Shattila Ekadashi 2024 - Feb 06, (Tuesday)

Shattila Ekadashi also referred to as Sat-tila-Ekadashi or Tilda Ekadashi derives its name from til or sesame seeds. A distinctive fact associated with Shattila Ekadashi is the innovative use of sesame seeds in six different ways. Devotees bathe in water mixed with sesame seeds, rub these seeds on their body, offer the same in havans or religious fires, donate and accept gifts made from sesame seeds, and prepare meals that include sesame seeds.
This aesthetic use of sesame seeds for religious purpose on the day has led to this Ekadashi being named as Shattila or Sat-tila-Ekadashi. Shattila Ekadashi is a significant Hindu festival that is observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon in the month of Magha (January-February). It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered an important day for observing fasting and performing religious rituals.

The name "Shattila" is derived from "Shat" meaning six and "Tila" meaning sesame seeds, and it is believed that donating sesame seeds and other items on this day brings immense blessings. Devotees usually observe a fast and offer sesame seeds, as well as other items, to the gods and perform various pujas (rituals). The festival is known for its spiritual significance and is observed with devotion by many Hindus.

Legend

Once there was a Brahmin woman who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. She used to remain busy whole day worshiping Lord Vishnu. Any beggar or saint who used to visit her would return empty handed as the lady was least interested in giving any alms.

Lord Vishnu decided to test her devotion and visited the woman in disguise of a beggar. The woman was so busy with her Puja preparations that she failed to recognize Lord Vishnu. She simply shrugged away Lord Vishnu by offering him some pebbles and mud in the begging bowl.

On her death, the woman was taken to heaven in a gold and sapphire decked chariot. Despite all her riches in the heaven, the lady did not have anything to eat. She prayed to Lord Vishnu and asked him the reason for keeping her devoid of food.

Lord Vishnu thereafter told her about her deeds and karmas she had performed all through her life. The woman begged for forgiveness for all the mistakes she had committed throughout her life. Lord Vishnu asked her to observe the Shattila Ekadashi with devotion. The woman observed the same with a handful of sesame seeds and was blessed with a good life in all her births thereafter.

The legend associated with Shattila Ekadashi is rooted in Hindu mythology and is linked to the story of King Harishchandra, a righteous and truthful ruler known for his unwavering honesty.

According to the legend, King Harishchandra was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and observed the Ekadashi fasting with great dedication. Despite his kingdom being struck by various misfortunes and facing severe hardships, he maintained his commitment to truth and righteousness.

During one particularly challenging time, the king's fortunes were severely diminished, and he lost his kingdom. He ended up working as a caretaker in a crematorium, where he continued to observe Ekadashi fasting and worship Lord Vishnu. Impressed by his unwavering faith and dedication, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and restored his kingdom, wealth, and honor.

The day of Shattila Ekadashi is thus celebrated to honor King Harishchandra's devotion and to seek Lord Vishnu's blessings. Devotees believe that by observing this day with sincerity, fasting, and charitable acts, they can overcome obstacles and receive divine blessings.

Significance

By celebrating Shattila Ekadashi with full religious devotion, a devotee can seek forgiveness for any kind of sin that they would have committed knowingly or unknowingly in the past. Donating til or sesame seeds is also considered auspicious on this occasion and devotees get liberated from any of their sins.

Any person who observes the festival with devotion is blessed throughout the life and attains Moksha after death. Offering mixture of water and sesame seeds to the dead in the family is considered auspicious on Shattila Ekadashi and provides solace to the divine souls too.

Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated with various traditional practices and rituals, reflecting its importance in Hindu devotional life. Here’s how the festival is typically observed:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast on Shattila Ekadashi. This often means abstaining from all food and sometimes even water. The fast is maintained from sunrise to sunset, and some devotees choose to break the fast only the following morning after performing rituals.

2. Prayers and Pujas: Devotees engage in special prayers and worship Lord Vishnu on this day. Many visit temples to offer their prayers and perform pujas (ritualistic worship) dedicated to the deity. Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Vishnu) or other hymns dedicated to Vishnu is common.

3. Charity and Donations: Acts of charity are central to the celebration. Devotees make offerings of sesame seeds (til), grains, clothes, and money to temples, priests, and the needy. Donating sesame seeds is believed to bring divine blessings and help in overcoming past sins.

4. Rituals and Offerings: In addition to fasting and prayers, devotees may prepare special meals with sesame seeds, which are offered to Lord Vishnu. The rituals can vary based on regional customs and traditions.

5. Listening to Legends and Stories: Many devotees listen to or recite the legend of King Harishchandra and other sacred texts associated with the festival. These stories serve as moral and spiritual lessons, reinforcing the significance of devotion and righteousness.

6. Community Gatherings: In some regions, community gatherings and fairs are organized, where people come together to celebrate the festival with communal prayers, cultural performances, and feasts.

Devotees of Lord Vishnu start making preparations in advance for the occasion. On the morning of Shattila Ekadashi, it is considered auspicious to bathe in paste of til mixed in water. While bathing, the devotee needs to have religious thoughts in mind and should not let anger, lust or greed overtake their thoughts.
The fast or vrat should be observed with full religious devotion and the devotees need to be awake all night-long chanting Lord Vishnu s name with devotion. Preparations made from cow dung, sesame seed and cotton wool should be offered in the Yagna organized to mark the celebrations.

This will bring peace and prosperity in the life of the devotee and ensure that they attain Moksha on their death.

इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें