is Shattila Ekadashi?
Shattila Ekadashi is an extremely holy and important fast celebrated in Sanatan tradition. This fast is observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month. According to the name, 'Shat' means 'six' and 'Til' means 'Sesame Seeds' i.e., sesame. Thus, this Ekadashi is known for the six types of uses of sesame. It is believed that devotees who use sesame in six different ways on this day – such as sesame paste (ubtan), bathing with sesame-mixed water, sesame Havan, donating sesame, consuming sesame, and drinking sesame-mixed water – get liberation from all sins committed knowingly or unknowingly and eventually attain salvation (Moksha).
The Shattila Ekadashi Significance is very high because this date is directly dedicated to Lord Vishnu. By performing the ritualistic worship and fasting for Lord Vishnu on this day, a person attains all the material pleasures of the world and suffering does not remain in their life. Devotees who keep the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat with a true heart and full devotion receive meritorious fruits and their life becomes successful. Following Sattila Ekadashi can bring positivity to your life.
Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time
It is important for every devotee to know Shattila Ekadashi Kab Hai (when is Shattila Ekadashi) this year. In the year 2026, this fast of Shattila Ekadashi 2026 will be observed on the Ekadashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Magha month.
According to the Panchang, the important and accurate information related to Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Tithi is given below. If you want to know the special method of worship according to your zodiac sign, you can also take Muhurat consultation from an expert:
• Ekadashi Vrat Date: 14 January 2026, Wednesday.
• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: It will start from 3:20 PM on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: It will remain until 5:54 PM on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
• Date of Fast: If you want to know Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Mein Kab Hai, for your information, let us tell you that in Sanatan, priority is given to Udaya Tithi; therefore, this fast will be kept on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. This is an important date for Ekadashi January 2026.
• Parana Time: The breaking of the fast (Parana) will be done after sunrise on 15 January 2026. This time is called Parana Time Shattila Ekadashi, and the fast should be broken during this time to complete the ritual. It is also necessary to know why it is important to follow the Ekadashi Paran Time 2026.
Those who want accurate information on Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Time should pay attention to the above-mentioned timings.
Why is this year's Shattila Ekadashi special?
Although the importance of Shattila Ekadashi is the same every year, in 2026 it is falling on Wednesday, 14 January, which in itself is an extremely auspicious yoga. This coincidence is making this Ekadashi even more fruitful in many ways. If you want to perform a special Anushthan according to your zodiac sign, then consulting an experienced astrologer can be extremely beneficial for you.
• Wednesday's Vishnu Yoga: Wednesday is considered dedicated to Lord Vishnu's incarnation Shri Krishna and Mercury, the planet responsible for intelligence. Ekadashi is also Vishnu Ji's favorite fast. When this Ekadashi falls on Wednesday, devotees receive the combined grace of Lord Vishnu and the God of intelligence. Fasting on this day not only destroys sins but also increases knowledge, wisdom, and decision-making ability. Performing a special ritual of Vishnu Sahasranama on this day increases decision-making ability.
• Maha-Samyog of Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan: This date (14 January) is also the great festival of Makar Sankranti, i.e., the Sun's entry into Uttarayan. According to religious beliefs, the fruits of donation, penance, and bathing performed during Uttarayan are infinite. The main rule of Shattila Ekadashi is the use and donation of sesame in six ways. There is also a tradition of donating sesame on the day of Makar Sankranti. The coming together of both these festivals provides devotees a rare opportunity to earn the inexhaustible merit of sesame donation and Ganga bath (or bath with holy water) in a single day, which is considered to ensure the destruction of sins. From an astrological point of view also, this time is very auspicious; just as planetary compatibility is checked through Kundali matching for marriage or auspicious works, similarly the entry of the Sun into Capricorn brings a big positive change in the position of the planets.
• Increased glory due to Adhik Maas: According to the Hindu calendar, there is also an Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas) in the year 2026, due to which there will be a total of 26 Ekadashis throughout the year. In the year in which Adhik Maas falls, the effect of all fasts and festivals increases even more. Thus, this year is not only one with more Ekadashis but also increases the meritorious fruits of each Ekadashi manifold, making this Shattila Ekadashi an extremely powerful date for spiritual progress, the auspicious effect of which can be seen in various areas of your life according to your Rashifal.
Story of Shattila Ekadashi
A detailed description of the Shattila Ekadashi Katha is found in the Padma Purana. This story explains to us the spiritual importance of this fast and the meritorious fruit of donation:
In ancient times, Devarshi Narada Muni asked Lord Vishnu about the fruits and method of the Ekadashi fast. Then Lord Vishnu told him a story in detail:
It is a matter of ancient times; a pious Brahmin woman lived on Earth. She was a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu and observed every Ekadashi fast with devotion throughout the year and performed worship, but she never used to donate food. She was very sad due to the poverty of her house and always desired salvation (Moksha).
When she died, she reached Vaikuntha Dham due to her meritorious deeds, but there she received only an empty hut to live in. She asked Lord Vishnu why she received an empty place even after so much devotion and fasting, despite worshipping Him her entire life.
