Shattila Ekadashi 2026 is a quiet, deeply spiritual day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It gently reminds us that devotion becomes even more powerful when it is filled with compassion, generosity and purity of intention. The name itself tells the story. Shat means six. Tila means sesame. This is the Ekadashi where sesame seeds, or sesame dana, are used in six sacred ways: In bathing, in rituals, in charity, in offerings, in food, and in prayer. Each use symbolises cleansing and renewal, not just of the body, but of old emotional heaviness and karmic layers that weigh the heart down. This Ekadashi is considered a time for karmic cleansing, mindful living and conscious gratitude. So, let us explore the date, fasting guidelines and beautiful Shattila Ekadashi rituals with clarity and warmth.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 Date and Important Timings

Shattila Ekadashi will be observed on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

Ekadashi Tithi begins: 3:17 pm on January 13, 2026

Ekadashi Tithi ends: 5:52 pm on January 14, 2026

Parana timing (breaking the fast): Parana must be done on Thursday, January 15, 2026, between 7:15 am and 9:21 am

Dwadashi ends at 8:16 pm, so Parana should not be delayed beyond this.

Traditionally, Parana should not be done during Hari Vasara, the early part of Dwadashi. Morning is preferred, with gratitude and prayer.

Best puja timings on Shattila Ekadashi 2026

On January 14, 2026,  the most supportive Choghadiya periods for worship are:

Labha (Gain): 7:15 am to 8:34 am

Amrita (Best): 8:34 am to 9:53 am

Shubha (Good): 11:11 am to 12:30 pm

Labha (Gain): 4:27 pm to 5:45 pm

Offering prayers, charity and chanting during these hours is believed to enhance devotion and inner peace.

The Spiritual Meaning of Shattila Ekadashi

Every Ekadashi is devoted to Lord Vishnu, but Shattila Ekadashi carries a very special message. It reminds us that prayer without compassion is incomplete, and charity without sincerity is hollow. Sesame is seen as a purifier. It removes subtle heaviness and gently balances the energetic and emotional body. When used with devotion and humility, it becomes a symbol of surrender and release. Observing Shattila Ekadashi 2026 is believed to help dissolve scarcity energy, create spiritual abundance and bless the home with stability and peace. This Ekadashi strengthens gratitude and turns worship into daily kindness.

Shattila Ekadashi Fasting Rules

Some devotees observe a Nirjala fast. Others choose a fruit-based or satvik fast. What matters most is sincerity, prayer and compassion. Here is how you can observe the vrat:

• Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta, and take a bath

• You may add Ganga water to the bath water for purification

• Offer water to the Sun, followed by a vow to fast

• Avoid food containing onion, garlic or grains

• You can also consume light satvik food, milk or fruits

• You can also use sesame in the food you consume as a sacred element

People with health conditions may modify the fast. Spiritual devotion always honours the body. The fasting benefits go beyond the physical. It creates discipline, brings awareness back into the heart, and invites stillness into the mind.

Can Tea or Coffee be consumed during the Fast?

Traditionally, strict observers avoid tea and coffee. Some devotees following a milder fast may take them. What matters most is respect for the vrat and mindful restraint.

Shattila Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

A simple and heartfelt puja at home can feel deeply nourishing. Here is how you can perform the puja:

• Begin with a clean altar and fresh flowers

• Offer water to Lord Vishnu and light a diya

• Offer sandalwood, tulsi leaves, fruits and sesame

• Chant prayers or Vishnu mantras with sincere faith

• Read or listen to the Ekadashi Vrat Katha

• Offer sesame sweets or panchamrit as prasad

• Conclude with Aarti and silence

To support devotion and grounding, you can listen to peaceful tracks such as Vishnu Beej Mantra or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra on AstorSure.ai. These tracks can help create a calming, prayerful atmosphere.

Why is Sesame at The Heart of This Ekadashi

Sesame is believed to be especially dear to Lord Vishnu. Scriptures say it supports purification and spiritual upliftment. Donating or offering sesame on Shattila Ekadashi is believed to dissolve sins, remove scarcity, and bring blessings into the home. Many devotees also donate food, blankets, clothes and grains. Charity becomes a form of prayer. It reminds us that devotion flows through kindness, not just ritual.

The Deeper Essence of Shattila Ekadashi

At its heart, Shattila Ekadashi teaches us something simple. A pure heart creates a pure life. Compassion softens karma. Charity lightens destiny. And devotion becomes real when it helps others feel seen and supported. Shattila Ekadashi is gentle. It does not ask for perfection. Only sincerity.

And if you ever wish to understand vrat timings, supportive puja periods or astrology in a calm, accessible way, AstroSure.ai offers peaceful guidance and reflections through Agastyaa, blending tradition with clarity and warmth.

Shattila Ekadashi 2026 arrives like a soft prayer. It invites you to pause, breathe, cleanse, and give. To share what you can. To release what feels heavy. To bow with gratitude for all that already blesses your life. In that stillness, something beautiful begins to shift. The heart feels lighter. The mind feels clearer. And devotion becomes less of a ritual and more of a love story between you and the divine.

Ask Agastyaa on AstroSure.ai for peaceful guidance this Ekadashi