Shat-tila Ekadashi
February 6, Tuesday
Meaning of Shat-tila Ekadashi
The name "Shat-tila" comes from the Sanskrit words: "shat" - six, and "tila" - sesame. Sesame plays a key role on this day, as it is considered a symbol of purification, piety and protection from sins. On this day, believers use sesame in various ways: in food, in rituals and in charity.
Shat-tila Ekadashi has great spiritual significance for devotees as it helps to get rid of negative karma and sins and achieve a pious existence. It is believed that fasting and doing charity on this day brings divine blessings and improves spiritual life.
The Legend of Shat-tila Ekadashi
There is an ancient Hindu legend associated with this festival. Once, the goddess Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) appeared before a woman who was pious but stingy in charity. Despite her constant prayers and spiritual practices, she did not do good deeds. Vishnu decided to teach her a lesson and said that if a person does not share his blessings with others, his spiritual life is incomplete. After this, the woman realized her mistakes, began to distribute food and help the needy, which brought her great blessings.
Rituals and Customs of Shat-tila Ekadashi
Fasting. As with other Ekadashis, fasting plays a central role. Depending on the level of religious discipline, people may abstain from food completely or eat only fruits and water. On the day of Shat-tila Ekadashi, it is especially important to abstain from grains and legumes.
Use of sesame. Devotees use sesame (tila) in six forms, which is reflected in the name of the festival - adding sesame to food, preparing sesame-based dishes, performing ablutions with sesame, which is added to water, offering sesame in sacrificial rites, donating sesame to the needy, using sesame oil in lamps for rituals.
Prayers and pujas. Pujas (religious services) are performed throughout the day, during which devotees address Vishnu with prayers and ask for blessings, purification of the soul and protection from sins.
Charity. Particular importance is given to charity. Believers seek to help those in need by distributing food, clothing, or sesame. This act helps to cleanse karma and bring spiritual merit.
Ablutions. Ablution with the addition of sesame to the water is a symbol of purification. It is believed that such ablution not only cleanses the body, but also promotes spiritual purification from accumulated sins.
Shat-tila Ekadashi in other years
- 2022 January 28, Friday
- 2023 January 18, Wednesday
- 2025 January 25, Saturday