SREE SATHYANAARAAYANA VRATHA KATHAA - CHAPTER1

 SREE SATHYANAARAAYANA VRATHA KATHAA

(The following stories highlighting the significance and importance of Sathya Naaraayana Vratha, are an integral part of the Sathyanaaraayana Pooja and form the second part of the Pooja. The first part comprises of Poojas to Lord Ganesha, to Navagrahas, to Ashtadhikpaalakaas, to Panchalokapaalakaas and to Lord Sathyanaaraayana. The Vratha Kathaa is divided into five chapters.)

CHAPTER I

Once, Shounak and 88,000 other rishis assembled at the forest Naimishaaranya and asked Maharishi Sootha, the narrator of the Puraanaas “Oh! Maharishi, please tell us how mankind can attain salvation?” Maharishi Sootha replied: Once Naarada Muni asked Bhagawaan Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi, the same question. I will tell you what Bhagawaan Vishnu told Naarada, so listen carefully." Once, Naarada, during one of his sojourns to the various worlds, came to the earth. There he saw the people suffering because of their past sinful deeds. To alleviate their sufferings and bring about salvation, Naarada travelled to Vishnu Loka. There he found Bhagawaan Vishnu adorned with Counch, Chakra, Gadha and Lotus in His four hands and a garland around His neck. Naarada spoke humbly: "Oh, Supreme Lord, the Savior of the destitute and the troubled, I surrender at Thy feet.  Bhagawaan Vishnu asked: “Naarada, why have you come here? Tell me what you want, and I will fulfill your wishes. Naarada replied: "Oh, Bhagavaan, people on earth are suffering in many ways as a result of their own past sinful deeds. Please bestow Thy grace and reveal to me as to how they can be helped." Bhagawaan Vishnu replied, oh Naarada, mankind can rid itself of all its sorrows by performing a Pooja called Sathyanaaraayana Pooja. This Pooja, when performed according to religious rites will bring happiness, peace of mind and wealth in this life and salvation beyond. On hearing this, Naarada was filled with joy and addressed Bhagawaan Vishnu thus: “Oh, Bhagawaan, in Your infinite grace, please tell me the details of the Pooja that you just mentioned, how and when to perform it and who has performed it before." Bhagawaan Vishnu answered: "This Pooja can be performed any month on a full-moon day. One must gather his friends and relatives; perform the Pooja with devotion and offer fruits, flower, ghee, milk, yogurt, butter, wheat flour, sugar, and honey to Shri Sathyanaaraayana. After the Pooja is over, he must read the Sathyanaaraayana Kathaa and distribute the prasaad to everybody. If the Pooja is thus performed, it will bring fulfillment of one's wishes. Particularly, in this Kaliyuga, this Pooja brings contentment."