Story of Magnificent Satyanarayan Pooja and Vrat Katha

When it comes to Hindu religion there are millions of gods and goddesses who contribute to the universe in some or the other way. Trinity gods are the main Hindu gods which comprise Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Mahesh (the destroyer) of the universe. Lord Vishnu also known as Hari or Narayana is the preserver of the universe who is the main Hindu deity worshipped by people. Lord Vishnu is considered the most sacred by the Vaishnavism sect. He is the blue-colored god seen sleeping on the coils of the serpent Adishesha floating in the ocean of milk known as Kshirasagar along with Devi Lakshmi. It is believed that worship of Lord Vishnu with goddess Lakshmi in the house brings lots of positive blessings to the members of the family and fame in the society.

There is also a very popular ritual of ‘Satyanarayana Katha’ done by many devotees with the aim of pleasing Lakshmi-Narayan and getting their blessings.

About "Satyanarayan"

"Satyanarayan pooja" is an auspicious ritual performed in different parts of the country especially Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The word is the combination of two words namely "Satya" means truth and "Narayana" means the supreme form of existence. Narayan refers to the different forms of Lord Vishnu. So, Satyanarayan pooja is conducted to praise the Narayana form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is the ultimate existence of truth.

Importance of Satyanarayan pooja

Satyanarayan pooja is a propitious occasion which is performed by devotees on special occasions like marriages, house warming, birthdays or anniversaries and other functions. It is also done at the time of certain achievements, success and good times. Though it can be done on any day, performing Satyanarayan pooja on a full moon or Purnima day of every month is considered sacred. Also the months of Kartik, Vaisakh, Shravan and Chaitra of Hindu calendar are pious for Satyanarayan pooja.

People who are devotees of Lord Vishnu owe their success or achievements to Lakshmi-Narayan. So, Satyanarayan pooja is a thanksgiving ceremony done by devotees. This pooja is also done during the time of adverse conditions in life or situations. It is believed that conducting this pooja in house protects people or families from adverse situations.

Different parts of the country perform this pooja in different ways. For example, it is believed that the pooja was first conducted in Bengal as Satya Pir which later transformed into Satyanarayan pooja. People of Bengal perform this pooja ritual before they enter a new house.

In Maharashtra, Chitpavan community gives high value to this pooja and performs it on good occasions.

Andhra Pradesh is popular for performing Satyanarayan pooja as the most sacred ritual for every Hindu devotee. This pooja is conducted by every house as people are extremely devoted to Vishnu. This is true by the fact that there is a very famous temple of Sri Satyanarayan Swamy at Annavaram, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Devotees in huge numbers visit this temple and offer their prayers and perform Vrata in the temple itself.

Benefits

The value of Lord Vishnu is described in detail by Ved Vyas in Vishnu Purana, Garuna Purana and Bhagavad Purana.

He is the supreme preserver of the entire universe who nurtures his children and blesses them with abundance.

Satyanarayan pooja is of immense value when it comes to benefits of performing this ritual.

This pooja:

• Helps in relaxing down the thought process and thus by bringing peace.
• Helps in removing the obstacles and problems from the life of the worshipper.
• Protects the worshipper and members of the family from evil effects.
• Worship, if performed with utmost faith, brings purity to the soul by washing away all sins and helps in attaining Moksha.

Worship Rituals

Satyanarayan pooja is performed throughout the world by devotees for innumerous pleasures of life. This pooja brings in glory and success in abundance if rituals are performed properly and with faith. The common way of conducting this pooja includes a bit of preparation and sending of invites to neighbours, relatives and others.

The pooja involves the recitation of Satyanarayan Katha by the priest or any family member. On the day of pooja you take a bath early in the morning and decide to keep fast the entire day.

Preparation of pooja

• Clean the place of worship. Keep a Kalash (pot) filled with pure water, if possible Gangajal.
• Place mango leaves on the kalash and a coconut over it and tie it with red thread and put some rice on it.
• Prepare prasad which includes panjiri, banana and panchamrit.
• Offer vermilion sandalwood paste, turmeric and show incense to god.
• Recite the Vrat Katha or listen to it.
• At the end perform aarti and distribute prasad to everyone.
• Conclude by bowing down to God and praying for the wellbeing of your family and others.

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