Shatatila Ekadashi, also known as Tilda Ekadashi or Magh Krishna Ekadashi, is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. It falls on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Magh according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival holds significance as it is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Lord Vishnu is prayed by offering Til (Sesame) seeds and by fasting.
The Significance of Shatatila Ekadashi
Shatatila Ekadashi, also known as Tilda Ekadashi or Magh Krishna Ekadashi, is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. It falls on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Magh according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This festival holds significance as it is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Lord Vishnu is prayed by offering Til (Sesame) seeds and by fasting.
The word "Shatatila" is derived from two Sanskrit words - "shata" meaning 'hundred' and "tila" meaning 'sesame seeds'.
Rituals and Celebrations
On Shatatila Ekadashi, devotees wake up early in the morning before sunrise and take a holy bath to purify themselves both physically and spiritually. They then visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or offer prayers in the Puja room at home.
The most important ritual observed on this day is fasting. Devotees abstain from consuming any food or water throughout the day as a mark of their dedication towards Lord Vishnu. Some people may to observe a partial fast by consuming fruits, milk, or specific vegetarian dishes. Apart from fasting, devotees also engage in reciting hymns, chanting mantras, and reading religious texts associated with Vishnu. They offer prayers, light incense sticks, and perform aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp) to seek the blessings of the deity.
The Significance of Sesame Seeds
Til or sesame seeds hold great significance during Shatatila Ekadashi. Devotees believe that offering sesame seeds to Lord Vishnu can help fulfill their wishes and bring prosperity into their lives. It is customary to donate seeds to Brahmins or the underprivileged as an act of charity on this day. Sesame seeds are considered highly nutritious and are believed to possess medicinal properties in Ayurveda. Including sesame seeds in one's diet is believed to promote good health and well-being.
Conclusion
Shatatila Ekadashi is a sacred festival celebrated by Hindus to honor Lord Vishnu and seek divine blessings. The fasting, rituals, and offerings associated with this festival hold deep spiritual significance for devotees. By observing this festival with devotion and performing the prescribed rituals, devotees believe they can spiritual growth, prosperity, and liberation from worldly sins. May Lord Vishnu shower his blessings upon you on this holy day!
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