SATYANARAYAN KATHA CHAPTER 1
(Satyanarayan – Observance of Vows)
Vyas Muni spoke: Shounik and other sages once assembled in Naimisharanya forest near Ayodhya. Sut Purani (also known as Maharshi Sut or Maha Muni – the great sage - being the knower of all knowledge) was also present in this assembly. (It is said that one who knows Puranas knows every thing in life.) Therefore, Shaunuk and other sages asked Maharshi Sut a question: 1

Sages asked: O Maha Muni, please tell us about what type of worship or what type of practice we should follow so as to achieve what we desire. We wish to hear the answer from you as you are the most learned amongst us. 2

So, Maharshi Sut replied: Narad Muni had also asked this very same question to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had replied to him and I will narrate the same reply to you. So, listen very carefully. 3

Once whilst visiting many other planets with an intention to do well to others, Narad Muni came to human land, the Earth. 4

What he saw was that people emanating from different wombs suffered from just as many different causes as a result of their past conduct or behaviour and were stressed out through various worries out of their own creations. 5

With an intention to definitely eliminate the sufferings he witnessed and wanting to have them liberated, Narad Muni immediately travelled to the planet known as Vishnu Loka (where Lord Vishnu resides.) 6

There Narada Muni saw Narayan (also known as Lord Vishnu) with reverence. Narayan, whose white texture holding a shankha (conch), chakra (disk), a gada (a club or a mace) and kamal (a lotus flower) in his four hands and decorated with a garland around his neck. 7

Then Narada Muni started a hymn of praise for Lord Vishnu – the Lord of Lords - saying, "He who is the most handsome, the one who utters the most beautiful thoughts and the one who has full control over mind, You are the strongest and ultimate in strength. I bow to you.

You do not have any positions and conditions such as beginning or end, nor are you in between these positions or conditions. Even before the beginning of this Universe you existed without qualities or attributes. You are the beginner and the root cause of everyone. You destroy the miseries of your devotees and for this that you are and so I bow to you.

After listening to the hymn of praise by Narada Muni, Lord Vishnu said, "O! Dearest and most fortunate Narada! Why have you come here? And what is in your mind? Tell me every thing so I can inform you everything related to your anxiety." 8 – 10

Then Narada said inquisitively, "within human land, the Earth, people are born through many different wombs and as many different species. They are sad, fearful and suffering the consequences of their own creation. Their suffering is not only in mind but also physical." 11

Narada continued, "Oh Lord, If you are happy with me and if I am eligible for any favours from you, please show me a short and simple way to calm the fears and sadness of all sufferings which these people are facing. I want you to take your time in telling me – in detail - as I am willing to listen to you" 12

The God replied, "O Child! For the benefit of the mankind you have asked a very good question; by virtue of performing the service through which a man is removed from fascination and delusion is what I am about to inform you so please listen carefully. 13

There is one very important vow that is difficult to observe and difficult to achieve its aim. This vow is difficult both on earth as well as heaven. Dear child, I love you and have a lot of respect for you and for that reason I will now inform you of the vow. 14

It is the observance of Shree Satyanarayan’s vow; it must be performed absolutely correctly. By doing so, one will attain happiness instantly on this earth and finally attain blissful salvation.” 15

Taking note of such a statement from Lord Vishnu, Narada Muni asked "What are the benefits of observing the vow of Satyanarayan? How does one perform these vows, who had previously performed these vows and when should one observe these vows? I want to know everything. Please tell me everything at length and in full detail. 16

Then the Lord described, "The observance engulfs suffering and a sorrow, increases wealth, blesses the married with children and brings good fortune to everyone, everywhere. 17

Everyone can perform this observance of vows everyday and everywhere with utmost devotion and faith. 18

This pooja for Satyanarayan (observance of vows) should be performed in the evening after sunset with complete devotion and faith. If possible, one should include one’s friends, family and relations along with Brahmins. 19

Offerings should be made with devout loving adoration. These offerings ought to include love and affection along with fruits such as bananas, milk, purified butter and wheat flour in multiple of one and one quarter units. 20

If wheat flour is not available, one should substitute same with rice flour cooked with one and one quarter units of either sugar or jaggery. This should be offered to Satyanarayan with undivided devotion. 21

The stories about Satyanarayan should be listened to with relatives and friends. Also the priest who reads this Satyanarayan story should be honoured with gifts. Then food should be served to the relatives, friends and the priest. 22

The host must also indulge in the offerings with devotion. Thereafter engage in hymns and prayers before dispersing happily. 23

Thus observing the vows earthlings will almost definitely fulfil their wishes and ambitions. During Kaliyug (Present Age), the only easy and simple formula on earth is this." 24

Thus concluded herewith is the first chapter of Satyanarayan story from the REVA section of the epic, SKANDHAPURAN.
Praise be to Lord Shree Satyanarayan.





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