Shattila Ekadashi, also known as Magh Krishna Ekadashi, is a sacred observance in the Hindu calendar, marked by fasting and devotion to Lord Vishnu. The Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha narrates a tale of a Brahmin woman, emphasizing the significance of charity in spiritual practices and the redemption that comes with sincere devotion.
Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha
In Hindi
In English
In a distant time, there lived a devout Brahmin woman known for her unwavering religious practices. Her heart overflowed with love for Lord Vishnu, and she diligently worshipped him, observing fasts as an expression of her devotion. However, there was a flaw in her righteousness – she never extended her generosity to those in need. She refrained from giving food to the hungry, neglecting an essential aspect of charity.
Observing the Brahmin woman’s dedication but recognizing the void in her charitable acts, Lord Vishnu decided to impart a valuable lesson. Disguising himself as a beggar, he approached her dwelling seeking alms. The Brahmin woman, true to her habit, offered him a piece of clay instead of food.
Later, in Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode, he transformed the humble piece of clay into a magnificent mansion. When the Brahmin woman’s soul eventually reached Vaikuntha after her mortal life, she found the beautiful mansion awaiting her. However, to her dismay, there was no provision for food inside.
Perplexed, she approached Lord Vishnu and expressed her disappointment, questioning why her heavenly abode lacked sustenance despite a lifetime of devoted worship. Lord Vishnu revealed that due to her negligence in offering food to the hungry during her earthly life, the heavenly residence mirrored this absence.
Understanding the gravity of her oversight, the Brahmin woman sought forgiveness from Lord Vishnu. In a benevolent response, Lord Vishnu forgave her and provided guidance. He advised her to observe the vow of Shat-tila Ekadashi, assuring her that this sacred fast would fulfill all her desires.
Embracing Lord Vishnu’s counsel, the Brahmin woman observed the Shat-tila Ekadashi fast with sincerity and devotion. As a result of her penance, she received not only spiritual redemption but also the fulfillment of her desires, including the arrival of delicious food in her heavenly abode.
Moral of Shattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha
The story of the Brahmin woman and Shattila Ekadashi teaches us the importance of combining devotion with acts of charity. It emphasizes that a complete spiritual journey involves not only rituals and fasting but also selfless giving to those in need. Shattila Ekadashi serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes when one’s spiritual practices are infused with compassion and generosity, leading to both earthly contentment and heavenly rewards.
Also Read: How To Break Nirjala Ekadashi Fast
