📅 What Is Shattila Ekadashi 2026?
Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred Hindu fasting day (Ekadashi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Magha. In 2026, it is observed on 14 January according to the Panchang, with the fast beginning the evening before and concluding during the Ekadashi tithi.
The name “Shattila” comes from:
- Shat = six
- Tila = sesame seeds
This reflects the six sacred uses of sesame prescribed on this day, which are considered essential for attaining full spiritual benefits.
✨ Why 2026’s Celebration Is Particularly Auspicious
1. Shattila Ekadashi coincides with Makar Sankranti
In 2026, Shattila Ekadashi falls on Makar Sankranti, a major harvest and solar festival marking the sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara). This rare conjunction heightens the spiritual potency of the day. It’s considered extremely auspicious for donation, fasting, and worship and is believed to multiply the merit of all acts of dharma performed on this day.
2. Rare Celestial Alignments
Some traditions also note special yogas like Sarvartha Siddhi and Amrit Siddhi occurring around this Ekadashi, believed to amplify the results of prayers, donations, and rituals if performed with devotion.
🛕 Spiritual Significance of Shattila Ekadashi
1. Purification & Liberation
Shattila Ekadashi is primarily about self-purification — of body, mind, actions and speech. The observance is believed to help eradicate past sins and karmic burdens, leading toward peace, prosperity, and even moksha (liberation).
2. devotion to Lord Vishnu
Lord vishnu is the preserver and protector in Hindu belief. Observing this Ekadashi with faith invites His blessings, spiritual elevation and reduces the influence of negative forces.
🌾 The Six Sacred Uses of Sesame (Til)
On Shattila Ekadashi, sesame seeds aren’t just symbolic — they are central to the ritual. Scriptures say sesame is dear to vishnu and has purifying properties. The six traditional uses are:
Til‑Snana (Sesame Bath) – Bathing with water mixed with sesame seeds cleanses body and karma.
Til‑Ubtan (Sesame Paste) – Applying sesame paste on the skin purifies and removes negativity.
Til‑Havan (Sacred fire Offerings) – Offering sesame into the sacrificial fire (havan) pleases the deity.
Til‑Tarpan – Sesame water offered in ancestral rites grants peace to forebears.
Til‑Bhojan (Consumption) – Eating sesame‑based delicacies nourishes body and soul.
Til‑Daan (Donation) – Giving sesame seeds to the needy brings immense merit.
🤲 Significance of Sesame Donation (Til Daan)
The donation of sesame on Shattila Ekadashi is especially powerful spiritually and morally:
- Multiplying Merit: Scriptures describe that donating sesame seeds creates vast spiritual merit, metaphorically proportional to the number of plants that could grow from the seeds — signifying growth of virtue and blessings.
- Charity Is Central: Beyond sesame, giving grains, clothes, water, food, and support to the needy on this day greatly enhances one’s dharmic credit and is considered equal to or greater than many ritualistic sacrifices.
- Removing Poverty & Sins: Donation on this day is believed to help alleviate poverty, clear past karmic debts, and attract prosperity — materially and spiritually.
📿 How Devotees Observe Shattila Ekadashi
Traditional practices include:
- Waking early during Brahma Muhurta, cleansing the body, and bathing with sesame‑mixed water.
- Taking a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast for Lord Vishnu.
- Lighting lamps with sesame oil and offering sesame‑based food to the deity.
- Practicing celibacy, purity, control over speech, and avoiding tamasic foods.
- Breaking the fast (Parana) on the following Dwadashi during the correct muhurat.
🕯 Core Takeaways
✔️ Shattila Ekadashi 2026 is considered highly auspicious because it aligns with Makar Sankranti, amplifying its spiritual impact.
✔️ The festival’s essence is purification of life and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
✔️ Sesame donation (Til Daan) is a key act of hallowed charity, believed to bestow vast merit.
✔️ Observing the six uses of sesame seeds embodies purification, compassion, and communal welfare.
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