What is Shattila Ekadashi?

Shattila Ekadashi is a Hindu fast and festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, observed on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Magha. The name 'Shattila' refers to the six ways sesame seeds are used during this day.

What is the significance of sesame seeds (tila) on this day?

Sesame seeds are central to Shattila Ekadashi. Devotees traditionally use them in six ways: bathing with sesame water, applying sesame paste, consuming sesame, offering sesame in Havana (fire rituals), donating sesame, and giving water mixed with sesame. This is believed to bestow great merit and purify sins.

What are the main rituals observed during Shattila Ekadashi?

Key rituals include observing a full-day fast, offering prayers and puja to Lord Vishnu, performing charity (especially donating sesame seeds, food, and clothes), and performing an all-night vigil (jagarana) while chanting devotional hymns.

What benefits are associated with observing Shattila Ekadashi?

Devotees believe that observing Shattila Ekadashi with devotion purifies one of all sins, grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death, brings prosperity, good health, and ensures a place in Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu's abode.