🗓 Shattila Ekadashi 2026 — Date & Muhurat

Kokila Chokkanathan
📌 Ekadashi Date (Observed): Wednesday, january 14, 2026 — this is when devotees will observe the Shattila Ekadashi fast.

Tithi (Lunar Date) Timings (IST):

  • Ekadashi Tithi Begins: January 13, 2026 at approx. 3:17 PM
  • Ekadashi Tithi Ends: January 14, 2026 at approx. 5:52 PM
    Thus, the fast day corresponds to january 14 (day when Ekadashi tithi prevails at sunrise).
📌 Parana (Breaking the Fast):

  • January 15, 2026 – Approx. 07:15 AM to 09:21 AM IST
    This is the period on Dwadashi (the next lunar day) when breaking the fast is valid.
🕉️ Note: Parana should be done after sunrise and within this window. Avoid breaking the fast during the Hari Vasara (first quarter of Dwadashi)


🌙 What Is Shattila Ekadashi?

Shattila Ekadashi (षटतिला/शततिला एकादशी) is a sacred Ekadashi observance that occurs in Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during the Magha lunar month. It is the first Ekadashi of the year 2026 according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

The name comes from Sanskrit:

  • “Shat” = six
  • “Tila / Til” = sesame seeds
    Together they refer to six sacred uses of sesame connected with this vrata’s practices.

📿 Spiritual Significance

Shattila Ekadashi is deeply devotional and purificatory:

🌺 Dedicated to Lord Vishnu

Devotees fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for spiritual merit, inner peace, and liberation (moksha). Observing Ekadashi with devotion is believed to purify mind, speech, and actions and remove accumulated sins.The

🍃 Purification & Blessings

The vrata is believed to:

  • Cleanse past karmas
  • Bring prosperity and peace throughout the year
  • Set a spiritual tone as the first Ekadashi of the year.
🌼 Sesame Symbolism

Sesame (til) is considered akshaya (indestructible) and symbolically linked with:

  • Ancestral rites (pitru tarpan)
  • Purifying karma
  • Empowering devotional offerings
    Sesame is used in rituals for purification and charity.

🪔 Rituals & Observances

Here are the traditional practices associated with Shattila Ekadashi:

🕉️ Before & During the Fast

✔ Rise early and take a holy bath
✔ Clean the place of worship and set up a vishnu idol or picture
✔ Chant vishnu mantras (like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”)
✔ read or listen to Ekadashi vrat katha (stories about the merit of Ekadashi)
✔ Offer flowers, fruits, and lamps to Lord Vishnu
✔ Practice satvik conduct — free from anger and negativity.

🍽️ Dietary Rules

On Ekadashi, devotees often follow:

  • Complete fasting (no food or water until Parana) OR
  • A partial fast with sattvic food (milk, fruits, non-grain items)
  • Avoid grains, beans, meat, onion, garlic, alcohol
    This is a form of mind-body purification and enhances focus on spiritual practices
🎁 Charity & Sesame Uses

Traditional practices include:

  • Donating sesame seeds (til) and food to the needy
  • Using sesame in worship, offerings, and food
  • Homa (sacred fire) with sesame as an offering
    These acts of generosity amplify spiritual merit.
🪷 Parana (Breaking Fast)

Break the fast on Dwadashi within the prescribed time window after sunrise — this is considered essential for completing the vrat correctly

📜 Mythological Background (Summary)

Traditional Hindu scriptures (like the Padma Purana) narrate stories linking Shattila Ekadashi to virtue, charity, and devotion. One key lesson is that spiritual austerities without compassion or charity remain incomplete, and embracing both leads to true liberation and blessings.

🧘‍♂️ Why Observe Ekadashi?

Ekadashi is one of the most sacred lunar observances in Hinduism. It is believed that sincere fasting and devotion on Ekadashi:

  • Reduces negative karmas
  • Deepens devotion to Lord Vishnu
  • Invites spiritual growth
  • Strengthens discipline and self-control
    Every Ekadashi carries unique spiritual energies; Shattila Ekadashi, as the year’s first, is especially auspicious.
 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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