On 14th January 2026, Shattila Ekadashi is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. On this day, devotees offer sesame seeds or til to Bhagwan Vishnu to express their reverence and devotion. This is believed to be his blog Prasad on this day. In fact, it should be noted that the term Shattila is a combination of two words i.e., “Shat” meaning six and “Tila” which means sesame seeds. It refers to the 6 rituals that are carried out by believers to achieve inner purification and also to receive the blessings of Lord Vaikuntha (Vishnu). However, there is an inspiring and holy story behind this great festival day. Through this article, we will understand this story and explore the spiritual significance of this auspicious day.



Lord Krishna’s Story for Sage Narada


The story began when sage Narada went to Bhagwan Shri Hari (God Krishna) as he had some confusions about the religious significance of Shattila Ekadashi. When he requested the Lord to “Kindly narrate the divine story to me”, Bhagwan replied by saying that “O Narada, I will narrate the story behind Shattila Ekadashi which I have personally experienced. This is, in fact, a true account.”



Vrat Katha of Shattila Ekadashi


A long time ago, a deeply religious Brahmani used to live in Mrityu Loka. She took great care in observing religious rituals and fasts. Indeed, her mental fortitude while observing fasts was renowned throughout the village. For instance, one fast that lasted for more than a month left her body very weak. However, when Lord Shri Hari observed her from above, He noticed that even though she was constantly achieving greater heights as a spiritual individual, she was not donating food. Bhagwan thought to himself: though this Brahmani has developed a pure nature through her fasts, the fact that she doesn’t donate is a major drawback in her character. “Therefore, I descended to the the world of humans to test her sattvic nature."



Lord Shri Hari’s Arrival


The next morning, Bhagwan appeared in front of the Brahmani as a Yogi who had a kingly nature to his behaviour. Then, he requested her to donate some alms for him to survive for the next few days.



Hearing this, the Brahmani gave Him a handful of clay. Looking at her with a thoughtful and understanding smile, Bhagwan thanked her and left to the realm of Gods.



Brahmani’s Death & Arrival to Heaven

Due to her strong-willed austerities, fasts and other ritualistic observances, the Brahmani arrived at heaven after her death. Nevertheless, as a result of her act of providing a handful of clay to the Lord, she was gifted a house, along with a mango tree in front of it. But when she went inside, she felt very discouraged as it was totally empty which meant that Bhagwan had gifted her no material possessions.



Filled with despair, she went to Lord Shri Hari and complained to him by saying that “O Lord, all my life was dedicated to worshipping you with rites and fasts. However, you have provided me a house with no possessions. Kindly let me know why is this so Bhagwan?”



Looking deep into her eyes with a kind smile the Lord replied: “Dear Brahmani, remain calm and go back to your home. The celestial women or Deva Stris will visit you there to welcome you into my heavenly adobe. But, when they arrive, request them to narrate to you the great importance of fasting in the time of Shattil Ekadashi. Indeed, you shouldn’t open the door until they let you know everything.”



She went back home and when the Deva Stris visited her later in the day, the Brahmani requested them to tell her about the spiritual significance of Shattila Ekadashi.



Deva Stris’ Enlightening Words & Salvation

Feeling kind towards the Brahmani as a result of her earnest request, one of the Deva Stri said: “Alright, if that is what you want from us, listen carefully from this moment onwards. I will let you know everything about the great Ekadashi fast, its spiritual importance and the key rules to be followed.”



When the celestial woman’s narration was over, the Brahmani opened the door for them. However, they found that she was totally transformed. Since then the Brahmani has bee following Shattila Ekadashi fasts as instructed by the celestial women. From then on, Lord Shri Hari gifted her abundant amounts of grains and wealth.



Lord Krishna finished narrating the story to Narada in these words: “Hence, O Narada, every devotee must fast and offer charity during Shattila Ekadashi. I am proclaiming that those who worship God and observe the rites and rituals correctly will achieve liberation from both physical and mental afflictions. Indeed, I will destroy all the past sins and negative karmic lineages of every true devotee.”



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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the spiritual significance of Ekadashi?
Ekadashi's spiritual significance lies in it being a powerful day for inner purification and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

What to donate on Shattila Ekadashi?
Devotees can donate sesame seeds. grains, clothes and money while celebrating Shattila Ekadashi.

Which Ekadashi is most powerful?
Many devotees consider Nirjala Ekadashi as one of the most powerful due to its rigorous water fast.