Shree Satyanarayan Katha

The Shree Satyanarayan Katha recited during the pooja is a collection of many short stories which portray the significance and benefits of observing the vratham. Reva Kanda of Skanda Purana describes the Katha. The story was first narrated by Suta Maharshi in Neimishaaranya to the Rishis, who were performing a 1,000-year yagna for the benefit of humankind lead by Shounakji.

Story behind Satyanarayan Katha

Once, when Narada Maharshi reached Bhoolokam (Earth) while travelling across the worlds, he saw immense suffering. Unable to bear it, he went to Vaikunta – the abode of Lord Sri Satyanarayana Swami (the benevolent form of Lord Vishnu), to request him to ease the sufferings of humankind. He asked the all-knowing lotus-eyed Lord, adorned in pitambara, for an elixir to remove the world’s miseries. In his response, the Lord said, “Anyone who performs Shri Satyanarayan Vratham and Puja with devotion they will attain all the pleasures on earth and will achieve their goal. I will give them wealth, wisdom, bless the childless with children, and my devotees will achieve victory with increased devotion. All one requires is ripe bananas, ghee, milk, and wheat flour, and sugar to prepare the Prasad, flowers, and immense devotion. After the prayers, everyone taking part in the puja must listen to the Satyanarayan Katha, have the prasadam, food, and then chant mantras of Shri Satyanarayana Swami. By doing this, I will fulfill their wishes. So, spread the word Narada, let people worship me in the name of Lord Satyanarayana and be done with their miseries.” Thus, concludes chapter one of the story.

The Satyanarayana Puja is a kind of worship to Lord Satya Narayana. The importance of doing this puja is also mentioned in Skanda Purana and in several other sacred texts. Sri Satya Narayana puja is a famous ritual that is observed in most parts of India.