Shattila Ekadashi: January 14, 2026 Krishna Paksha

 

Shattila Ekadashi: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Krishna Paksha

Shattila Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually significant observances in the Hindu calendar, especially revered by devotees of Lord Vishnu. Falling on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the Hindu month of Magha, this Ekadashi holds profound religious, moral, and karmic importance. The word Shattila is derived from two Sanskrit words—“Shat” meaning six and “Tila” meaning sesame seeds—symbolizing the six sacred uses of sesame seeds prescribed on this holy day.

Ekadashi fasting is believed to purify the body, mind, and soul, and Shattila Ekadashi is particularly associated with the removal of sins, negative karma, and past-life debts. This sacred day encourages charity, self-discipline, devotion, and spiritual awakening.

Spiritual Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

According to Hindu scriptures, Shattila Ekadashi is especially powerful for those seeking liberation from suffering and obstacles in life. It is believed that observing this Ekadashi with sincerity can absolve one of accumulated sins and bring divine blessings from Lord Vishnu. The Padma Purana and other sacred texts emphasize the greatness of this Ekadashi, stating that even a small act of devotion performed on this day yields immense spiritual merit.

The central element of this Ekadashi is til (sesame seeds), which are considered sacred, purifying, and nourishing. Sesame seeds symbolize endurance, protection, and prosperity. Their use in rituals is believed to ward off negative energies and please both deities and ancestors.

Why Sesame Seeds Are Important on Shattila Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi is unique among Ekadashis because it mandates six specific uses of sesame seeds. These six acts are believed to bring spiritual purification and divine grace:

1. Til Snan – Bathing with water mixed with sesame seeds
2. Til Ubtan – Applying sesame paste on the body
3. Til Havan – Offering sesame seeds into sacred fire
4. Til Bhojan – Consuming food prepared with sesame
5. Til Daan – Donating sesame seeds to the needy
6. Til Jal Tarpan – Offering water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors

These six sacred practices symbolize cleansing at physical, mental, and spiritual levels.

Rituals and Observances on Shattila Ekadashi

Devotees wake up early during Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath, preferably using sesame-infused water. After purification, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, often in the form of reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, Ekadashi Vrat Katha, or chanting mantras such as “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

Fasting is a central aspect of Shattila Ekadashi. Depending on one’s capacity, devotees may observe a Nirjala Vrat (without water), Phalahar Vrat (fruits and milk), or a partial fast. The fast is usually broken the next day, Dwadashi, after offering food to Brahmins or the needy.

Charity (daan) holds special importance on this day. Donating sesame seeds, warm clothes, food, and essential items during the cold Magha season is considered highly meritorious.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Legend)

A popular legend associated with Shattila Ekadashi narrates the story of a woman who was devoted to Ekadashi fasting but never offered charity. When she passed away, she was reborn in a state of suffering due to lack of generosity. Lord Vishnu later advised her to observe Shattila Ekadashi properly, including the donation of sesame seeds. Upon doing so, she attained prosperity and spiritual peace.

This story highlights the importance of combining devotion with selfless giving. Worship without compassion is considered incomplete, and Shattila Ekadashi teaches the balance between personal spirituality and social responsibility.

Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi

The observance of Shattila Ekadashi is believed to offer numerous benefits:

• Spiritual purification and forgiveness of sins
• Removal of negative karma and ancestral debts
• Improved mental discipline and inner peace
• Blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity
• Progress toward moksha (liberation)

From a practical perspective, fasting helps detoxify the body, while charity cultivates empathy and humility.

Shattila Ekadashi in the Modern Context

In today’s fast-paced and materialistic world, Shattila Ekadashi serves as a reminder of simple living, mindful consumption, and spiritual balance. The practice of fasting encourages self-control, while the emphasis on donation promotes social harmony.

Even those who cannot perform elaborate rituals can observe this Ekadashi through sincere prayer, minimal fasting, and acts of kindness. The essence of the day lies not in complexity but in purity of intention.

Dos and Don’ts on Shattila Ekadashi

Dos:

• Observe fasting with devotion
• Use sesame seeds in rituals and food
• Donate generously according to capacity
• Chant Vishnu mantras and read scriptures

Don’ts:

• Avoid consumption of grains and pulses
• Refrain from anger, greed, and negative speech
• Avoid harming any living being

Conclusion

Shattila Ekadashi, observed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during Krishna Paksha, is a deeply auspicious occasion that combines devotion, discipline, and generosity. Through the sacred use of sesame seeds, fasting, and charity, devotees cleanse themselves of negativity and align their lives with dharma.

This Ekadashi teaches that true spirituality lies not only in worship but also in compassion and selflessness. By observing Shattila Ekadashi with sincerity, one can invite divine grace, inner transformation, and lasting peace into life.