Shattila Ekadashi
Shattila Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Magha (usually January–February). Til (sesame) is used in six ways; grants merit and charity.
At a glance
| Lunar day | Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Magha |
| Usual season | January–February |
| Presiding deity | Vishnu |
| Observed for | Til (sesame) is used in six ways; grants merit and charity. |
The story of Shattila Ekadashi
The Shattila katha, told by Krishna to Narada, concerns a devout but miserly brahmin woman who fasted yet never gave in charity. Vishnu taught her the value of giving, and she learned to use til (sesame) in six ways. 'Shat-tila' means 'six sesame'.
Significance
Sesame is used six ways on this day — bathing with it, applying it as ubtan, offering it in homa, in tarpan to ancestors, in food, and in charity. The Ekadashi is observed for merit, purification and the spirit of giving. As one of the twenty-four Ekadashi of the year, it is a day of the 11th lunar tithi (Ekadashi tithi) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and it recurs each year in the Krishna paksha of Magha.
Til is donated and used in worship and food; Vishnu is worshipped and the fast kept, breaking on Dwadashi.
How the Ekadashi vrat is kept
Across the twenty-four Ekadashi, the core observance is broadly the same. The fast begins after a light, grain-free meal on Dashami (the tenth day) and continues through Ekadashi. Devotees rise early, bathe, and take a sankalpa (vow), then worship Lord Vishnu with tulsi leaves, a lamp, incense and offerings, and spend the day in prayer, japa, reading the Vishnu Sahasranama or the day's katha, and charity. Many keep a night vigil (jagran). The fast is broken — the paran — the next morning on Dwadashi, within the prescribed window and after offering food to Vishnu.
Traditionally grains, rice, lentils and beans are avoided on Ekadashi. Observers choose the intensity that suits them: a full nirjala fast without water; a phalahar fast of fruit, milk and permitted foods; or simply a single grain-free meal. The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women, and children are advised to keep a gentler fast. The spirit of the day — restraint, devotion and giving — matters more than severity.
This page describes the traditional significance and observance of Shattila Ekadashi; it is not a substitute for a pandit's guidance. Confirm the exact date and the fast/paran window with your local panchang.
Common questions
When is Shattila Ekadashi?
Shattila Ekadashi falls on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th lunar day) of the month of Magha, usually in January–February. The Gregorian date shifts each year with the lunar calendar — see the upcoming Ekadashi dates or your local panchang for this year's date.
What is the significance of Shattila Ekadashi?
Sesame is used six ways on this day — bathing with it, applying it as ubtan, offering it in homa, in tarpan to ancestors, in food, and in charity. The Ekadashi is observed for merit, purification and the spirit of giving.
What is the story behind Shattila Ekadashi?
The Shattila katha, told by Krishna to Narada, concerns a devout but miserly brahmin woman who fasted yet never gave in charity. Vishnu taught her the value of giving, and she learned to use til (sesame) in six ways.
What can I eat on Ekadashi?
Grains, rice, lentils and beans are traditionally avoided. Many keep a phalahar fast of fruit, milk, nuts and permitted foods; the strictest keep nirjala (without water). Choose the intensity that suits your health.
Who should not keep a strict Ekadashi fast?
The elderly, the unwell, pregnant women and children are traditionally advised to keep a gentler phalahar fast rather than a waterless one. Devotion and restraint matter more than severity.
When is the paran (breaking the fast)?
The fast is broken on the next morning, Dwadashi, within the prescribed paran window and after offering food to Vishnu. Exact paran timings vary by place — confirm with your local panchang.