Shattila Ekadashi, also known as Tilda Ekadashi or Shattila Ekadasi, is observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the Hindu lunar month of Magha. This Ekadashi holds significance for Hindus, particularly those in the northern parts of India.
n Sanskrit, Ekadashi means eleven. According to the Hindu calendar, Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the two lunar cycles of the moon, after a new and full moon. On this auspicious day, the devotees of the Hindu god of preservation, Vishnu, go on a fast, offer prayers and chant mantras of praises.
Shattila Ekadashi is believed to be particularly beneficial for farmers and those involved in agriculture. It is observed during the winter months when agricultural activities are minimal, providing farmers with an opportunity to seek blessings for a fruitful harvest in the upcoming season.
Shattila Ekadashi is observed with fasting and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Devotees abstain from food, especially grains, and engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices. On Shattila Ekadashi, devotees wake up early, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. They visit Vishnu temples and participate in special rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the deity. Some devotees observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and water for the entire day.
The legend associated with Shattila Ekadashi varies regionally. In some traditions, it is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Shattila (another name for Vishnu) to bless devotees with prosperity and agricultural abundance. Other stories recount the importance of observing Ekadashi as a means of spiritual purification and attainment.
Devotees chant prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and Vishnu mantras throughout the day to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama (the thousand names of Vishnu) is considered auspicious on Ekadashi days.
Here’s one such mythological event associated with Shattila Ekadashi:
Legend of King Chitra: According to a popular mythological narrative, there was once a virtuous king named Chitra who ruled over a prosperous kingdom. Despite his wealth and power, King Chitra faced a severe drought that threatened the livelihoods of his people. Desperate to find a solution, the king sought the advice of his royal priest.
Upon consulting with the priest, King Chitra learned about the auspiciousness of Shattila Ekadashi. The priest explained that observing this Ekadashi with sincere devotion could appease the gods and bring rain to the parched land. Inspired by the priest’s words, King Chitra resolved to observe Shattila Ekadashi with utmost sincerity and faith.
On the day of Shattila Ekadashi, King Chitra and his subjects fasted and prayed fervently to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for rain. Impressed by the king’s devotion and the piety of his people, Lord Vishnu appeared before them and granted their prayers. The skies opened up, and bountiful rain poured down upon the kingdom, ending the drought and restoring prosperity to the land.
In gratitude for the divine intervention, King Chitra and his subjects continued to observe Shattila Ekadashi with reverence and devotion every year. The legend of King Chitra serves to highlight the importance of faith, righteousness, and the observance of Ekadashi in Hindu mythology.
While this is one of the mythological events associated with Shattila Ekadashi, variations of the story may exist in different regions and traditions. Nonetheless, the underlying message remains consistent – the significance of devotion and the observance of Ekadashi in invoking divine blessings and ensuring the welfare of the people.
The name Shattila comes from Til or Tila (sesame), which is Shat- Tila Ekadashi. This Shattila Ekadashi is associated with Tila (sesame). Til, as per Sanatan Hindus, is a very sacred seed and is one of the main ingredients used for havan and pooja in various Hindu festivals and rituals. As per traditional rituals, devotees can use tila (sesame seeds) in six ways on Shat Tila Ekadashi to make their vrat and rituals successful.
- Take bath with sesame water (Tila water).
- Use “ubatan” (paste) of sesame seeds.
- Use sesame seeds in pooja.
- Drink sesame water.
- Donate sesame seeds.
- Make sweets and dishes with sesame seeds.
Observing Shattila Ekadashi is believed to bestow blessings for overall well-being, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is also thought to remove sins and purify the mind and body, paving the way for a more virtuous and fulfilling life.
Overall, Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred and auspicious day for Hindus, especially those with a connection to agriculture. It provides an opportunity for devotees to strengthen their faith, seek divine blessings, and reaffirm their commitment to righteous living.