In Hinduism, the Ekadashi fast is considered especially meritorious and highly auspicious. According to the scriptures, there are a total of 24 Ekadashis throughout the year, occurring twice every month, during the Krishna and Shukla Paksha (dark and bright halves of the lunar month). Each Ekadashi has its own unique spiritual significance. It is believed that performing the prescribed rituals and worshipping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on this sacred day brings happiness, peace, wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, and fulfills the desires of devotees. According to the Vedic calendar, this year, the auspicious festival of Shatila Ekadashi will be celebrated on January 14th.

Religious texts mention that performing six specific rituals involving sesame seeds on this day removes misfortune and brings happiness and prosperity to the home and family. This day is also considered highly fruitful for pleasing Lord Vishnu and receiving the blessings of ancestors. So, let's learn from the renowned astrologer Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain about the special rituals involving sesame seeds on Shatila Ekadashi that can alleviate life's problems and bring good fortune.

1. On Shatila Ekadashi, waking up during the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours) and bathing with water mixed with sesame seeds is considered highly auspicious. This is not only for physical cleanliness but also a means of spiritual and energetic purification. It is believed that this removes negative influences and infuses the body and mind with new positive energy.

2. Scriptures state that the Ekadashi fast is incomplete without charity. Donating sesame seeds, sesame seed ladoos (sweets), or other sesame-based items on Shatila Ekadashi reduces the ill effects of Saturn and removes suffering from a person's life. Donating sesame seeds to the needy brings merit and absolves sins.

3. For the purification of the home and environment, performing a Havan (fire ritual) with sesame seeds on Shatila Ekadashi is considered excellent. On this day, sit facing the east and offer sesame seeds into the Havan kund (fire pit) while chanting the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah’. Doing so removes negativity and brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home. 4. On this auspicious day, using sesame seeds in food is considered highly beneficial. Offer sattvic dishes made with sesame seeds to Lord Vishnu first, and only then consume them as prasad (blessed food). Doing so brings health, prosperity, and spiritual benefits.

5. Applying a paste made with sesame seeds to the body before bathing is also considered especially fruitful. The medicinal and purifying properties of sesame seeds cleanse the body of impurities. From a religious perspective, this is considered a sacred process of purifying and preparing oneself for the worship of Lord Vishnu.

6. Shatila Ekadashi is also considered extremely important for ancestral peace. Offering water mixed with sesame seeds to one's ancestors on this day brings peace to their souls and ensures their blessings upon their descendants. This increases happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in the family.

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