Shattila Ekadashi 2026: Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, And All You Need To Know About This Sacred Day

In Hinduism, Ekadashi fasting is considered one of the most sacred ways to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Among all Ekadashis, Shattila Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Magh month, holds special spiritual importance. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his Vaikuntha form and perform rituals centered around sesame seeds (til), which symbolize purity, charity, and devotion.

The word Shattila comes from the practice of using sesame in six different ways, making this Ekadashi unique and highly auspicious.

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Significance Of Shattila Ekadashi

According to Hindu beliefs, observing Shattila Ekadashi helps devotees attain freedom from past sins and grants lifelong health and prosperity. The vrat emphasizes the importance of daan (charity) along with fasting, reminding devotees that devotion without generosity remains incomplete.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Puja Vidhi

Devotees observing Shattila Ekadashi should begin the day early in the morning by applying til ubtan (sesame paste) on the body, followed by a holy bath. Bathing with water mixed with sesame seeds and Ganga jal is considered highly auspicious. If possible, taking a dip in the Ganga on this day is believed to bring immense spiritual merit.

After bathing, Lord Vishnu should be worshipped with full rituals. Offerings made from sesame seeds, along with Tulsi leaves, are presented to the deity. These offerings should first be given to Brahmins, after which the devotee may consume the prasad. Donating sesame seeds according to one’s capacity is considered extremely beneficial on this day.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Once, sage Narad asked Lord Vishnu about the significance of Shattila Ekadashi. Lord Vishnu narrated a divine story from ancient times.

"There lived a Brahmin woman who regularly observed fasts and penance. She was disciplined and devoted but never offered food or charity to gods or Brahmins. Lord Vishnu realized that although her devotion purified her soul, the absence of charity would affect her spiritual fulfillment.

To teach her an important lesson, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Brahmin and asked her for alms. The woman offered him a lump of clay instead of food. Lord Vishnu accepted it and returned to Vaikuntha.

After some time, the woman passed away and reached heaven. Due to the merit of her devotion, she received a house with a mango tree, but the house lacked food and wealth. Confused, she questioned Lord Vishnu about her condition despite observing many fasts.

Lord Vishnu advised her to learn the importance and rituals of Shattila Ekadashi from divine women and observe it properly. When celestial women arrived at her home, she requested them to narrate the vrat’s significance before opening her door.

After hearing the complete vrat vidhi and observing Shattila Ekadashi with devotion and charity, the woman’s home became filled with wealth and food grains. Lord Vishnu then declared that those who observe this vrat with proper daan attain freedom from sins and enjoy good health across lifetimes."

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]