The Sri Satyanarayan Vrata and Puja: Worship of Lord Vishnu

Robed statue of Vishnu in West Portico, at the main entrance to Angkor Wat.
Kimberley Coole / Getty Images

The ritual worship of Lord Vishnu—the Sri Satyanarayana Puja—constitutes a special thanksgiving to the Godhead of the Hindu Trinity. It is generally performed on a full moon day, or Purnima, of every month or on any special occasion, such as achieving a milestone or fulfilling a wish. The months of Kartik, Vaisakh, Shravan, and Chaitra in the Hindu Calendar are ideal for this ritual. It can also be observed on new moon day or on a Sankranti, the beginning or end of a Hindu month.

Hindus believe that repeatedly chanting the name of Sri Satyanarayana or Lord Vishnu with love while listening to the Satyanarayan Katha (moral stories) can help one lead a righteous life. As the Bhagavad Gita says, "The Mahatmas among devotees, always speak and sing My glories, and try with determination, to realize Me."

Origin

Hindu mythology is replete with tales of the divine sage Narad Muni, who is called ‘Triloka Sanchari,’ as he can move about in all the three mythical worlds. On one of his celestial trips when he visited earth, he witnessed rampant misery. Unable to find a way to relieve human suffering, he approached Lord Vishnu, or Narayana, and related to him the sad state of affairs on earth.

Vishnu said to Narad, “Let people observe the Satyanarayana Vrata in the evening of Sankranti or Purnima. Let them all hear the story of Satyanarayan Katha, and all miseries will come to an end.”

Narad returned to earth and preached the glory of the Sri Satyanarayana Puja. Many observed the vow without taking any food during the course of the day and attained what they desired. As the legend goes, all were happy and prosperous.

Observance

The observance of the Satyanarayana Vrata requires the worshipper to offer some wheat flour and sugar as 'prasad' (divine offering) along with a little curd and some fruit. This enables even the poorest to observe this Vrata (vow). Many people fast throughout the day, but it's not a must.

A major concomitant of this ritual is the narration of the Satyanarayan Katha, consisting of a few stories that speak of the glory of Lord Vishnu and the benefit of observing the Vrata. It is believed that devotees who listen to these stories with a focused mind and try to inculcate the moral lessons embedded in them receive the blessings of the Lord.

Devotional Hymn (Aarti) for Lord Satyanarayana

This Hindi devotional song is sung in praise of Vishnu at the end of the Satyanarayan Puja. While singing this aarti with extreme devotion, oil lit lamps and incense are offered with reverence for the Lord.

Jai Lakshmiramanaa, Shri Jay Lakshmiramanaa |
Satyanaarayan Svaami, Janapaatak Haranaa, Swami Janpaatak Haranaa |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Ratna Jadit Singhaasan, Adbhut Chhabii Raaje, Swami Adbhut Chhabii Raaje |
Naarad Karat Niraajan, Ghantaa Dhvani Baaje |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Pragat Bhaye Kali Kaaran, Dvij Ko Darash Diyo, Swami Dvij Ko Darash Diyo |
Budho Braahman Bankar, Kanchan Mahal Kiyo |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Durbal Bheel Kathaaro, In Par Kripaa Kari, Swami In Par Kripaa Kari | Chandrachud Ek Raja, Jinaki Vipati Hari |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Vaishya Manorath Paayo, Shraddhaa Taj Dini, Swami Shraddhaa Taj Dini |
So Phal Bhogyo Prabhuji, Phir Stuti Kini | Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Bhaav Bhakti Ke Kaaran, Chhin-Chhin Rup Dharyo |
Swami Chhin-Chhin Rup Dharyo | Shraddha Dhaaran Kini, Tinako Kaaj Saryo |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Gvaal Baal Sang Raja, Van Mein Bhakti Kari, Swami Van Mein Bhakti Kari |
Manavaanchhit Phal Dinho, Dindayaal Hari | Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Chadhat Prasaad Savaaya, Kadali Phal Meva, Swami Kadali Phal Mevaa |
Dhup Dip Tulasi Se, Raaji Satyadevaa | Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Satyanarayan Ki Aarati, Jo Koi Nar Gaave, Swami Jo Koi Nar Gaave | Kahat Shivanand Svami, Vanchhit Phal Paave |
Om Jai Lakshmi Ramanaa…
Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Das, Subhamoy. "The Sri Satyanarayan Vrata and Puja: Worship of Lord Vishnu." Learn Religions, Sep. 9, 2021, learnreligions.com/sri-satyanarayan-vrata-and-puja-1770214. Das, Subhamoy. (2021, September 9). The Sri Satyanarayan Vrata and Puja: Worship of Lord Vishnu. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/sri-satyanarayan-vrata-and-puja-1770214 Das, Subhamoy. "The Sri Satyanarayan Vrata and Puja: Worship of Lord Vishnu." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/sri-satyanarayan-vrata-and-puja-1770214 (accessed March 28, 2024).