring his divine grace and blessings upon the devotee.
Shattila Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting but also a spiritual journey towards self-purification and compassion. The rituals and the emphasis on charity highlight the essence of Hindu philosophy—serving humanity is equivalent to serving God. By observing this sacred day with devotion, one can achieve both material and spiritual prosperity, ultimately leading to eternal peace and liberation.
So, this Shattila Ekadashi, immerse yourself in devotion, selflessness, and charity to experience the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu.
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