Question 1

When is Shattila Dvadashi observed?

Accepted Answer

Shattila Dvadashi falls on Pausha Shukla Dvadashi, meaning the twelfth lunar day in the waxing half of the lunar month Pausha. The Dvadashi tithi current at sunrise governs the observance. Its Gregorian date changes each year, so a local Panchanga should be consulted for the civil date and sunrise details.

Question 2

Which deity is worshipped on Shattila Dvadashi?

Accepted Answer

Shattila Dvadashi is associated with Mahavishnu, or Vishnu in his universal form. The day also gives special importance to tila, meaning sesame, which is used in worship, water offerings, charity, and sometimes food. The exact ritual emphasis varies among families and regional Vaishnava traditions.

Question 3

How is Shattila Dvadashi puja performed?

Accepted Answer

A customary household observance includes bathing, cleaning the puja space, lighting a lamp, worshipping Vishnu, offering water mixed with sesame or accompanied by sesame, and giving sesame or food in charity. The traditional note for this day also calls for arghya to Mahavishnu after the Ekadashi fast.

Question 4

Should one fast on Shattila Dvadashi?

Accepted Answer

A complete fast is not compulsory for every household. In traditions that connect the day with the preceding Ekadashi, devotees may continue an Ekadashi fast or take a simple permitted diet, then perform Vishnu worship and break the fast according to their family calendar. Older, stricter rules should be followed only with proper guidance.

Question 5

What is offered on Shattila Dvadashi?

Accepted Answer

Sesame laddus, sesame sweets, or plain sesame preparations may be offered where this vrata tradition is followed. Water, fruit, flowers, and a simple sattvic preparation are also suitable household offerings. There is no single universally established prasad menu for every community observing this Dvadashi.

Date	Tithi	Lunar month	Governing time
Mon, 22 Jan, 2024	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sat, 11 Jan, 2025	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 31 Dec, 2025	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 20 Jan, 2027	ShuklaShukla Trayodashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 9 Jan, 2028	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Thu, 28 Dec, 2028	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Wed, 16 Jan, 2030	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sun, 5 Jan, 2031	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)
Sat, 24 Jan, 2032	ShuklaShukla Dvadashi	Pausha	sunrise (udaya tithi)

Shattila Dvadashi

Dates by year