Shat-tila Ekaadashi on January 21, 2009

Dear Members:

Shat-Tila ekaadashi falls on January 21, 2009.

Shat-Tila literally means "six sesame seeds." The fast is understaken on this day after consuming a glass of water in which six sesame seeds have been soaked. You have to mix six sesame seeds in water and then take a bath with it first. Then drink a glass of water in which 6 sesame seeds have been soaked, offer oblations to pitrus (deceased ancestors/ rishis of the past) with water mixed with sesame, and then fast on this day. Observing this will help you in winning the six major internal enemies for the soul (Raagha, DwEsha, LObham, Moham, Madam, Maacharyam), and thus ensure your spiritual progress.

Observance of this fast will ensure removal of all sins and help to keep your karmic balance sheet healthy, allowing you to progress through spiritual levels with least of obstacles.

May our members observe this holy fast and enjoy Divine Grace. [Please note that those who are forbidden to fast due to medical indications may observe this fast on a token-basis instead of undertaking a full fast; like - you may consume only fruits, or avoid only rice items, etc. But, please try to observe the fast in some form consistent with your physical condition and environmental conveniences].

Important: For major parts of the world, Shat-tila ekaadashi is to be observed as Sarva Ekaadashi (common to both smaartha and Vaishnava traditions) on Jan 21, 2009; such people should break the fast and observe dwaadashi on Jan 22, 2009.

Regarding India, the consensus based on most spiritual traditions is that Jan 21, 2009 is to be observed as "Sarva Ekaadashi" (common to both Smarta and Vaishnav traditions). There are some regional panchangs that denote Jan 22, 2009 as Vaishnav Ekaadashi - we have no comments on that.

For those residing in far East countries and Australian continent, smaartha Ekaadashi is to be observed on Jan 21, 2009, and Vaishnava Ekaadashi is to be observed on Jan 22, 2009. The fast should be broken on the next day (i.e. 22nd of January for smaarthas living in Far East countries; and 23rd of January for vaishnav tradition adherents living in Far East countries).

Blessed be.

Pandit. R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI

www.liveperson.com/pandit-dakshinamoorthi

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI
Astrological and Remedial consultant
dakshinastrologer@yahoo.co.in