What is Shattila Ekadashi: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance?

X: @the_news_21

Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the lunar calendar, holds profound significance in Hindu tradition, observed twice a month. Among these sacred observances, Shattila Ekadashi stands out, falling on the eleventh day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Magha. This auspicious day holds deep spiritual importance for devotees, who engage in fasting, worship, and rituals to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu.

The significance of Shattila Ekadashi lies in its association with purification and spiritual upliftment. Devotees undertake fasting on this day to cleanse both the body and mind, seeking forgiveness for past sins and aiming for spiritual enlightenment. Known as Papaharni Vrat, observing this fast is believed to pave the way for liberation from the cycle of birth and death, attaining moksha.

Central to the observance of Shattila Ekadashi is the use of sesame seeds, symbolizing purity and divine blessings. Sesame seeds, considered one of the purest forms of food, are used extensively in rituals and offerings to Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, sesame seeds emerged from Lord Vishnu’s sweat during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), signifying their sacred nature.

Devotees incorporate sesame seeds into various aspects of the observance, including bathing rituals, puja offerings, and preparation of bhog (food offerings). It is customary to bathe with water infused with sesame seeds or apply sesame seed paste before commencing the day’s rituals. Offerings of sweets and other delicacies made with sesame seeds are presented to Lord Vishnu as a gesture of devotion and gratitude.

Additionally, the act of donating sesame seeds holds special significance on Shattila Ekadashi. It is believed that the quantity of sesame seeds donated determines the duration of one’s heavenly abode after death, reinforcing the idea of karma and spiritual merit.

The observance of Shattila Ekadashi is accompanied by a series of rituals and practices, meticulously followed by devotees:

• Fasting: Devotees abstain from food the day before Ekadashi and wake up early on the day of Ekadashi to commence the fast.
• Bathing Rituals: Bathing with sesame seed-infused water or paste is performed as a purification ritual.
• Sankalp: A solemn vow is taken to observe the fast and dedicate the day to worshipping Lord Vishnu.
• Puja and Offerings: Elaborate rituals including lighting lamps, offering incense, and presenting bhog items made with sesame seeds are performed.
• Donation of Sesame Seeds: Devotees donate sesame seeds to the needy as an act of charity and spiritual merit.

The Parana, or breaking of the fast, is observed on the day following Shattila Ekadashi. Devotees conclude their fast during the Parana time, marking the end of the sacred observance.

Shattila Ekadashi serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discipline, purification, and devotion in the quest for spiritual growth and enlightenment. As devotees across the Hindu community observe this auspicious day, they seek blessings for themselves and their loved ones, reaffirming their faith in the divine and the eternal cycle of karma.