Shattila Ekadashi is a Hindu festival celebrated on the
eighth day of the ninth lunar month.
The eleventh day (ekadashi) of the dark (waning) half of the
lunar month of Magh (January–February).
This is devoted to the worship of the deity Vishnu, as are
all eleventh-day observances.
Most Hindu holidays have mandated ceremonies, which
generally include fasting (upavasa) and devotion, and frequently promise
particular rewards if performed faithfully.
On this day, an image of Vishnu should be bathed in the five
auspicious substances (milk, curds, honey, ghee, and sugar water), with a
sesame seed (tila) placed in each.
Sesame seed-containing foods should also be consumed.
During the night, one should sleep in front of the deity's
picture.
The name of this ekadashi stems from the six (sat) different
ways that the sesame seed has been employed.
Following this event religiously is thought to result in
rebirth in Vishnu's kingdom, Vaikuntha.
