Hinduism has certain rituals and pujas that can be done to express gratitude and seek blessings for health and prosperity. Satyanarayan pooja is one such ritual that is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan or Lord Vishnu. People perform this pooja on Ekadashi or Poornima. This blog outlines the Satyanarayan Pooja, its significance, procedure, and other related information you may need to perform this ritual with authenticity.

Who is Lord Satyanarayana?

Satyanarayana is another name of Lord Vishnu who is considered as the protector in the trinity. Narayana or Lord Vishnu is also known as Satyanarayana since the name combines two words- Satya meaning ‘truth’ and Narayana meaning ‘the highest being’. Hence, together it means the highest being who is an embodiment of truth.

The Satyanarayan pooja is performed by people to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. This pooja is performed on multiple occasions including, birthdays, anniversaries, starting of a new business venture, as a part of wedding ceremonies, or housewarmings.     

Satyanarayan Pooja Rituals

Satyanarayan pooja is performed according to a certain set of rituals. 

• It starts with selecting a location, cleaning it, and placing a chowki or patla where the pooja setup is done.

• Idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are placed on a clean red/yellow/white cloth. Many people also place idols of Lord Ganesha along with idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

• Then purification is done using Gangajal and lighting incense sticks.

• Then Sankalpa is taken by reciting certain mantras which defines your intention of performing the pooja.

• Once Sankalpa is taken, Ganesh pooja and Kalash pooja is done.

• Then garland of mango leaves is placed on the entrance or door.

• Katha is recited, followed by havan and aarti.

• Once aarti is done, prasad is distributed among family members and friends.

Why Satyanarayan Puja is performed?

 

Satyanaraya pooja can be performed for many reasons including:

• To express gratitude to the almighty

• To seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity

• On special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.

• To overcome challenges and hardships,

It is proven to enhance harmony among family members and partners. 

The Satyanaran pooja has been performed for centuries and anyone can perform it regardless of caste, age, gender, etc.

 

History And Origins of Satyanarayan Puja

 

The term ‘Satyanarayan’ is a combination of two words- ‘Satya’ which means truth and ‘Narayana’ means the ‘extreme form of being’. The Satyanarayan pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector in the trinity. 

The origin of Satyanarayan Pooja is linked with the sacred book- Skanda Purana. It is said that the Narad muni asked Lord Vishnu to end people’s miseries on planet Earth and Lord Vishnu provided with this pooja vidhi. Another legend is that this Satyanarayan pooja originated in Bengal as Satya Pir which later got adapted as Satyanarayan pooja. 

This pooja holds special significance in Andhra Pradesh where people possess strong devotion towards Satyanarayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 

 

Where I Can Perform Satyanarayan Pooja?

Satyanarayan Pooja can be performed at multiple locations including:

• Your homes: Most people perform this pooja at their homes. They decorate their homes beautifully and invite family and friends to take part in the Satyanarayan Pooja and seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. It is done on many occasions like birthdays, housewarmings, anniversaries, etc.

• Your workplaces: People who run businesses also perform this pooja at their offices or workplaces. It is considered auspicious to do this pooja at your office to invite blessings for wealth and fortune from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.

• Temples: This pooja can be performed at renowned and popular temples across India which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Online Satyanarayan Puja Services: A Modern Approach

Performing Satyanarayan pooja at temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu brings lots of blessings and good fortune to the devotees. But with our busy lifestyle, it may not be possible for us to visit these temples and complete the rituals in person. 

But there are certain services like ePuja, which can bring divinity to our homes and can connect us with spirituality regardless of our location. We can now book an online puja and the service provider will perform this pooja on our behalf. With ePuja, we can also participate in the rituals through live video streaming services.

These online Satyanarayan puja services are gaining popularity given our busy lifestyle and need to connect with our traditions and spirituality.

Who Should Perform Satyanarayana Pooja?

Although there’s no fixed date and time for performing Satyanarayan Pooja, it is considered auspicious to do it on:

• Ekadashi: The day of Ekadashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hence observing fast and doing Satyanaran Pooja on Ekadashi holds special significance.

• Poornima: Poornima or full moon day symbolizes illumination and completeness. Hence. It is an ideal time for performing rituals of Satyanarayan Pooja. 

Anyone can perform this pooja. No matter what their caste, gender, financial status, or marital status is, this pooja benefits all. Married couples and families benefit highly from this pooja as it enhances peace and harmony.

It is very common to include family and friends in Satyanarayan Pooja. Chanting the holy mantras, reciting the Katha, and having prasadam together bring harmony and make relationships stronger.