Lord Vishnu explained, "O Devi! You performed many fasts and worship, but you never donated food; that is why you received this empty place. Now, go and ask the Devis for the method of the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat. When they come to you, ask them for the procedure of the Ekadashi fast, but do not open the door until they explain the procedure."
The Brahmin woman followed the command of the Lord. The Devis told her the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Vidhi. The Brahmin woman observed this Ekadashi fast with devotion and donated six types of sesame. Due to the effect of this fast and the sesame donation, her hut was filled with wealth, grains, and all kinds of pleasures, and she eventually attained salvation. Since then, the importance of the Til Ekadashi Vrat increased, and Shat Tila Ekadashi began to be celebrated to understand the importance of sesame and food donation.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Method
1. Morning Preparation
• Wake up before sunrise and take a bath.
• Bathing with water mixed with some sesame seeds is considered best.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Take a resolution (Sankalp) for the Ekadashi fast and keep your mind calm.
2. Arrangement of Worship Place
• Clean the worship area thoroughly.
• Spread a yellow or white cloth.
• Install the idol of Lord Vishnu facing the East direction.
• Establish a Kalash, fill it with clean water, and add a few sesame seeds to it.
3. Worship Materials
• Sesame (Black/White), rice (Akshat), sandalwood, water, flowers, and Tulsi leaves.
• Incense, lamp, Naivedya, and Panchamrit.
• Donation items: Sesame, jaggery, clothes, food, and ghee or sesame oil for the lamp donation.
4. Worship Sequence of Lord Vishnu
• Light the lamp.
• Offer sandalwood, Akshat, flowers, incense, lamp, and Naivedya.
• Tulsi leaves must be offered.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on the pitcher (Kalash) and offer sandalwood and flowers.
5. Ritualistic Mantra Recitation
Read the following pure mantras with clear pronunciation during worship and offering:
Krishna Krishna Kripalustvamagatinaam Gatirbhava | Samsararnavamagnanaam Praseeda Purushottama ||
Namaste Pundarikaksha Namaste Vishvabhavana | Subrahmanya Namastestu Mahapurusha Purvaja ||
Grihanarghyam Maya Dattam Lakshmya Saha Jagatpate |
6. Special Use of Sesame (Six Forms)
In the scriptures, there is a provision for using sesame in six ways on Shattila Ekadashi:
• Sesame Bath (Snan)
• Abhishek with Sesame
• Consuming Sesame (Bhojan)
• Donation of Sesame (Daan)
• Havan with Sesame
• Worship with Sesame (Puja)
The fast is considered fully fruitful only by using these.
7. Donation of Food and Clothes
• Donation of sesame, jaggery, clothes, food, water pitcher, and lamps are extremely auspicious.
• Donate sesame-based items to a saint, Brahmin, or a needy person.
8. Fasting Rules and Diet
• Maintain purity and restraint throughout the day.
• Consume fruits or take the traditional Ekadashi diet.
• Completely avoid garlic, onion, and Tamasic food.
9. Storytelling
• Listening to or reading the story of Shattila Ekadashi is highly beneficial.
10. Night Worship and Conclusion
• Perform the Aarti of Lord Vishnu again in the evening.
• Pray to God for the family's happiness, prosperity, removal of sins, and overall welfare.
• Break the fast (Parana) on the next day during the Dwadashi Tithi.
Shattila Ekadashi Puja Material
The necessary materials for Shattila Ekadashi Puja should be collected before the Shattila Ekadashi Puja Time. The main materials used in the worship are as follows:
• An idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
• Tulsi leaves (Tulsi Dal).
• Ganga water or pure water.
• Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
• Lamp and oil/ghee.
• Incense sticks (Dhoop/Agarbatti).
• Yellow flowers.
• Sandalwood (Chandan), Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice).
• Yellow cloth.
• Kalawa (sacred red thread).
• Gram pulse (Chana Dal).
• Dishes made from sesame seeds.
By using all these materials, one should methodically perform the Til Ekadashi Puja.
Special Rules of Shattila Ekadashi
It is extremely important to keep certain special rules in mind while observing the fast. These rules are vital during the Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Tithi Timing. If you wish to read the worship method in detail, you can also check out other articles on our blog:
• Importance of Sesame: Using sesame in six ways on this day is considered extremely auspicious. Donating sesame, which is also known as Shattila Ekadashi Me Til Daan, provides the greatest meritorious fruit.
• Abandonment of Grains: The consumption of rice and any kind of grain is completely prohibited on the day of Ekadashi.
• Parana: To break the fast, the timing must strictly follow the Ekadashi Paran Time 2026.
• Behaviour: Do not harbour bad thoughts about anyone; avoid anger and stay away from telling lies.
• Celibacy: One should practice celibacy (Brahmacharya) on the day of the fast.
By following these rules, the full benefits of Sattila Ekadashi 2026 can be attained.
Shattila Ekadashi Mantra Chanting
Chanting the mantras of Lord Vishnu on this day is very beneficial. While performing Shattila Ekadashi Puja, chant these mantras at least 108 times. The chanting should be started during the Til Ekadashi Shubh Samay:
1. Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
2. Recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.
Reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama during Shattila Ekadashi is considered a path to attaining salvation (Moksha).
