Shat Tila Ekadashi

Shat Tila Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) during the month of ‘Magh’ in the Hindi calendar and in the Gregorian calendar, the date falls generally during the month of January. In the northern regions of India, this Ekadashi is celebrated during the Hindu month of ‘Magh’ while in some states it is observed during the ‘Paush’ month of the Hindu calendar. Like the other Ekadashi observances, Shat Tila Ekadashi is also dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu and by observing a fast on this day; devotees can end all their miseries and misfortunes.

Shat Tila Ekadashi is also called ‘Magh Krishna Ekadashi’, ‘Tilda Ekadashi’, or ‘Sattila Ekadashi’ and is derived from the word ‘shat’ implying ‘six’ and ‘til’ meaning ‘sesame seeds’. On this day til or sesame seeds are used in six different ways. Use of ‘til’ is considered to be very auspicious on this day as it provides both, religious merits and spiritual purification. On this day there is a great implication of donating sesame seeds to the poor and hungry. On Shat Tila Ekadashi there is also a custom of offering sesame seeds and water to the forefathers or ancestors. This Ekadashi also has the supremacy to wash away all the evil deeds or sins of a person, committed during one’s lifetime.

Significance of Shat Tila Ekadashi

The greatness of Shat Tila Ekadashi is explained in the ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’ as a conversation between Pulastya Muni and Sage Dalbhya. It is believed that a person observing Shat Tila Ekadashi will be bestowed with infinite wealth and good health. As per the Hindu legends, they will attain salvation and get freedom from the continuous cycle of rebirth. By donating sesame seeds or ‘til’ on Shat Tila Ekadashi, devotees will be liberated from all their sins done knowingly or unknowingly in their present or past life. Furthermore by offering sesame seeds mixed with water one can even provide solace to the dead ancestors.