Shat Tila Ekadashi in February

Shat Tila Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) during the month of ‘Magh’ in the Hindi calendar and in the Gregorian calendar the date falls generally during 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 as ‘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.

Shat Tila Ekadashi 2024 is on February 06 Tuesday

Rituals during Shat Tila Ekadashi

• On the day of Shat Tila Ekadashi there is great significance of taking a bath with water that is mixed with sesame seeds. Devotees also consume ‘til’ on Shat Tila Ekadashi. On this day, devotees must only have spiritual thoughts and do not let greed, lust and anger take over their thoughts.
• Devotees keep a religious fast on Shat Tila Ekadashi and refrain from eating or drinking all day long. If however, you are unable to keep complete fast, partial fasting is also allowed. This is so because affection to Lord is more significant than strict fasting rules. However there are specific foods that all must avoid on the day of ekadashi like grains, rice and pulses.
• Lord Vishnu is the main deity on Shat Tila Ekadashi. The statue of the lord is bathed in Panchamrit, to which sesame seeds should be mixed. Later various offerings are made to please Lord Vishnu.
• On Shat Tila Ekadashi, devotees stay awake all night and chant Lord Vishnu’s name with immense devotion and perseverance. In some places, devotees also organize yagna on this revered day in which sesame seed preparations constitute an important ingredient.

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.