Shattila Ekadashi (Do’s and Don’ts)
It is important to know Shat Til Ekadashi kaise rakhte hain (how to observe Shat Til Ekadashi), which religious rituals should be performed, and which behaviours should be avoided:
Do’s
• Bathing: Bathe by mixing sesame seeds in water, which is called Shattila Ekadashi Til Snan; this is essential for purification.
• Donation: Donate sesame, food, clothes, and woollen/warm clothes according to your capacity. Often, questions may come to your mind like: what should be donated on Shattila Ekadashi? (Shattila Ekadashi par kya daan karna chahiye?) I would like to clarify here that donating sesame and food is considered most auspicious and meritorious on this day.
• Vigil (Jagran): During the night, perform Sankirtan of Lord Vishnu's name, sing Bhajans, and chant mantras.
• Worship: Offer sesame, Panchamrit, and Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu to methodically complete the Shattila Ekadashi Puja.
Don’ts
• Grains: Consumption of rice, barley, and any other type of grain is strictly prohibited.
• Criticism: Do not engage in the criticism of any person, backbiting, or making false statements (lies).
• Anger: Do not harbour any kind of disorder or anger in the mind; maintain complete mental peace.
• Plucking Tulsi: Plucking Tulsi leaves on the day of Ekadashi is forbidden; pluck the leaves a day in advance for worship.
Astrological Importance of Shattila Ekadashi
In Astrology, Shattila Ekadashi is considered an extremely meritorious date. Planetary defects are pacified by the Shattila Ekadashi Ke Upay (remedies) performed on Shattila Ekadashi 2026.
• Freedom from Sins: By observing this fast, one gets freedom from all sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, and prosperity comes into life.
• Pitra Dosh: Donating sesame seeds gives peace to the ancestors, which reduces the effect of Pitra Dosh. The Importance of Shattila Ekadashi is also significant because it brings positivity to a person's Kundali and secures the blessings of ancestors.
• Impact of Planets: Donating sesame is also helpful in reducing the inauspicious effects of Saturn (Shani) and Rahu. Donating black sesame seeds is specially performed as a Shattila Ekadashi Upay.
By performing ritualistic worship on Sath Tila Ekadashi 2026, positivity enters a person's life and the position of the Moon in their Kundali becomes strong, which provides mental peace.
Religious Importance of Shattila Ekadashi
The Shattila Ekadashi Ka Mahatva is religiously incomparable, and its description is found in many religious scriptures.
• Attainment of Salvation (Moksha): According to beliefs, a person who observes this fast with a true heart finds a place in Vaikuntha Dham after death and attains salvation.
• Wealth and Grains: The home of the person observing this fast never lacks money or food, as this fast also highlights the importance of food donation.
• Health (Arogya): Using sesame seeds keeps the body healthy and protects against many types of diseases. Shattila Ekadashi Benefits include both physical and mental health.
• Grace of Lord Vishnu: By fasting on this day, Lord Vishnu (Shri Krishna) is quickly pleased and fulfils all the wishes of the devotees.
On this day, Shattila Ekadashi Til Daan (sesame donation) is considered a very significant religious deed because sesame is considered a form of Lord Vishnu himself.
What should be eaten on Shattila Ekadashi?
Since grains are forbidden on Ekadashi, only fruit-based (Falahari) food items are consumed during the fast. In the fast of Ekadashi January 2026, you can consume the following things:
• Fruits: Seasonal fruits, milk, curd, and paneer.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots, provided they are prepared in rock salt (Sendha Namak) and pure ghee.
Only Satvik and simple food should be consumed during the fast; the use of oil and spices should be kept limited.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is worshipped on Shattila Ekadashi?
Lord Vishnu (specifically His Shri Krishna form) is primarily worshipped on Shattila Ekadashi. On this day, He is adored by offering Tulsi leaves and sesame seeds. Many devotees also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama during this auspicious time.
2. Why is Shattila Ekadashi celebrated?
This Ekadashi is mainly celebrated for liberation from sins, attainment of salvation (Moksha), and to highlight the importance of donating sesame seeds. It teaches us how essential charity is for attaining both material and spiritual happiness.
3. How to observe Shattila Ekadashi fast?
The Shattila Ekadashi Vrat is observed by using sesame in six different ways, abstaining from grains, and worshipping Lord Vishnu according to the proper rituals. For complete information on Shat Tila Ekadashi kaise rakhte hain, please read the 'Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Method' section provided above carefully.
4. What is the significance of sesame in Shattila Ekadashi?
Sesame is significant because, according to the scriptures, donating sesame on this day is considered equal to the donation of gold. By using sesame in six ways, a person attains Vaikuntha Dham; hence, sesame is the central element of this fast.
5. What should be donated on Shattila Ekadashi?
On this day, donating sesame seeds, food (meals to Brahmins), blankets, and warm clothes is considered most auspicious. The donation of sesame is especially fruitful.
