The Importance of Satya Narayan Kataha and it's the origin.

We all have heard and read the Satyanarayan Katha. But none of us don't know the original stories that Shatanand or Sadhu or Kalavati must have heard. Also, as a habit, we hear or read this Katha but don't know the proper way it should be conducted.

We find its mention in Skanda Purana(Reva Khand) and Bhavishya Puraan(Pratisarg Parva). Both Bhagwatam and Gita call Bhagwan Narayan as Satv or Truth. So Satyanarayan denotes this name as the one which is Truth incarnate. The story began in Naimisharanya when Vyasji asked Sutji about a way to eliminate all the sorrows and fulfill all the desires and about who is the Devta who can grant these at the same time. So Suutji first prayed to Bhagwan Satyanarayan who is no one else but Vishnu Ji.

Then he remembered all his avatars. After that, he narrated the story of Narad. Once while visiting Mrityulok, Naradji was pained to see the sufferings of People around. He was deeply moved by these sufferings and wanted to know the means by which we could rid ourselves from these. So he went to Vishnu ji and after paying his respects stood in front of him. Naradji narrated the purpose of his visit. So Bhagwan Vishnu said to him that in Satyug and Tretayug, Bhagwan eliminates sorrow in Vishnuswarup. In Dwapar he assumes different forms to help people.

But in Kaliyug people get the benefit by following the four steps of Truth, Cleanliness, Tap, and charity. But Truth remains the prime dharma because that is the ultimate way. So the worship of Satyanarayan Bhagwan gives one the ultimate benefit. Whatever you desire you get. The proper method of performing this puja is to get up early in the morning and take a tulsi leaf in your hand with full thought on Bhagwan Satyanarayan after bathing. One should follow the resolution(desire or wish for which you have just taken) of Satya as we take that particular leaf in your hand. In the evening prepare, a proper place for the murti or picture of Bhagwan is to be placed after erecting the four stambhs of banana leaf. Place five kalasha's in it. Place a Shaligram and bathe it with Panchamrit.

Then read the following mantra .....

नमो भगवते नित्यं सत्यदेवाय धीमहि। चतुःपदार्थदात्रे च नमो नमः॥

Chant this 108 times. Listen to the Katha. After this divide the prasad into four parts. The first part for Acharya, the second for family, the third for the audience, and the fourth for yourself.

Feed and give substantial charity to the priest. This way you can fulfill all your wishes.