Shattila Ekadashi Puja to Bhagwan Narayana

Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred Ekadashi vrata dedicated to Bhagwan Shriman Narayana, observed mainly for papa kshaya, purification of past karma, and spiritual upliftment. It is observed during the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month and is considered one of the most powerful Ekadashis for removing accumulated sins.

This Ekadashi is also known by other names such as Magha Krishna Ekadashi, Tila Ekadashi, and Shat-Tila Ekadashi. The word Shattila means “six types of tila (sesame)”, as the Purāṇas describe six sacred ways in which tila should be used on this day - such as bathing, dāna, homa, bhojana, tarpan, and puja.

According to the Padma Purāṇa, offering tila with devotion on Shattila Ekadashi pleases Bhagwan Narayana immensely and helps destroy even deep-rooted papa from past lives. For this reason, Shattila Ekadashi is especially recommended for devotees seeking inner purification, peace of mind, and steady spiritual progress.

When Is Shattila Ekadashi Observed?

Shattila Ekadashi is observed on the Ekadashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This period usually falls between January and February, depending on the movement of the moon.

Unlike other Ekadashis, Shattila Ekadashi is strongly associated with karma shuddhi and papa kshaya, making it highly significant for those undergoing difficult life phases or feeling burdened by repeated obstacles. The day is considered most auspicious for performing Shriman Narayana Puja, observing Ekadashi vrat, and offering tila with shraddha.

Devotees believe that observing Shattila Ekadashi with sincerity through fasting, puja, or Vedic seva brings Narayana’s special anugraha and helps align one’s life with dharma and sattva.

Vedic & Puranic Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

The greatness of Shattila Ekadashi is clearly described in the Padma Purāṇa, where Bhagwan Shriman Narayana explains this vrat to Devarshi Nārada. The Purāṇa states that among all Ekadashis observed in the Magha month, Shattila Ekadashi is especially powerful for destroying papa accumulated through actions, words, and thoughts.

The unique feature of this Ekadashi is the sacred use of tila (sesame). In Vedic tradition, tila is considered a purifier of karma and a bridge between the physical and subtle worlds. On Shattila Ekadashi, devotees are advised to use tila in six sacred forms, which is why this vrat is called Shat-Tila Ekadashi. These acts are believed to remove negative karmic impressions and bring inner clarity.

The Purāṇas also mention that even those who are unable to perform complex rituals can receive Narayana’s kripa by offering tila with devotion on this day. Because of this, Shattila Ekadashi is regarded as a compassionate Ekadashi, open to all devotees, regardless of status or background.

Why Perform Shattila Ekadashi Puja?

Performing Shattila Ekadashi Puja is mainly recommended for those seeking papa kshaya, mental peace, and freedom from unseen karmic blocks. Many people experience repeated struggles in life without clear reasons, which Vedic texts associate with unresolved past karma. This Ekadashi is especially effective in addressing such subtle issues.

Shattila Ekadashi Puja helps purify the mind and heart, making the devotee more receptive to Narayana bhakti and sattvic living. It is also advised for those who wish to strengthen their spiritual discipline, reduce attachment, and move steadily toward moksha sadhana.

When the puja is performed with proper Vedic vidhi by knowledgeable purohits, along with abhisheka, archana, and tulasi offerings, the spiritual benefits increase manifold. Devotees believe that sincere observance of Shattila Ekadashi invites Shriman Narayana’s anugraha, bringing peace, stability, and positive direction in life. 

Importance of Tila (Sesame) in Shattila Ekadashi

Tila (sesame seeds) hold a very special place in Vedic tradition, especially in rituals related to karma shuddhi and papa kshaya. In the Vedas and Purāṇas, tila is described as a sacred substance that has the power to absorb negativity and purify both the body and the subtle energy of a person.

On Shattila Ekadashi, the use of tila becomes even more important. The Padma Purāṇa explains that offering tila to Bhagwan Shriman Narayana on this day helps destroy sins accumulated through past actions and thoughts. This is why this Ekadashi is named Shat-Tila Ekadashi, meaning the Ekadashi where tila is used in multiple sacred ways.

Devotees traditionally use tila for bathing, dāna, homa, and naivedya, as well as during puja and tarpan. Even a small offering of tila made with shraddha on Shattila Ekadashi is believed to bring great punya and Narayana’s special kripa, making this Ekadashi deeply transformative. 

Shattila Ekadashi Puja Vidhi

The Shattila Ekadashi Puja Vidhi is simple in spirit but very powerful when performed with devotion and correct intent. The day usually begins with early morning purification, followed by remembrance of Bhagwan Shriman Narayana and taking a sankalpa for Ekadashi vrat or puja.

During the puja, Shriman Narayana is worshipped with Panchamrut and dravya abhisheka, symbolizing purification of the devotee’s karma and mind. This is followed by alankara seva using flowers, lotus, and tulasi leaves, which are most dear to Narayana. Tulasi-pushpa archana is then performed while chanting Narayana mantras.

The puja concludes with vishesha naivedya samarpan, usually consisting of fruits and coconut, and Mangalaarti, which spreads auspicious energy and devotion. On Shattila Ekadashi, special emphasis is placed on tila offerings and tulasi haar samarpan, which are believed to complete the Ekadashi vrat phala.

When this puja is performed by qualified Vedic purohits, as per shastra, the devotee receives the full spiritual benefits even if they are unable to observe strict fasting. 

Who Should Perform Shattila Ekadashi Puja?

Shattila Ekadashi Puja is recommended for all devotees of Bhagwan Shriman Narayana, especially those who feel burdened by past karma or repeated obstacles in life. It is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking inner purification, mental peace, and clarity in their spiritual path.

This puja is suitable for people facing unexplained delays, emotional heaviness, or lack of stability, which are often described in Vedic texts as effects of unresolved karma. It is also highly beneficial for those who wish to strengthen their Ekadashi vrat practice but are unable to observe strict fasting due to health, age, or work-related reasons.

Families can perform this puja for overall harmony and sattvic growth, while spiritual seekers may observe it as part of their moksha sadhana. Since Shattila Ekadashi is compassionate in nature, even a single sincere puja can bring noticeable positive change through Narayana’s anugraha. 

Shattila Ekadashi Shriman Narayana Sarva Seva at JyotirGamaya

JyotirGamaya’s Shattila Ekadashi Shriman Narayana Sarva Seva is a complete Vedic worship designed to help devotees receive the full spiritual fruits of this sacred Ekadashi, even while staying at home. The seva is performed by experienced Vedic purohits who follow authentic shastra-based procedures with proper mantras, sankalpa, and bhava.

This Sarva Seva includes Panchamrut and dravya abhisheka, sarvalankara with lotus and tulasi, tulasi-pushpa archana, vishesha naivedya samarpan, Mangalaarti, and Grand Tulasi Haar Samarpan. Each ritual is performed with the devotee’s name and gotra, ensuring personal connection and spiritual intent.

By participating in this seva, devotees can fulfill the essence of Shattila Ekadashi without the difficulties of strict fasting or complex rituals. The puja is ideal for those seeking papa kshaya, Narayana kripa, and spiritual peace, while maintaining complete Vedic authenticity and devotion.