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.
शत तिला एकादशी, जिसे तिल्दा एकादशी या माघ कृष्ण एकादशी के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, एक शुभ हिंदू त्योहार है जिसे बहुत भक्ति और उत्साह के साथ मनाया जाता है। यह हिंदू चंद्र कैलेंडर के अनुसार माघ महीने में कृष्ण पक्ष (अंधेरे पखवाड़े) के ग्यारहवें दिन पड़ता है। यह त्यौहार महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि यह आशीर्वाद, समृद्धि और आध्यात्मिक विकास लाने वाला माना जाता है। भगवान विष्णु को तिल चढ़ाकर और उपवास करके प्रार्थना की जाती है।
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The Significance of Shatatila Ekadashi
Shatatila Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver the universe. On this day, devotees observe a fast and perform various rituals to seek his divine blessings. It is believed that observing this fast with utmost devotion can absolve one’s sins help attain salvation.According to ancient scriptures, sesame seeds during this festival is considered highly meritorious. Devotees believe that by doing so, they can please Lord Vishnu and receive his grace.
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. Chanting or listening to Vishnu Sahastranam is typically done on this day.
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.
Summing it all
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!
This post was published by gaathastory as a part of series Festivals of Bharat.