Shat Tila Ekadashi is described in the Bhavishya-Uttara Purana as a sacred conversation between Sage Dalbhya and Sage Pulastya. The name 'Shat Tila' comes from using sesame seeds (til) in six distinct spiritual ways: bathing with sesame seeds, rubbing body with sesame paste, offering sesame seeds in the fire (yajna), offering water mixed with sesame seeds, eating sesame seeds, and donating sesame seeds to the needy.
To illustrate its significance, Lord Krishna narrated the story of a devout, wealthy old woman who performed immense austerities and charity, but never gave food or grains to anyone. Lord Krishna appeared at her door disguised as a begging Brahmin. Instead of food, the proud lady dismissively offered Him a lump of mud. The Lord accepted it and returned to His abode.
After passing away, the woman entered the spiritual kingdom but found her beautiful mansion completely empty, containing no food or comforts. Distressed, she prayed to Lord Vishnu, who explained that her empty mansion was the result of her donating mud instead of food. He instructed her to observe Shat Tila Ekadashi and donate sesame seeds to the visiting demigoddesses.
By observing this sacred fast and donating sesame seeds, her mansion was instantly filled with abundant food, riches, and divine nectar. Thus, Shat Tila Ekadashi highlights that spiritual charity, especially food and sesame seeds, is essential for a soul's eternal welfare.
