Shattila Ekadashi

Shattila (Ṣaṭtilā) is the ekadashi of krishna paksha in the eleventh lunar month, Magha (January-February). The name comes from the Sanskrit "ṣaṭ-tilā" — "six sesames," or "sesame in six ways." Tradition connects it with sesame (tila), which on this day is given, eaten, and offered in six ways.

Place in the system

Ekadashi is the eleventh tithi of the lunar month. Shattila falls eleventh in the dark half of Magha, immediately before Jaya — the ekadashi of shukla paksha in the same month.

"Shat-tila" in the Hindu tradition is the ritual of the six sesames — treating this plant in six different forms in a single day.

Practical meaning

The Shattila fast is favorable for cleansing poverty and sins, for gaining abundance, for offerings to the ancestors. Tradition connects it with the idea that the sesame rites on this day bring abundance and cleanse past sins.

The Shattila background works through sesame. In Hinduism sesame is a plant closely tied to the ancestors and to offerings. Its power on this day is particular.

The Shattila fast is kept as on other ekadashis: without grain or legumes, with fruit, milk, and water. Sesame is not the meal that breaks the fast — it is part of the day's rites themselves: added to the fasting food, given away, offered, and sacrificed.

In Indian folk practice Shattila is a day on which devout Hindus often give sesame to those in need, add it to their food, and offer it to the ancestors.

In daily practice

Shattila is a day for generosity. If you have the means, this is a good day to give — especially sesame or something tied to sesame.

Shattila also suits rites of remembrance: tarpana for the ancestors, a memorial prayer. Sesame is a natural mediator in these rites.

Shattila also suits fasting: fruit, milk, water, light food. The fast here is a sign of giving.

How much this day is yours is refined by Tara Bala. Shattila sets a background of generosity and remembrance, and the personal layer shows how far it matches your circumstances today.