SATYANARAYAN KATHA CHAPTER 2
(The ultimate benefit of Satyanarayan observance of vows,
the story of the poor Brahmin from Kashi and the wood-cutter’s story)
Sut Continued, O Brahmins! Now another point – I will now narrate the stories in detail of those who had observed these vows: 1

Once in the beautiful city of Kashi (Banaras) lived a Brahmin. He was extremely poor. Plagued by the acute hunger and thirst he used to wander about every where every day.

Upon seeing the sad Brahmin, Lord Vishnu, the one feeling compassion for Brahmins, assumed a disguise of an old Brahmin and asked the poor Brahmin with respect: 2

“O! Brahmin! An excellent one from the best caste of the secondary race! Why are you always wandering here and there on Earth in utmost sorrow? I would like to hear all about it, so please speak." 3

The poor Brahmin (from Kashi) said, "O Supremacy! I am a very poor Brahmin so I visit various places on earth begging. Sir, if you know of any means of escaping this situation then please acquaint me all you knowledge. I will be most grateful. 4

The Lord in the old Brahmin spoke, "the wishes are granted by Satyanarayan Lord Vishnu to all deserving and the ones striving for achievements. Hence O Brahmin, you or anyone who prays for Satyanarayan and follows the observance of vows, you and others like you will be free from all miseries and despairs of life. 5

The old Brahmin also explained the vows with care and attention to the Brahmin. 6

Thereafter – Lord Satyanarayan in disguise of the old Brahmin disappeared from there. 7

“Whatever the old Brahmin told me about the vows, I will surely perform” so the poor Brahmin kept thinking and couldn’t even sleep that night. 8

Then, when he got up the next morning, he promised himself that he will surely perform the observance of vows, the Satyanarayan pooja (hereinafter mentioned as the Pooja). With this intention in mind went to entreat for alms. 9

That day he received a lot of money and other gifts. With the same money and on the same day he invited his friends and relatives and together he performed the pooja. 10

Poor Brahmin, impressed with the pooja, found himself free from all sorts of miseries and became wealthy and fulfilled. 11

Since then he performed the pooja on a regular monthly basis and in addition as he felt the time to be appropriate. Thus devoted to Satyanarayan Pooja, the Brahmin freed himself from all sorts of sins and attained the most difficult of all, the liberation. 12

“So”, Maharshi Sut continued, "O Brahmins! When this pooja will be conducted properly and with devotion, the message is just as wide spread, so will the population on earth be free from the miseries. 13

Thus what the Lord Narayan had conveyed to Great Narada about this pooja, I have informed you of the same. Now what else do you wish to know?" 14

All the sages asked Muni Sut, "Who had heard the pooja from that Brahmin and who had performed the vows thereof? We are anxious to learn more about that so that we also can gain faith in what is being said.” 15

Sut said, "Now listen about those who performed this pooja on earth. Once, this (now) wealthy Brahmin was getting ready to perform this pooja his friends and relatives. 16

At that time a wood cutter came by. He put all his wood outside and entered this Brahmin’s house. 17

This is because his soul was afflicted in pain due to thirst; 18

There he saw the Brahmin performing the pooja so he bowed with respect and asked what he was doing? What would be the consequential benefits of the ceremony? He requested the Brahmin to explain to him completely in full detail. 19

Brahmin replied, "This is Satyanarayan pooja. This pooja fulfils all the wishes. With His blessings I have benefited from all the wealth." 20

The wood cutter was extremely happy to learn the pooja from the Brahmin. He ate the prasad (offerings), drank some water and left for the city. 21

Remembering the pooja of Lord Satyanarayan, he thought of performing the pooja in the best (possible) way with all the money he would get by selling today’s bundle of wood. 22

Having decided, the wood cutter hailed the wood over his head and set off towards that part of the beautiful part of the city where rich and affluent people lived. 23

That day he earned twice the amount he would normally, making him very happy. 24

He purchased good ripe bananas along with sugar, purified butter, milk and wheat flour of the finest quality. 25

Having purchased all the ingredients in the units of one and one quarter and inviting all his friends and relatives, he performed the pooja with utmost devotion. 26

As a result of this pooja he enjoyed all the wealth with his children on this earth and earnt his place in the land of Golden age. (Satyalok) 27

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





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