lakshmi narayana no-watermark
Shattila ekadashi, Shad Tila Ekadashi, Tilda Ekadasi or Tiladaana Ekadashi is observed on Krishna Paksha Ekadashi in Magh month in traditional North Indian calendar. In 2026, Shattila Ekadashi date is 14 January, Wednesday.
Sat-tila Ekadasi corresponds with the Krishna Paskha Ekadasi of Paush month or Pushya masam as per Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka calendars.
‘Til means the sesame seeds and ‘Shat means six, on the whole offering six types of sesame seeds on Sattila Ekadasi is a highly meritorious activity. All other religious activates or rituals remain same as other Ekadashi vratas. Reciting Vishnu Sahasra nama stotram, worshipping Lord Vishnu would fetch merits to devotees.
Shat Tila Ekadasi and Bhishma Ekadashi are considered as highly auspicious days to worship Lord Vishnu. Both Ekadashi days fall during Magh month as per North Indian Panchangams.
It is to note that Shadtila Ekadashi falls in Thai Masam of Tamil calendar, Makaram Month of Malayalam calendar and Maagh Month of Bengali calendar.
In 2026, Shat Tila Ekadashi falls on Makara Sankranti day.
In 2025, Shat Tila Ekadashi is observed as Shahi Snan in Mahakumbh Mela of Prayag Sangam. Mahakumbh Mela is celebrated once in 12 years.
Shattila Ekadashi (also called Sat‑tila or Tilda Ekadashi) is the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, devoted to Lord Vishnu, with special emphasis on the use and donation of til (sesame seeds) in six ways for punya and removal of poverty.
Basic details
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Falls on the 11th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in Paush/Magha (Jan–Feb).
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Considered highly auspicious for Lord Vishnu’s worship and for annadaan and til‑daan, especially towards the poor and brahmanas.
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The name “Shat‑tila” comes from using til in six forms: snan (bath), bhojan (eating), daan (donation), havan/puja, drinking with water, and lep (paste).
Vrat and puja vidhi
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Sankalp: Take a vow early morning on Ekadashi after bath, worship Lord Vishnu/Narayana with tulsi, flowers, incense, naivedya and chant Vishnu mantras or Vishnu Sahasranama.
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Fasting:
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Observe nirjala, or phalahar (fruits, milk, nuts), avoiding rice, most grains and certain pulses which are considered to increase tamas on Ekadashi.
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Many devotees include sesame in food/drink or even eat only preparations of sesame that day.
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Til‑upayoga (six uses of til): bath with sesame‑mixed water, intake in food, donation of sesame, offering in havan/puja, drinking water mixed with til, and using sesame paste on the body, all regarded as destroyers of sins and scarcity.
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Jagaran & kirtan: Staying awake at night with Vishnu‑nama‑smarana and bhajans is recommended.
Vrat katha (brief)
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A pious but miserly woman did intense fasting and worship of Lord Vishnu but did not donate food or sesame; when the Lord came as a beggar she offered only a lump of clay.
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After death she attained a beautiful but empty house without food or comfort, reflecting her lack of charity; on Lord Vishnu’s instruction she observed Shattila Ekadashi with til‑daan and annadaan, which removed her poverty and suffering.
Phala and spiritual significance
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Said to remove papa related to miserliness in food and charity, bringing prosperity, food abundance, and relief from daridrya and bad luck.
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Observing this vrat with faith is described as giving benefits of many years of charity and helping in progress towards moksha through purification of past karma and cultivation of daya and daana.