Shri Satyanarayan Katha:
Shri Satyanarayan Katha (narrative) comes from the Skandha Purana, Reva Kaanda. Suta Puraanikji narrated these stories, in Neimishaaranya to the Rishis who were performing a 1, 000 year Yajna for the benefit of mankind lead by Shounakji.
For those who observe the fast religiously and regularly, there are some great lessons to be learned from the ‘Katha’ (narration).
Katha Vidhi (performing method):
The Satyanarayan Puja is performed in reverence to the Narayan form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord in this form is considered an embodiment of truth. This Puja is conducted to ensure abundance in one’s life. Many people carry out this Puja immediately after or along with an auspicious occasion like a marriage or moving into a new house or any other success in life. It is believed the ceremony originated in Bengal as Satya Pir and was later adapted into Satyanarayan Puja.
The Satyanarayan Puja can be performed on any day. It is not a Puja confined to any festivities. But Poornima (full moon day) or Sankranti are considered to be most auspicious day for this Puja.
Performing this Puja in the evening is considered more appropriate. However one can do it in the morning as well.
On the day of the Puja, the devotee has to fast. After bathing the person can begin the Puja
This is shown by characters who ignored their promise to perform the Puja after their wish had been fulfilled. They suffered as a result. Therefore one is to deduce that one must stick to the promise given to the Lord in exchange of the desire fulfilled by His Grace. One is not to ignore or/and forget the Lord’s Grace. Prasad is symbolic of God’s Grace which Kalavati ignored as she learned of her husband’s safe return.
Materials needed for the Puja:
::- Kumkum powder, Turmeric powder, Rangoli.
::- Incense sticks, Camphor.
::- Thirty Betel leaves, Thirty Betel nuts, two Coconuts.
::- Five Almonds.
::- Flowers to offer.
::- One thousand Tulsi leaves; banana tree as a canopy.
::- One square shaped wooden platform.
::- Two copper jars, two plates.
::- One shawl.
::- A mixture of Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, Ghee to make the Panchamrita, Sandal paste.
::- Akshat (rice grains) with Kumkum powder.
::- Attar, Indian perfume.
::- Two flower garlands, Conch shell, bell, an idol of Balkrishna, a cloth, a ghee lamp and an oil lamp.
Katha Chapter: 1:
Once upon a time while travelling the three worlds, Yogiraj Narad Muni reached Mrityulok(Planet Earth), he saw the human beings suffering immensely. He visited the abode of Lord Vishnu, who alone can relieve the mankind from the sufferings.
There he met the Almighty Lord Vishnu with four arms having Shankha, Chakra, Gadha & Padma, wearing Tulsi Mala (garland) in his neck. He started to pray & requested “Oh Lord!!! You are the supreme power, nothing can touch you, not even wind or mind can get you, your power is limitless, you know everything, you help your devotees to overcome their sufferings & sorrows.” Hearing all the pleadings of Sadhu Narad Muni, the Almighty Supreme Lord Vishnu, knowing everything asked Narad Muni “Oh Narad! Why have you come to me & what do you want from me, tell me, I want to hear the same from you.”
Yogiraj Narad Muni replied, Oh Lord! I just went to Mrityulok, where I saw all kinds of human beings suffering in sorrow due to their previous karma. Oh Lord! the Almighty, is there no way that their suffering becomes less or is it possible that they get complete moksha (relief) from their sufferings. If so, please let us know. The Lord, at once replied “Oh Narad! you have asked a very good question for the benefit of all human kind.”
To free man-kind from all sufferings, & to ultimately reach Heaven , there is one virt (fast), & today I will tell you all about it. Anyone who does Shri Satyanarayan’s Virt & Puja (prayer) in the right way; will get all the pleasures on earth & will reach his goal.
Yogiraj NaradMuni then asked, “Oh Lord!, has anyone kept this fast before? This virt is done on which day & how exactly is it done? Please do let us know all the details.”
Whosoever does Bhagwan Shri Satyanarayanji’s Katha with Brahmin & with his family with full rites will be relieved of his sufferings & sorrows, will be bestowed with increase in wealth & wisdom; will be blessed with children; get overall victory & increased devotion.
For this prayer, one requires riped bananas, ghee, milk & choori (made with wheat flour, ghee & sugar). After the prayers, all present must have the prasad & then take their meals together, & then sing, praise, & chant mantras of Lord Satyanarayan. By doing this, their wishes will be fulfilled. This virt in kalyug gives the boon (reward) very quickly.
This, 1st chapter of Shri Satyanarayan Swami is over. All chant (say) Shri Satyanarayanji Ki Jai.
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