Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi

Also called: Ṣaṭ-tilā Ekadashi

Shattila combines shat, 'six,' and tila, 'sesame.' The vrata-katha gives sesame a central role in acts such as giving, offering and ritual use. Its moral emphasis is that religious observance should be accompanied by generosity, not only private austerity.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Magha (Purnimanta); Pausha (Amanta)
Observed on
The eleventh tithi of Krishna Paksha
Deities
Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna

The story

In a well-known account, a devout woman performs religious practices but is reluctant to give food or alms. A sage or divine figure teaches her that devotion should include charity; sesame is prescribed as part of the observance. Versions differ in the sequence and characters, but the lesson about generosity and the ritual use of sesame is consistent across popular retellings.

Practices

  • Where customary, sesame may be donated, offered or used in ritual bathing and food. Devotees also worship Vishnu and observe the fast according to their tradition.

Common questions

When is Shattila Ekadashi observed?
Shattila Ekadashi is observed on the Krishna Paksha eleventh tithi (Ekadashi) of Magha (Purnimanta); Pausha (Amanta).

Types of Ekadashi