Shattila Ekadashi; is a significant Hindu observance that falls on the 11th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Magha. In 2025, this auspicious day will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25th. This Ekadashi is uniquely associated with sesame seeds (til), which play a crucial role in the rituals performed today.

Why is Sesame So Important on Shattila Ekadashi?

The name Shattila itself holds the key: “Shat” means six, and “Tila” means sesame. It’s believed that using sesame seeds in six specific ways on this day can destroy all sins and lead to salvation. This makes sesame an indispensable part of the Shattila Ekadashi observance.

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Six Essential Rituals Involving Sesame on Shattila Ekadashi

To gain the full benefits of this holy day, devotees should incorporate sesame seeds into their practices in these six ways:

• Til Snanam: Mix sesame seeds in your bathwater. This purification ritual is believed to cleanse both the body and mind.
• Til Ubatan: Apply a paste made of sesame seeds on your body. This acts as an exfoliating scrub with spiritual significance.
• Til Havan: Use sesame seeds in the havan (sacrificial fire). This offering is made to the divine seeking blessings.
• Tarpan with Sesame: Perform tarpan using sesame seeds. This offering is typically made to honour ancestors.
• Include Sesame in Food: Incorporate sesame into your meals. This can be done in various forms, such as using sesame oil in cooking or adding sesame seeds to dishes.
• Donate Sesame: Donate sesame seeds to the needy, as you can. This act of charity is enriching on this day.

Additional Practices

Besides these six core rituals, you can enhance your Shattila Ekadashi observance with these additional practices:

• Offer Arghya to the Sun God by mixing sesame seeds in Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges).
• Offer sesame seeds to Lord Vishnu during worship.
• Offer sesame-infused food as bhog (a sacred food offering to the deity).
• By incorporating these practices into your observance, you can potentially double the benefits of your fast.

The Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi is an opportunity to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees believe that by observing the day with proper rituals and donating sesame seeds to the needy, they can gain relief from misfortune and poverty. Furthermore, by the grace of Lord Vishnu, they can be freed from troubles and ultimately achieve salvation after death.

Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice, and statements mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only. Please use your discretion and consult with religious authorities before following any practices. This information has been compiled from various sources including religious texts, beliefs, and astrologers. The intention is not to promote any superstition.