First Ekadashi of 2026 Date Revealed: Puja Time, Vrat Rules & Significance

Looking for the First Ekadashi date in 2026? Learn Shattila Ekadashi puja vidhi, vrat niyam, and spiritual meaning.

The first Ekadashi in 2026 is called Shattila Ekadashi, which is significant for spiritual development according to Sanatan Dharma (a religious philosophy). This vrat is celebrated in Magh, Krishna Paksha, as a time when Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were united as one and became known as Lakshmi Narayana. Shattila Ekadashi has great significance; according to ancient Shastras and the tradition of sanatangyan, Shattila Ekadashi is thought to remove all past sins, eliminate poverty, and bring peace and prosperity to the devotee's life.

What Is Shattila Ekadashi? | First Ekadashi of 2026

Shattila Ekadashi is the very first Ekadashi vrat of the year 2026. According to Sanatan traditions, Ekadashi is the most beloved tithi of Lord Vishnu. On this day, the devotee worships Lakshmi Narayana with the belief that by doing so, they will receive the bounty of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu's together.

The ancient guru-parampara and along with the knowledge offered in the sanatangyan, the Ekadashi vrat is considered to not only include fasting but to also act as a form of spiritual purification for mind, body, and soul. Ancient Sadhus and saints of India have said Ekadashi vrata is considered an important way to attain Bhakti (goodness) and Moksha (freedom).

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date & Tithi Details

According to the Vedic Panchang:

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins: January 13, 2026, at 3:17 PM

• Ekadashi Tithi Ends: January 14, 2026, at 5:52 PM

According to Udaya Tithi Tradition-The Vrat is celebrated on the Udaya Tithi day of the month. According to Hindu Shastras, the following are determined.

• Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Parana (Fast Breaking) Time

• January 15, 2026: Approximately 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM

  
  

Spiritual Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

The meaning of the name "Shattila" comes from the combination of 2 words in Sanskrit.

• “Shat” meaning six

• “Tila” meaning sesame seeds

On the day of this Ekadashi, sesame seeds will be utilized in the following six forms: Painting, Funeral, Worship, Gift, and Food. According to shashtra, sesame seeds are extremely dear to Lord Vishnu.

Vedic Reference (Padma Purana):

तिलाः पापहराः प्रोक्ता विष्णोः प्रीतिकराः सदा।

Sesame seeds are said to destroy sins and are always pleasing to Lord Vishnu.

Through this vrat, devotees seek freedom from past karmas, relief from poverty, and inner peace. According to Sadhus, this vrata is a way to deepen a person's devotion and strengthen their faith in their Devotion, to awaken their divine consciousness which is a fundamental philosophy of sanatangyan.

Rituals for Observing Shattila Ekadashi Vrat

The vrat of Shattila Ekadashi should be observed with purity of body, mind, and intention, as guided by gurus and scriptures.

• Morning Sankalp & Preparation

• Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat

• Take a sacred bath

• Take a sankalp (vow) to observe the Ekadashi fast with devotion

Puja Vidhi

Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu on a wooden platform

Apply chandan tilak, offer flowers, and light a pure ghee diya

Prepare khichdi made of black gram (urad) and sesame seeds, adding Tulsi leaves

Mantra Chanting

While offering water to Lord Vishnu, chant the following mantra:

“सुब्रह्मण्य नमस्तेस्तु महापुरुष पूर्वज।

गृहाणार्घ्यं मया दत्तं लक्ष्म्या सह जगत्पते॥”

O Lord Vishnu, the eternal source of creation, kindly accept this offering given with devotion along with Goddess Lakshmi.

Such mantra chanting enhances inner purity and aligns the devotee with higher sanatangyan.

• Aarti & Night Vigil

• Perform Vishnu Aarti

• Spend the night in bhajan, kirtan, and Vishnu smaran

Parana and Charity on Dwadashi

On the following day, Dwadashi, the fast should be broken during the prescribed Parana time. Feeding Brahmins, saints, and the needy before consuming food is considered essential according to shashtra.

 “एकादश्यां उपवासेन विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति।”

 One who observes Ekadashi fast attains the divine abode of Lord Vishnu.

Observing the First Ekadashi of 2026, Shattila Ekadashi, with faith, vrat, and devotion as guided by shashtra and sanatangyan, invites Lord Vishnu’s grace, purifies past karmas, and sets a spiritually auspicious tone for the entire year.