Shattila Ekadashi 2026: Date, Significance, Importance of Til Daan & Vrat Rules

Why is Shattila Ekadashi 2026 so auspicious? Know the date, significance, til daan importance, vrat rules, and Parana time as per Sanatangyan.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 will occur on January 14, 2026, making it a rare and sacred festival that aligns with the Makar Sankranti festival of Uttarayan. Daylight is starting to increase as the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn on this day, which means that the days are beginning to get longer as well. This is a very holy time for Hindus, so Shattila Ekadashi has great importance within Sanatangyan culture.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Auspicious Yog

A significant aspect of this festival is that it highlights the power of sesame (til) to absorb negative energies and to purify both the physical and the subtle body. When devotees offer sesame seeds (til) with faith and devotion on this day, Lord Vishnu is particularly pleased with them.

The month of Magh itself is considered spiritually potent. When Ekadashi and Makar Sankranti occur together, saints, sadhus, and gurus describe it as a rare opportunity for purification of body, mind, and karma. According to Sanatangyan, such a divine combination amplifies the merit of vrat (fasting), daan (donation), and japa (chanting).

Spiritual Significance of Shattila Ekadashi in Sanatangyan

Shattila Ekadashi derives its name from “Shat” (six) and “Til” (sesame). As per ancient shashtra, six sacred uses of sesame are prescribed on this day—til snan (bath), til lep (application), til homa (fire offering), til daan (charity), til bhojan (offering, not consumption), and til japa.

According to tradition, the vrat of Shattila Ekadashi is observed through a combination of discipline and devotion. Those who adhere to the recommended ways as outlined in the shashtra are engaged in activities on this vrat that can remove past karmas accumulated over numerous life-times as well as provide an opportunity for the observer to obtain spiritual growth, leading him toward Vishnulok or the Spiritual Realm.

तिलैः स्नानं तिलैर्दानं तिलैर्होमं समाचरेत्।

तिलैर्भोजनसंयुक्तं शततिलैकादशी शुभा॥ - (Padma Purana)

“One should bathe with sesame, donate sesame, perform fire offerings with sesame, and make sacred food offerings with sesame. Shattila Ekadashi is extremely auspicious and purifying.”

Traditionally, it is stated that by observing this vrat you will be loosed from your past karmas, allowing you to grow spiritually and ultimately moving you closer to Vishnulok.

Importance of Til Daan on Shattila Ekadashi

Til Daan (sesame donation) holds unmatched importance on this day. Sanatangyan teaches that donation done with pure intention purifies both giver and receiver.

On Shattila Ekadashi, sesame is used in six sacred ways:

• Til Snan (bath with sesame-infused water)

• Til Lep (application on the body)

• Til Havan (fire offering)

• Til Bhojan (offering to Brahmins, not consumed by the fasting devotee)

• Til Daan (donation)

• Til Japa (chanting Vishnu mantras)

A verse from the Padma Purana states:

“तिलदानात् पापक्षयो भवेत्।”

Donation of sesame destroys sins.

By giving til (sesame seeds), warm clothing, food, or utensils to the less fortunate because they do not have them on this day will provide you with "long-term" Prosperity and Spiritual Merit.

Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Rules (Vrat Vidhi)

The vrat of Shattila Ekadashi is to be kept in accordance with the guidance of the shashtra and performed on the day(s) identified within the Drik Panchang as an auspicious time for performing the Parana (breaking of the fast).

• Wake up during Brahma Muhurta

• Take a sacred bath, preferably with sesame-infused water

• Worship Lord Vishnu or Shri Krishna with tulsi leaves

• Observe a nirjala vrat or fruit-based fast

• Avoid rice, grains, onion, garlic, and tamasic food

• Engage in Vishnu Sahasranama or mantra japa

Association with a knowledgeable guru or listening to discourses by a sadhu on Ekadashi is considered highly beneficial.

“एकादश्यां न भुञ्जीत विष्णुलोकं स गच्छति।” (Vishnu Purana)

One who observes Ekadashi properly attains the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Parana (Breaking the Fast) Time for Shattila Ekadashi 2026

• Parana Date: 15 January 2026

• Parana Time: 7:10 am to 9:24 am

• End of Dwadashi Tithi: 15 January 2026 at 8:16 pm

The timing for Parana as outlined by Vedic tradition is prior to the first quarter of Dwadashi (Hari Vasara), however, Sunrise occurs before this period and is, therefore, the best time to perform the Parana according to Vedic tradition (due on March 4).

“हरिवासरवर्ज्यं तु द्वादश्यां पारणं स्मृतम्।”

Parana should be done on Dwadashi, avoiding Hari Vasara.

Lastly, it can be said that the Shattila Ekadashi of 2026 will be a very rare and auspicious day when the combination of Devotion, Fasting, and the act of "til daan" results in the washing away of the impurities of body, mind, and Spirit. Through following the guidance of the shashtra and the directive of a Guru or Sadhu, those who observe this vrat with sincerity will be blessed by Lord Vishnu and have their sins forgiven and reap the positive benefits of Spiritual Merit. To this end, it remains a cherished observance in the Sanatangyan tradition.