CHAPTER 5

 CHAPTER 5

Maharishi Sootha continued: "Once there was a king called Thungadhwaja who underwent a lot of misery after refusing the Sathyanaaraayana prasaad." One day after hunting, he was resting under a shady tree. Some cowherds were happily performing Sathyanaaraayana Pooja nearby. The king, in his vanity, refused the prasaad they offered. When he reached his palace, he found that his kingdom, his 100 sons, his wealth, and everything was destroyed. Then it occurred to him that Lord Sathyanaaraayana was probably angry with him. He went back to the cowherds, prostrated himself before Lord Sathyanaaraayana, and performed the Pooja with great devotion. Lord Sathyanaaraayana showered His blessings and the king regained everything he had lost earlier. He lived happily and reached Vaikuntha after death. Maharishi Sootha said, oh holy men, I have narrated to you the Sathyanaaraayana Katha which was originally told by Bhagawaan Vishnu to Naarada Muni. By observing this Vratha, mankind can attain salvation. In this Kaliyuga, observance of the Vratha can lead to fulfillment of one's wishes." Thus ended the narration of Maharishi Sootha after which Shounak and the other rishis returned to their respective abodes.