Shat Tila Ekadashi – Significance, and Rituals
Shat Tila Ekadashi, falling on 25th January 2025, is one of the most significant Ekadashis in the Hindu calendar. It is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Magha. This Ekadashi is named after the word “Shat” meaning six and “Tila” meaning sesame seeds, symbolizing the six ways in which sesame seeds are used during this observance. Devotees fast on this day, cleanse their souls, and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu for a prosperous and virtuous life.
Timings of Shat Tila Ekadashi 2025:
Ekadashi Tithi Begins: 09:01 PM on 24th January 2025 Ekadashi Tithi Ends: 08:14 PM on 25th January 2025 Parana (Breaking of Fast): 07:11 AM to 09:21 AM on 26th January 2025
Significance of Shat Tila Ekadashi
Shat Tila Ekadashi holds immense spiritual importance, as it emphasizes the act of charity and cleansing one’s soul of material and spiritual impurities. Observing this Ekadashi is said to wash away sins and bad karma from past lives. According to the scriptures, offering sesame seeds (Tila) on this day has a purifying effect on the body, mind, and spirit.
It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself advised the significance of this Ekadashi to the sage Narada. He stated that those who observe Shat Tila Ekadashi with devotion would attain Moksha (liberation) and be freed from the cycle of birth and death. This Ekadashi is particularly beneficial for cleansing oneself of pride, anger, and greed.
Stories Behind Shat Tila Ekadashi
There is an intriguing story from ancient scriptures that explains the importance of this Ekadashi.
The Story of the Wealthy Woman and Lord Vishnu
Once, a wealthy woman was very devoted to Lord Vishnu but was overly attached to her wealth. Although she performed rituals and worshiped with devotion, she never offered food, clothes, or charity to anyone in need. One day, Lord Vishnu, disguised as a poor man, visited her home and asked for alms. The woman, unwilling to part with her wealth, gave him a lump of mud instead of food.
Seeing her attachment to material wealth, Lord Vishnu decided to teach her a lesson. After she passed away, she was given a modest but empty house in the celestial realm with no food or provisions. She realized the consequences of her actions and prayed fervently to Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared and explained to her that her lack of generosity had led to her current state.
The woman pleaded for forgiveness and asked for a way to redeem herself. Lord Vishnu, out of compassion, advised her to observe Shat Tila Ekadashi. By observing this fast with devotion and charity, she could attain Moksha and free herself from the consequences of her actions. She followed his advice, fasted, and performed the charitable deeds associated with Shat Tila Ekadashi. Eventually, she was blessed with divine grace and liberation.
This story teaches the importance of selflessness, charity, and devotion, and is a reminder that hoarding wealth without helping others leads to spiritual emptiness.
Rituals of Shat Tila Ekadashi
The rituals performed on Shat Tila Ekadashi focus on using sesame seeds in various forms. There are six prescribed ways in which sesame seeds (Tila) are utilized to purify the body and soul on this day:
Tila Snana (Sesame Bath): Devotees mix sesame seeds in water and take a bath. This act is believed to cleanse the body of impurities and sins.
Tila Bhojan (Consumption of Sesame): Consuming food made with sesame seeds, such as sesame rice, sesame sweets, or even raw sesame seeds, is considered highly auspicious and beneficial for physical and spiritual health.
Tila Daan (Charity of Sesame Seeds): Donating sesame seeds or food made with sesame to the needy is an important part of the Ekadashi rituals. It is believed that giving sesame seeds in charity helps accumulate positive karma.
Tila Deep Daan (Offering Sesame Lamps): Lighting lamps using sesame oil is another important ritual. These lamps are offered to Lord Vishnu as part of the evening prayers to seek his blessings.
Tila Homam (Sesame Fire Ritual): Performing a fire ritual using sesame seeds and chanting mantras is considered highly purifying and helps remove sins from the past.
Tila Pinda Daan (Offering for Ancestors): Devotees also offer sesame seeds to the ancestors as a Pinda Daan, praying for their souls’ peace and salvation.
In addition to these rituals, devotees fast for the entire day, worship Lord Vishnu, recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, and offer prayers to seek his divine blessings. The fast can either be a complete Nirjala (without water) or a Phalahar (consumption of fruits and milk) fast, depending on one’s ability.
Spiritual Benefits of Observing Shat Tila Ekadashi
Cleansing of Sins: Observing this fast helps eliminate sins and bad karma accumulated over past lives. Attainment of Moksha: The fast is believed to help devotees progress on the path of spiritual liberation. Increased Punya (Good Deeds): Performing charity and selfless deeds during this Ekadashi enhances one’s store of good deeds and merits. Spiritual Growth: Fasting and meditating on Lord Vishnu helps cultivate virtues like compassion, generosity, and humility.
In conclusion, Shat Tila Ekadashi is a day of deep spiritual significance, teaching us the value of charity, selflessness, and devotion. Observing the fast and following the rituals with a pure heart can lead to immense blessings, spiritual growth, and the ultimate attainment of Moksha.