Ekadashi Tithi Begins: at 05:24 PM on Feb 05, 2024
Ekadashi Tithi Ends: at 04:07 PM on Feb 06, 2024
Parana Time –07:06 AM to 09:18 AM
Note: “Parana” is the breaking of the fast. Ekadashi Parana is observed on the next day of Ekadashi fast after sunrise within Dwadashi Tithi.
The month of Magha holds special significance in the Hindu calendar, particularly beloved by Lord Shri Hari Vishnu. Observing the Shattila Ekadashi Vrat bestows devotees with wealth, health, and prosperity across lifetimes. Worshiping Lord Vishnu with optimism and compassion brings forth divine blessings. It is believed that observing these fast yields similar merits as performing Kanyadan, offering joy and peace equivalent to donating and sacrificing for a thousand years.
Shatilla Ekadashi Vrat Katha:
The origin of observing this Ekadashi and fasting on this day dates back to ancient times. It is said that Lord Vishnu once appeared in the guise of a beggar and approached a devout Brahmin woman for alms. Despite her regular practice of donating clothes and money, she hesitated to offer him food. Even when the disguised Lord persistently requested alms, she only offered him a bowl made of clay.
After leaving the premises, the woman returned home, only to discover that all the food preparations had inexplicably turned into clay. Realizing her mistake, she fervently prayed to the deity for forgiveness. Legend has it that the Lord then appeared in her dreams and instructed her to observe a fast on Shattila Ekadashi and donate food, particularly sesame seeds, to the needy. Following his guidance, she observed the fast and made the specified donations. As a result, she was blessed by the Lord and granted entry into Vaikuntha Lok after her passing.
Inspired by this Vrat Katha, people observe a fast and donate sesame seeds on the day of Shattila Ekadashi. When breaking their fast on the subsequent Dwadashi day, they consume foods prepared with sesame seeds.
Shattila Ekadashi 2024: Significance of Sesame
Sesame seeds, also known as Tila, hold a sacred place in Hindu rituals, and therefore, Shattila Ekadashi is often referred to as Shat-Tila Ekadashi. Sesame seeds are considered highly auspicious and are commonly used in Havan’s and pujas. On the occasion of Shattila Ekadashi Date or Shat Tila Ekadashi, sesame seeds can be incorporated in various ways to ensure a successful ceremony:
1. Bathing with sesame water.
2. Consuming sesame water.
3. Preparing ubatan (paste) using sesame seeds and applying it.
4. Using sesame seeds in Pooja rituals.
5. Cooking sweets or dishes with sesame seeds.
6. Donating sesame seeds as an act of charity.