 

List of items required for Satyanarayan Puja

Satyanarayan pooja is performed with a certain set of rituals and steps. To perform this puja authentically, read below to learn about the list of puja samagri or items required for Satyanaran Puja:

• Idol or image of Lord Satyanaryan, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi

• Satyanarayan Katha book

• Wooden stand, or chowki

• Silver or copper Kalash

• Plates, glasses, and spoons of silver, copper, or steel

• Mats

• Red/yellow, or white Cloth (½ meter each)

• Cardamom

• Clove

• Attar 

• Agarbatti and Dhoopbatti or cones

• Diya or Clay lamp and cotton wicks

• Betel nut or supari

• Betel leaves or paan

• Bunches of Mango leaves

• Janeu or white sacred thread

• Moli or Red sacred thread

• Haldi and kumkum

• Sandalwood Powder

• Kapoor or camphor

• Honey

• Rice

• Ghee

• Panchmeva or 5 Assorted dry fruits

• Gangajal

• Fruits

• Sweets

• Prasadam made of wheat flour and sugar

• Panchamrit

• Tulsi and flowers

• Milk

• Yogurt

Once you’ve arranged all the samagri, it is also important to decorate the place for Satyanarayan Puja. To decorate, prepare a garland or toran using mango leaves and hang it at the door or the main entrance of the place where pooja is being performed. 

 

Conclusion

Satyanarayan pooja is one of the most popularly performed Hindu rituals. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is also known as Lord Satyanarayan, this pooja is believed to bring health, wealth, and prosperity. Many devotees do this pooja to express gratitude towards Lord Vishnu and seek blessings from him for good health and fortune.

With ePuja, you can perform this puja in popular Vishnu temples across India from the comfort of your home and participate in homams through live video streaming.

Book your puja today and begin your spiritual journey.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Lord Satyanarayana?

Satyanarayana is another name of Lord Vishnu who is considered as the protector in the trinity. 

 

2. Why is Satyanarayan Puja performed?

Satyanarayan puja is performed to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. This pooja is done with the belief that performing it will help in overcoming challenges and hardships.

 

3. What are the rituals involved in Satyanarayan Pooja?

Traditionally, Satyanarayan pooja follows a set of rituals. It includes Ganpati puja, sankalp rituals, kalash sthapana, navagraha puja, satyanarayan puja and katha, havan, mangal aarti and then prasad vitran.

 

4. When can Satyanarayan Pooja be performed?

Although there’s no fixed day or date for performing Satyanarayan pooja, it is considered auspicious to perform it on Ekadashi or Poornima. It can be performed on special occasions like Griha Pravesh, birthdays, new businesses, as a part of marriage ceremonies, etc.

 

5. Where can Satyanarayan Pooja be conducted?

Satyanarayan pooja can be performed at home, at your workplace, at any temple, etc.

 

6. Is Shiva and Narayana the same?

No. Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana are different lords of the trinity, While Lord Shiva is considered as the destroyer, Lord Narayana or Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector.

 

7. Can a girl do Satyanarayan Pooja?

Yes. In fact, it is considered auspicious to get this puja done by a girl as she’s considered to have a connection with the divine energy of Goddess Lakshmi.

 

8. What is the reason behind Satyanarayan Pooja?

Satyanarayan pooja is performed to express gratitude to the almighty and to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu for good health and fortune.

 

9. Who can sit in Satyanarayan Pooja?

Anyone can perform and sit in Satyanarayan Pooja regardless of gender, age, caste, marital status, etc. Anyone who’s devoted to Lord Vishnu can perform this pooja.

 

10. Why Narayana is called Satyanarayana?

Narayana or Lord Vishnu is also known as Satyanarayana since the name combines two words- Satya meaning ‘truth’ and Narayana meaning ‘the highest being’. Hence, together it means the highest being who is an embodiment of truth.

 

References:

 

• https://www.astroahead.com/sri-satyanarayan-puja-without-vcd-pid-144

• https://www.fiyopa.in/satyanarayan-pooja-guide-for-2024.html

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/satyanarayan-vrat-march-2024-date-time-puja-vidhi-and-significance/articleshow/108734848.cms

• https://aryasamajmandirmarriage.com/satyanarayan-puja-at-home-guide/

• https://www.lovenspire.com/blogs/lovenspire-blog-corner/the-power-of-satyanarayan-pooja-transform-your-life

• https://hemfragrances.in/blogs/hem-blogs/satyanarayan-katha-puja-samagri-list