Shattila Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi, known by so many names such as Stilla, Tilda, Shat-Tila Ekadashi, Magh Krishna Ekadashi in Hindu culture, falls on the 11th day in the month of Magha. This year, it is going to be on '18th January 2023.'
This name 'Sat-Tila' Ekadashi has come from 'Til'(sesame seeds) which are considered very auspicious to consume on this day. Also, bathing with water (by sprinkling some til over it), offering Til to the reverend ancestors and sacred fire, donating to the needy, and consuming savories made up of Til on this day is believed to provide rid of all sins.

Shatilla Ekadashi Vrat Katha :
The amazing legend behind the day which serves the important of this holy Ekadashi is: Once, Naarad Muni enquired Lord Vishnu about the sanctification of Shattila Ekadashi. In reply, Lord Vishnu narrated the story of a Brahamani who lived on the Earth a long time ago and used to fast with full consecration and divinity to adore him. She also used to serve the poor with clothes, money, and many other items but not with food. Hence, one day, Lord Vishnu decided to visit her in the form of a mendicant for hand out & asked for food but as expected, she refused. On his insistence, she threw a clay ball in his bowl with anger. After death, when the lady came to Vaikuntha & found an empty hut to live in & no comforts despite all her zeal and perseverance to Lord Vishnu during her human avatar, she asked him about the same. He reminded her of the day when she couldn't treat the Brahman appropriately (which was Lord Vishnu himself). She requested him for the solution. He then suggested to her one of the ways i.e. fasting on Shattila Ekadashi following all the rituals. She followed the fasting norms with complete dedication & regained the fruit of her good Karmas.

Fasting with whole devotion, starting on the Ekadashi dawn, is also considered very auspicious to please Lord Vishnu for getting bestowed with wealth, prosperity, and most importantly, the ultimate Moksha from the recurring cycle of birth & death. Reading 'Vishnu Shahasranama' is also very fruitful on this day.

Here are six different ways one can use Til on Shattila Ekadashi :

• Take a bath y sprinking some Til in bathing water.
• Til paste to be applied on face & hands, and then washed away.
• Offer Black Til to God during Puja.
• Usage of black til while performing havan.
• Consume Til in your diet.
• Donate Til.

May Lord Vishnu bless you & your family with prosperity, good luck, wisdom & wealth on this day. Happy Shattila Ekadashi.