Shattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month. The word “Shattila” refers to six religious uses of sesame seeds—bathing with sesame water, applying sesame paste, offering sesame seeds in a sacred fire, performing tarpan, donating sesame seeds, and consuming food prepared with them. Devotees observe this vrat to purify the mind and body, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and receive the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Charity holds special importance on this Ekadashi. Devotees donate sesame seeds, food, warm clothes, blankets, and other essential items to those in need. It is believed that fasting with devotion, worshipping Lord Vishnu, and helping others can reduce negative karma and promote peace, prosperity, spiritual growth, and happiness.
Shattila Ekadashi beautifully combines fasting, worship, self-discipline, and charity. On this auspicious day, devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, wear clean clothes, and take a vow to observe the fast sincerely. Lord Vishnu is worshipped with flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, tulsi leaves, and sesame seeds. Devotees may chant “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”, recite Vishnu Sahasranama, listen to the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha, and spend time in prayer and meditation.
According to religious beliefs, fasting alone is not sufficient unless it is accompanied by kindness and generosity. The vrat teaches that spiritual practices become more meaningful when devotees share their resources with others. Sesame seeds are considered symbols of purity and are used in six different ways during the observance. Donating sesame seeds and food is believed to bring special spiritual merit and help devotees overcome difficulties caused by past actions.
Some devotees observe a complete fast, while others consume fruits, milk, nuts, or permitted vrat foods according to their health and family traditions. Grains, rice, lentils, and tamasic foods are generally avoided. The fast is concluded on Dwadashi after offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and making a charitable donation.
Shattila Ekadashi encourages devotees to remove greed, pride, and selfishness from their hearts. It reminds us that true devotion includes compassion, service, and respect for every living being. By observing this Ekadashi with faith and purity, devotees seek the grace of Lord Vishnu, freedom from negative tendencies, peace within the family, and progress on the path of spiritual liberation. For proper vrat rituals and personalised spiritual guidance, devotees may also seek assistance from Har Ghar Pandit Ji.