Shattila Ekadashi 2026 – Date, Legend, Rituals & Significance

Festival Date

• Gregorian Calendar: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Hindu Calendar: Magha Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (North India) / Paush Krishna Ekadashi (Other regions)

Name & Meaning

• Shattila Ekadashi is also known as:
• Sattila Ekadashi
• Tilda Ekadashi
• Magh Krishna Ekadashi
• Derived from:
• “Shat” = Six
• “Til” = Sesame seeds
• The day emphasizes six sacred uses of sesame seeds: bathing, eating, donating, offering in rituals, preparing food, and ancestral offerings.

Legend of the Clay Offering

• Lord Krishna once appeared as a poor mendicant on Shattila Ekadashi.
• A wealthy woman refused to feed him and instead gave him a ball of clay.
• As a result, all her food turned to clay, and she suffered hunger despite her riches.
• Upon repentance, Krishna revealed the importance of Anna Daanam (feeding the hungry).
• She was advised to observe Shattila Ekadashi and donate sesame seeds.
• Her food was restored, and she kept her doors open for the needy thereafter.

Rituals & Observances

• Fasting:
• Complete or partial fast; avoid grains, rice, pulses
• Some devotees consume sesame seeds as part of the vrat
• Til-based rituals:
• Bathing in water mixed with sesame seeds
• Panchamrit abhishekam of Lord Vishnu with til
• Til offerings in yagna and Pitru Tarpanam (ancestral rites)
• Charity:
• Donating sesame seeds to the poor is considered highly meritorious
• Spiritual Practices:
• Chanting Vishnu’s names, staying awake at night, and maintaining purity of thought

Scriptural Reference

• Mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana
• Dialogue between Pulastya Muni and Sage Dalbhya
• Observing this Ekadashi grants:
• Freedom from sins
• Spiritual purification
• Health, wealth, and Moksha (liberation)