Shattila Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time & Vrat Katha
Shattila Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha & Significance
Shattila Ekadashi (also known as Tilda Ekadashi) is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. As the name suggests (“Shat” means Six and “Tila” means Sesame), this sacred day is dedicated to using Sesame seeds (Til) in six specific ways to wash away sins and attract prosperity.
In 2026, Shattila Ekadashi falls just before Makar Sankranti, making it a highly auspicious period for Dan-Punya (Donation).
📅 Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Muhurat
- Vrat Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Parana Time (Break Fast): Jan 15, 07:15 AM to 09:20 AM
- Hari Vasara End Time: Jan 15, 08:45 AM
⚠️ Note: Tithi timings and Parana windows may vary slightly based on your location (sunrise time). Please check your local Panchang for precise timings.
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The 6 Ways to Use Til (Sesame) on This Day
According to the Padma Purana, a devotee who uses sesame seeds in these six ways (Shat-Tila) on this Ekadashi is liberated from sins and attains Vaikuntha.
Mix sesame seeds in your bathing water.
Apply sesame paste on the body.
Offer sesame seeds into the sacred fire.
Offer water mixed with sesame to ancestors.
Consume food made of sesame (like Til-Laddu) during Phalahar.
Donate sesame seeds and grains to the needy.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha (Story)
The legend of Shattila Ekadashi was narrated by Sage Narada to Lord Krishna.
Once, there lived a wealthy Brahmin woman. She was deeply devoted and performed many fasts, but she never donated food (Annadaan) to anyone. To teach her a lesson, Lord Krishna visited her disguised as a beggar and asked for alms.
Annoyed, the woman picked up a clay ball and dropped it into the Lord’s begging bowl. The Lord blessed her and left. When the woman died and reached heaven, she was given a beautiful empty palace—but there was no food inside. Distressed, she prayed to the Lord.
Lord Krishna appeared and explained, “You performed severe penance but never donated food. Hence, you have a house but no nourishment.” He advised her to wait for the arrival of Dev-Kanyas and ask them about the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat.
The woman followed the advice, observed the Shattila Ekadashi fast, and donated Til (Sesame) and food. Her storehouse in heaven was instantly filled with grains and wealth. This story teaches us that Daan (Charity) is as important as fasting.
Puja Vidhi for Shattila Ekadashi
- Sankalp: Wake up during Brahma Muhurta, mix sesame in bath water, and take a vow to fast.
- Altar Setup: Place an idol of Lord Vishnu (or Krishna). Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood paste, and Tulsi leaves.
- Naivedya: Offer Til-Gud (Sesame & Jaggery) or Panchamrit to the Lord.
- Jagran: Staying awake at night chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” is highly meritorious.
- Parana: Break the fast the next morning (Dwadashi) after feeding a Brahmin or donating sesame seeds.
Check the complete list of 26 Ekadashis this year in our master guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shattila Ekadashi is on January 14, 2026.
Yes, unlike Nirjala Ekadashi, you can observe a partial fast by consuming water, fruits, and milk products.
Donating Sesame seeds (Til), warm clothes, and food (grains) to the needy is considered highly auspicious.
