Shattila Ekadashi

Ekadashi fasts hold special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Among these sacred Ekadashis, Shattila Ekadashi, celebrated on the Ekadashi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Magh, is considered particularly virtuous. This Ekadashi is considered an excellent opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu, to eradicate sins, and to attain salvation.

Shattila Ekadashi derives its name from ‘Shat’, meaning six, and ‘Tila’, meaning sesame seeds. On this day, sesame seeds are used in six ways: bathing, applying lotion, offering fire, donating to food, and water. Sesame seeds are considered a symbol of purity, austerity, and charity.

Mythological Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

According to mythological belief, observing this Ekadashi fast destroys sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. Those who observe Shattila Ekadashi with devotion and regularity are freed from poverty, disease, and suffering. This fast especially liberates those sins that arise from misusing wealth or not donating to charity. Lord Vishnu is deeply pleased with this fast and blesses his devotees with happiness and prosperity.

Importance of Charity and Service

Shattila Ekadashi is not limited to fasting and worship; it is a festival that awakens the spirit of charity and service.
Donating sesame seeds, grains, clothes, food, and money as per one’s capacity on this day brings eternal virtue.

The scriptures state that charity given to the needy yields a hundredfold reward.

Lord Shri Krishna says in Srimad Bhagavad Gita-

‘Yajnadanatapa:karma na tyajyam karyameva tat.
Yagya daanam tapaschaiva pavanani manishinaam.

That is, yagya, charity and penance – these actions are not worth giving up, because they purify man.

The virtue of charity and service on Shattila Ekadashi

On the auspicious occasion of Shattila Ekadashi, become a partaker of the virtue by cooperating in the project of feeding the destitute, helpless and disabled children of Narayan Seva Sansthan.