Shattila Ekadashi 2026
Shattila Ekadashi falls during Krishna Paksha of Magha month. On this day, Sesame seeds (Til) are used in six distinct spiritual ways:
1. Til Snan (Bathing with sesame paste)
2. Til Ubtan (Applying sesame oil/paste on body)
3. Til Homa (Offering sesame into sacred fire)
4. Til Tarpan (Offering water with sesame to ancestors)
5. Til Bhojan (Eating food prepared with sesame)
6. Til Daan (Donating sesame seeds to the needy)
It is believed that donating sesame on Shattila Ekadashi washes away severe sins and ensures a place in Vaikuntha Dham.
The importance of Shattila Ekadashi was narrated by Lord Krishna Himself to sage Dalbhya. In the Hindu tradition, food charity (Anna Daan) and sesame charity (Til Daan) on this sacred tithi destroy poverty, remove planetary afflictions, and bestow immense spiritual merits equivalent to performing Kanyadaan or donating gold.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
In ancient times, a rich woman lived who performed deep austerities and observed fasts regularly. However, she never donated food or gold to poor Brahmins or hungry souls. Lord Vishnu visited her in disguise as a beggar and asked for alms. Instead of giving food, she arrogantly placed a lump of clay in His bowl.
When she left her mortal body and reached heaven, she was given a beautiful palace, but it was completely empty with no food or comfort. Distressed, she prayed to Lord Vishnu, who revealed that without Anna Daan and Til Daan, spiritual wealth is incomplete. He instructed her to observe Shattila Ekadashi with full dedication and donate sesame seeds. By doing so, her palace was filled with abundant divine blessings and nourishment.