Shattila Ekadashi Vrat 2025: Date, Time, Significance & Celebrations

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat 2025. Shattila Ekadashi is the fasting day to worship Lord Vishnu which comes every year during the Ekadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Magha month of the Hindu Calendar. Shattila Ekadashi is believed to hold immense spiritual significance and carries the power to cleanse the soul and bless an individual with prosperity for a fulfilling life. Sesame seeds are essential during the rituals of this Ekadashi which is why it is referred to as ‘Shattila.’

In 2025, Shattila Ekadashi falls on Saturday, January 25th with the tithi beginning at 12:45 AM and closing at 3:23 AM on January 27. This article is focused on the date, time, rituals, significance, and celebration of Shattila Ekadashi so that you know exactly how to observe this sacred day.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat 2025: Quick Info.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat 2025: Date and Tithi

In 2025, Shattila Ekadashi will be observed on Saturday, January 25. According to the Hindu Panchang, the tithi timings for this day are as follows:

• Start of Ekadashi Tithi: 07:25 PM on Jan 24, 2025
• End of Ekadashi Tithi: 08:31 PM on Jan 25, 2025

Devotees are advised to observe the vrat (fast) during the tithi period to gain maximum spiritual benefits.

Significance & Meaning of Shattila Ekadashi

Why Til is Important

The significance of Shattila Ekadashi relies heavily on sesame seeds, known as til. They represent virtue and are used in multiple forms while performing puja, such as:

• Eating til prasadam.
• Bathing with water infused with sesame seeds.
• Donating sesame seeds.

These acts play an important role in transforming one’s negative deeds and improving one spiritually and physically.

Shattila’s Connection to Vishnu

As a devotee, Shattila Ekadashi is observed for Lord Vishnu’s blessings. India’s triad of gods considers Lord Vishnu the preserver and protector. Undertaking this vrata is said to bless you with a decent life, free of challenges such as poverty and conflict.

Selflessness

On Shattila Ekadashi, one is expected to give to the poor and those unable to return to a state where they are capable of taking care of themselves. This is an act of charity and devoid of selfish motives, which every individual should practice.

Rituals of Shattila Ekadashi

1. Observing the Fast

Fasting on Shattila Ekadashi involves refraining from grains, pulses, and certain vegetables. Devotees opt for fruits, milk, and til-based dishes like:

• Til ladoos
• Til kheer
• Til poli

Some devotees observe a strict fast (nirjala vrat), abstaining even from water, while others follow a partial fast (phalahar vrat).

2. Morning Rituals

The day begins with a bath in water infused with sesame seeds, believed to purify the body and soul. After the bath, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, chanting mantras like the Vishnu Sahasranama and singing devotional songs.

3. Puja and Offerings

Devotees worship Lord Vishnu by decorating his idol with flowers and til. They light diyas (lamps) and incense sticks and offer prasad made with sesame seeds. The puja is completed by reciting the Ekadashi vrat katha, a story that explains the significance of the day.

4. Charity and Acts of Kindness

Charity is a vital aspect of Shattila Ekadashi. Devotees donate food, clothes, and sesame seeds to the less fortunate. Sharing meals with the poor is considered highly auspicious and enhances the spiritual benefits of observing this vrat.

The Legend of Shattila Ekadashi

Hindu mythology tells us a tale from the Padma Purana that emphasises the importance of Shattila Ekadashi. Once, there was a devout woman who spent her life praying and performing rituals, but was never generous. When she passed away, she found herself in a small hut with no food. Lord Vishnu appeared to her and explained that, while she was a devotee of his, the lack of charity on her part meant she had nothing to survive on.

Having realised her mistake, the woman was given another chance on Earth where she did learn charity. With her newfound selflessness, she observed Shattila Ekadashi and performed charity, subsequently attaining bliss. This story captures the essence of Shattila Ekadashi which is to always balance devotion with serving humanity.

Celebrations of Shattila Ekadashi

While the essence of Shattila Ekadashi lies in fasting and rituals, the celebrations vary across regions:

1. Preparing Til-Based Delicacies

Til-based dishes are a highlight of this day. Families come together to prepare:

• Til laddoos (sesame sweets)
• Til chikki (sesame brittle)
• Til kheer (sweetened milk with sesame)

2. Community Donations

Communities organize donation drives, encouraging individuals to contribute food and clothing to the needy.

3. Temple Visits

Devotees visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, participating in collective prayers and kirtans (devotional songs).

Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi

1. Spiritual Cleansing: Bathing with sesame-infused water and consuming til purifies the body and soul.
2. Removal of Sins: Observing the fast and performing charity helps absolve past sins.
3. Prosperity and Harmony: The blessings of Lord Vishnu bring prosperity, peace, and harmony to the devotee’s life.
4. Enhanced Spiritual Awareness: The rituals and prayers deepen the devotee’s connection to the divine.

Related Read:- Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Complete Travel Guide

Conclusion:

The Shattila Ekadashi is not just a single day of fasting; rather, it is a chance to showcase selflessness, devotion, and expand spiritually. By following the vrat with proper dedication, devotees pray to Lord Vishnu for assistance in attaining a happy, peaceful life. The focus on giving and on the sesame seeds for Shattila Ekadashi further enlightens us about the significance of charity on our life’s spiritual journey.

While getting ready for this holy day, which falls on 25 January 2025, kindly indulge in the rituals wholeheartedly, give to the less fortunate, and feel the blessings that come with this auspicious day.

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