Duration
24 hours (sunrise to sunrise)
Fasting Level
jalahar
Month & Paksha
Magha · Krishna
Meaning of the Name
Shattilaidentifies this Ekadashi's traditional name and devotional theme. The observance belongs to Magha month, Krishna Paksha.
Significance
Unique among all Ekadashis, this observance specifically requires the use of sesame seeds in six sacred ways, making it both a fasting and purification ritual.
Vrat Katha (Sacred Story)
In ancient times, the earth was afflicted by severe cold and negative energies during the winter months. Lord Vishnu revealed to Sage Pulastya that sesame seeds have special warming and purifying properties.
The sage was instructed to teach devotees to use sesame in six ways on this Ekadashi: bathing with sesame oil, applying sesame paste, performing havan with sesame, consuming sesame, offering sesame to deities, and donating sesame.
Those who followed this practice found themselves protected from cold, disease, and negative influences. The six uses of sesame became a sacred tradition that purifies body, mind, and environment.
Food Rules
- Bathing with sesame oil (Tilabhyanga)
- Applying sesame paste on body (Tilalepana)
- Performing fire ritual with sesame (Tilahoma)
- Consuming sesame preparations (Tilabhakshana)
- Offering sesame to deities (Tilarghya)
- No grains except sesame preparations
- Avoid legumes and pulses
- No other oils except sesame oil
- Maintain warmth during winter observance
- Use only white sesame seeds
Puja Vidhi
- 1
Step 1
Bathing with sesame oil (Tilabhyanga)
- 2
Step 2
Applying sesame paste on body (Tilalepana)
- 3
Step 3
Performing fire ritual with sesame (Tilahoma)
- 4
Step 4
Consuming sesame preparations (Tilabhakshana)
- 5
Step 5
Offering sesame to deities (Tilarghya)
- 6
Step 6
Donating sesame to Brahmins (Tiladana)
- 7
Step 7
Worship Lord Vishnu with sesame offerings
Smarta and Vaishnava Notes
HinduLab shows Smarta observance first on public calendar cards and displays Vaishnava alternates when the calculation returns a separate date. Follow your family sampradaya or local temple when their calendar differs.
Sacred Mantras
Mantra 1
तिल तिल तिलकं मम
Mantra 2
षडंग तिल मंत्र
Mantra 3
ॐ तिलेभ्यो नमः
Mantra 4
तिल षडुपचार मंत्र
Chanting Guidelines: These mantras should be chanted with devotion and understanding. Begin with 108 repetitions and gradually increase. The best time for chanting is during Brahma Muhurta (before dawn).
Spiritual Benefits
Protection from cold and diseases
Purification of body and environment
Removal of negative energies
Warming of body and spirit
Skin health and vitality
Special merit from six-fold observance
Related Deities
Alternative Names
Sources and tradition
How to read this Ekadashi guide
Traditional Ekadashi observances are described in Vaishnava texts and regional vrat traditions. Practices vary across sampradaya, family lineage, and local temple guidance. This article presents a general Hindu household observance, with Vaishnava notes where applicable.
Padma Purana
Uttara-khanda / Ekadashi Mahatmya / Ṣaṭtilā Ekādaśī, Uttara-khanda ch. 42, vv. 1-54
Supports the Magha Krishna Shattila name, sixfold sesame observances, and the brahmin-woman katha.
Padma Purana, Uttara-khanda Ekadashi Mahatmya
Ekadashi Mahatmya chapters used in type-specific citation notes
Used for named Ekadashi kathas, devotional benefits, and observance context where a type page supplies chapter or verse detail.
Vaishnava and regional vrat traditions
Household, temple, and sampradaya practice
Used for practice framing such as family sampradaya, local temple guidance, and Smarta/Vaishnava distinctions.
HinduLab calculation methodology
Location-aware panchang, tithi, sunrise, and vrat timing rules
Explains how HinduLab combines astronomical calculations, Hindu calendar rules, city, timezone, sunrise, and sunset data.
HinduLab Hindu calendar and vrats source library
Editorial review, regional variation, and health disclaimer policies
Documents the trust policy used for panchang tools, vrat guides, Ekadashi rules, and health cautions.
Tradition notes
The name is often explained through six sesame-related practices; spellings include Shattila, Sattila, and Ṣaṭtilā.
FAQs
When is the next Shattila Ekadashi?
For New Delhi, Delhi, India, the next calculated fasting date is 2027-02-02.
What should I eat on Shattila Ekadashi?
Avoid grains and pulses; choose Nirjala, Jalahar, Phalahari, or Anukalpa according to health and tradition.
Can Smarta and Vaishnava dates differ?
Yes. Local sunrise, tithi rules, Dwadashi availability, and sampradaya rules can create separate observance dates.
When should I do Parana for Shattila Ekadashi?
Parana is done on the next day after sunrise, preferably after Hari Vasara has ended when that timing applies. The comparison table shows the calculated Parana date and window when available.
Scientific Understanding
Modern Perspective
Sesame seeds are naturally warming and rich in nutrients needed during winter. The six-fold use provides comprehensive health benefits during cold season.