Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comShattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi is observed on Magha Krishna Ekadashi, marked by the special tradition of using sesame in six different ways, and is regarded as a vow that teaches the importance of charity.
This Ekadashi falls a few days after Sakat Chauth, and a few days before Vasant Panchami. Check a local panchang for the exact date.
Significance of Shattila Ekadashi
According to legend, an extremely poor but pious Brahmin woman regularly worshipped Lord Vishnu, but had never given food, clothing, or any other item in charity to anyone. Once, Lord Vishnu himself, in the form of a beggar, arrived to test her.
The Brahmin woman, even when giving to the beggar, could only offer a lump of clay, since she truly had nothing else worth giving. Lord Vishnu, pleased by her worship and devotion, but noting her lack of charity, advised her to observe the vow of Shattila Ekadashi along with the six uses of sesame.
The Brahmin woman observed this vow with devotion, and by its merit, she was blessed with wealth and prosperity in her next life. In remembrance of this legend, Shattila Ekadashi is regarded as a vow that teaches the importance of charity alongside devotion.
How Shattila Ekadashi Is Celebrated
This vow has a special tradition of using sesame in six ways, bathing with sesame-mixed water, applying a sesame paste to the body, offering sesame in a havan, drinking sesame-mixed water, giving sesame in charity, and eating sesame-based food.
Devotees bathe in the morning and take the vow, worship Lord Vishnu, hear the legend of Shattila Ekadashi, and give food, clothing, and sesame in charity to the poor, according to their capacity.
The fast is broken the next day, on Dwadashi, within the scripturally prescribed Parana muhurat. This vow especially serves as a reminder that charity, not worship and devotion alone, is an essential part of dharma.
Shattila Ekadashi Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning with sesame-mixed water and take the vow. Worship Lord Vishnu and listen to the legend of Shattila Ekadashi. Offer sesame in a havan, drink sesame-mixed water, and give food, clothing, and sesame in charity to the poor. The next day, on Dwadashi, break the fast.
About Shattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi is the vow observed on Magha Krishna Ekadashi for the six uses of sesame and the teaching of charity's importance. This page covers the vow's significance, the legend of the poor Brahmin woman, and the vidhi for observing it.
The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shattila Ekadashi observed?
This vow is observed every year on Magha Krishna Ekadashi.
What are the six uses of sesame on Shattila Ekadashi?
Bathing with sesame-mixed water, applying sesame paste to the body, offering sesame in a havan, drinking sesame-mixed water, giving sesame in charity, and eating sesame-based food, these are the six uses observed in this vow.
What is the legend of the poor Brahmin woman?
A poor Brahmin woman who worshipped devotedly but never gave charity was tested by Lord Vishnu in the form of a beggar, and advised to observe the vow of Shattila Ekadashi, by which she attained prosperity in her next life.
What is the main teaching of Shattila Ekadashi?
This vow teaches that worship and devotion alone are not enough, giving in charity, according to one's capacity, is also an essential and inseparable part of dharma.