Shattila Ekadashi 2026: Complete Fasting Rules, Spiritual Benefits & Scientific Significance

Shattila Ekadashi is on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Shattila Ekadashi is considered an auspicious time for devotees to cleanse themselves from past sins. Fasting and prayer on this day are believed to purify the soul and body. The fasting is a form of penance for sins, and the devotee seeks the blessings of Lord Vishnu to absolve past misdeeds.

This time, it emphasizes the use of sesame seeds (til) in six ways—bathing, eating, donating, offering in rituals, drinking in water, and applying as paste—to cleanse sins and bring prosperity. Devotees fast to attain moksha, wealth, and freedom from poverty, with its significance rooted in spiritual purification and health benefits.

Shattila Ekadashi Tithi Details 2026

Event Date & Time
Ekadashi Begins 03:17 PM, Jan 13, 2026
Ekadashi Ends 05:52 PM, Jan 14, 2026
Parana Time (Breaking Fast) 06:19 AM to 8:29 AM on Jan 15
Dwadashi Begins 05:52 PM, Jan 14, 2026
Dwadashi Ends 08:16 PM, Jan 15, 2026

Spiritual Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

Shattila Ekadashi involves the use of sesame seeds in six different ways for purification: bathing with sesame water, rubbing sesame paste on the body, offering sesame seeds in fire, offering water with sesame seeds to deities, eating sesame seeds, and giving sesame seeds in charity. It occurs during the Krishna Paksha of Magha month.

Benefits of Observing Shattila Ekadashi

Frees from all types of poverty (spiritual, mental, physical, social, intellectual) and ill luck. Destroys sins and promotes one to heavenly planets based on the number of sesame seeds donated. Grants material enjoyment and ultimate liberation. Transforms the body into a spiritual form.

Hari Vasara Rules

In the context of Ekadashi Parana (breaking the fast), Hari Vasara specifically refers to the first one-fourth (25%) duration of the Dwadashi Tithi (the 12th lunar day after Ekadashi). The most critical rule regarding Hari Vasara is that the Ekadashi fast must not be broken during this time.

“Hari” refers to Lord Vishnu (an epithet meaning “the remover of sins”), and “Vasara” means “day” or “cosmic hour/time.” It literally translates to “the day/time of Lord Hari” – a period dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Dwadashi Tithi is divided into four equal parts:

  • 1st Quarter: Hari Vasara (Prohibited for breaking fast)
  • 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Quarters: Permissible time for Parana (breaking the fast), provided other conditions like sunrise are met.

The Five Point Hari Varsa Rules:
  1. If you have fasted on Ekadashi, you must wait for the Hari Vasara period to conclude before performing Parana (the ritual of breaking the fast).
  2. If a Dwadashi Tithi lasts for 24 hours, the Hari Vasara lasts for the first 6 hours of the Dwadashi Tithi.
  3. You cannot break the fast before the sun rises on Dwadashi, even if the Dwadashi Tithi has already started.
  4. You must break the fast before the Dwadashi Tithi ends. If Dwadashi ends shortly after sunrise, your window to eat might be only 20–30 minutes long.
  5. Breaking the fast-during Hari Vasara is believed to nullify the spiritual merits (Punya) gained from the previous day’s fast. Continue fasting and chanting until Hari Vasara ends. 

The preferred Parana time is early morning (Pratahkal) after Hari Vasara ends, and timings are calculated based on the Panchang  (Hindu calendar) at your location. This ensures the fast is concluded properly for maximum spiritual merit.

How to perform the Parana (The Ritual)

It isn’t just about eating; it’s a transition from a spiritual state back to a physical one.

  • Step 1: Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (approx. 1.5 hours before sunrise).
  • Step 2: Take a bath and perform your morning prayers to Lord Vishnu.
  • Step 3: Offer food (Bhog) to the Lord.
  • Step 4: If possible, give some charity (grains or money) or feed a Holi cow/needy person.
  • Step 5: Break the fast by consuming the Prasadam.

Sacred Story & Origins

A Brahmini named Shubhangi was extremely pious but very stingy. Lord Krishna tested her by appearing as a beggar. She gave him only a mud ball. Due to her stinginess, her home was transformed into gold but lacked food. She learned about Ekadashi from the wives of devas, observed it strictly, and received all furnishings along with a spiritual form.

Ekadashi Primary Mantras

“Om Namo Narayanaya”

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”

“Om Narayanaya Vidmahe Vasudevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat”

Scientific Benefits of Ekadashi Fasting

Autophagy & Cellular Renewal: Fasting on Ekadashi triggers autophagy – the body’s natural detox process where cells remove damaged components. Scientific studies confirm this promotes longevity and prevents diseases.

Circadian Rhythm Alignment: Lunar-based fasting aligns with natural biorhythms, improving sleep quality, hormone regulation, and metabolic functions.

Mental Clarity & Brain Health: Ketosis from fasting provides clean energy to the brain, enhancing focus, memory, and neuroplasticity.

Digestive System Reset: Giving the digestive system a break improves gut health, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity.

Fasting Guidelines & Rules

What to Avoid:

  • All grains and beans (rice, wheat, lentils, etc.)
  • Onions, garlic, and certain vegetables
  • Non-vegetarian food
  • Alcohol and intoxicants

What to Consume:

  • Fruits and nuts
  • Milk products (if not doing nirjala fast)
  • Root vegetables (except prohibited ones)
  • Sabudana (tapioca pearls), Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour)

Spiritual Practices:

  • Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Hare Krishna Mahamantra
  • Read Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavata Purana
  • Perform charitable acts
  • Stay awake at night (Jagaran) singing bhajans

FAQs about Shattila Ekadashi 2026

When is Shattila Ekadashi in 2026?

January 14, 2026 (Wednesday). The fasting begins on 03:17 PM, Jan 13 and ends on 05:52 PM, Jan 14.

What is the exact parana time?

Break your fast during the parana window: 07:15 AM to 10:45 AM on Jan 15 (New Delhi). Breaking at the correct time ensures full benefits.

Can I drink water during the fast?

For nirjala (strict) fast, no water is consumed. For regular Ekadashi, water is permitted. Nirjala is observed only on Nirjala Ekadashi (May 27, 2026).

Who should not fast?

Pregnant women, children, elderly, sick individuals, and those with medical conditions should consult a doctor. They can observe partial fast or perform alternative spiritual practices.

What mantras are recommended?

Chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare” or Vishnu Sahasranama.

How to break the fast properly?

Break with light sattvic food during parana time. Begin with fruits or milk, then gradually introduce other foods. Avoid overeating.

Related Ekadashis in 2026

Discover other important Ekadashis: Nirjala Ekadashi (May 27), Devshayani Ekadashi (June 25), Devutthana Ekadashi (October 22), and Mokshada Ekadashi (November 20).

Note: Timings are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Adjust for your location. Consult local Panchang for precise timings. Spiritual practices should complement, not replace, medical advice.

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