Pt. Dipak Rambharose (Ajay)
Introduction In Hinduism, there are many different ways for one to express his/her love and appreciation to God; it is certainly one of the many independent facts, which makes this religion such a beautiful one. There are also many ways outlined in our sacred scriptures, whereby one can show his gratitude to God and at the same time, serve Humanity and seek the shelter of God s grace. One such way, is known as the Shri Satyanaaraayana Vrata. Shri Satyanaaraayana Bhagwaan or Lord Vishnu s worship is a most sacred and integral part of this vast religion and every Hindu s life. It encourages a steadfast stream of devotion and contemplation to God, whilst teaching Man, that any service to Humanity is service onto the Almighty as well. In simplicity, this Ceremony is called a Vrata or Fasting; however, if one were to dive into the depths of the actual procedures involved, then an amazing ocean of love, peace & togetherness emerges. According to our scriptures in Sanaatan Dharma, there are four rewards of Human existence: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Dharma (Spiritual Upliftment) Artha (Material Need) Kaama (Personal Need) Moksha (Liberation or Final Beatitude) By performing this most sacred Fast, the devotee hopes to achieve these goals with all humility and devotion; especially the final Liberation. He is encouraged to prepare the entire home in the most auspicious ways possible; whilst contemplating his/her mind on the aspect of the Almighty known as Shri Satyanaaraayana. This signifies the cleansing of not only our outward self, but our inner self as well. Guests will also be invited, and food & drinks will be distributed to all present; whilst charity is given away. There is also beautiful singing, music and dancing, all dedicated to the feet of Bhagwaan Shri Satyanaaraayana. These are very significant of the fact that we realize who the giver is (God) and what the Main Goal in life is (Becoming one with God). Everything we have is made possible only because of God; hence He is the Giver and the owner as well. This Vrata seeks to be a constant reminder to man of this very fact. Giving to Humanity signifies our need to help each other not only physically, but spiritually as well. It is my most fervent hope, that through the medium of this text, one can better understand the Shri Satyanaaraayana Vrata Kathaa and Hinduism in the whole. Just performing the Vrata would not yield any benefits; but understanding what to do and why are doing it will bring us closer to our Lord. A clean mind, firm faith and devotion, a humble attitude and pure love in your heart for the lotus like feet of the Lord are the most important ingredients in any Pooja or Fast. Of the eighteen (18) Puraanas found in Sanaatan Dharma, this Kathaa (Narration) comes from the Skannda Puraan (all written by Bhagwaan Shri Veda Vyaasa Ji) Prem Se Bolo Shri Satyanaaraayana Swaami Ki Jai! Pt. Dipak Rambharose (Ajay)
GUIDE TO POOJA ITEMS & PRASAADAM To perform the Pooja, the following articles should be collected (however, if not available you can substitute them with articles that are much alike and pure). Alter well prepared A Moortee or Picture of Bhagwaan Shri Satyanaaraayana Four stems of the Banana Trees Mango Leaves, Doorva (Duba) grass, Tulsi Leaves, Paan Leaves A Kalasha (round earthen vessel filled with water and covered with mango leaves) Rice, camphor and dhoop Fruits to offer Clothing to offer Sacred Thread (Yagya Paveet red in color) A Diya filled with Ghee and a wick made of cotton Panchaamrita made by mixing milk, honey, curd (dadhee), ghee and sugar NB: Apart from the above, general Pooja items are also required since Pooja is also done to other forms of God, as is described later. When can this Vrata be performed? This Vrata can be performed on any day (preferably when the devotee feels the need and desire to do pooja to the Lord); however, the most auspicious days for the performance of this Vrata and Pooja are: Poornima on the day of the Full Moon Ekadashi eleventh day of each of the two fortnights of the lunar month Sankranti (the most auspicious day marking Surya s {Sun} entry into Capricorn). What time can this Pooja be performed: It is directed that the Pooja be done in the evening (when night is beginning). Procedure leading up to the Pooja: The devotee should clean his/her home and surrounding area and prepare the mind for the Vrata, from the day before. Fasting should be done for the entire day (of the Pooja), whilst constantly thinking of Bhagwaan Shri Satyanaaraayana and the true purpose of performing the Vrata. The Devotee should take a bath just before performing the Pooja and wear clean clothes; after which, either by himself and family, or under the guidance of the Guru or Porohit (Hindu Priest), the Pooja begins with all love and devotion.
SHRI SATYANAARAAYANA VRATA KATHAA (English) Thus spoke Vyaasa Ji Chapter One Once, a group of holy sages assembled at the Naimishaaranya Pilgrimage and approached the great sage Soota Ji, and asked him: "By doing which worship of penance can one's desires be fulfilled? Please tell us." The great sage Soota replied, "Long ago, the great sage Narada asked the same question to Lord Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi. I will repeat the same what Lord Vishnu told Narada. Please listen intently." Once, Sage Narada, while traveling for the benefit and upliftment of the various worlds, arrived on earth (Mrityulok). There, he saw mankind going through the various cycles of birth and suffering as a result of their past deeds. Anxious to find a solution to this endless cycle of rebirth, and to find a way for salvation for humanity, he went to the abode of Lord Vishnu. He found the dark-complexioned Lord holding his conch, disc (chakra), mace (gadha), and lotus in his four hands. He had a garland draped around his neck. The great sage Narada prayed saying: "Lord! No one can guess about Your power and strength. Your glory is beyond description and beyond perception. You are eternal, without any beginning or end. Though You are free from Human traits, You are the master of unlimited power. Since time immemorial, you have been relieving the sufferings of all Your devotees; I offer You my respects. Hearing Sage Narada's prayer, Lord Vishnu replied, "O Narada, why have you come here? What is your desire? Tell me, I will fulfill all of your wishes." Sage Narada replied, "O Lord of the three worlds, people on earth are suffering in various ways as a result of their past sinful deeds. Bestow your grace and bless me with a solution to relieve their suffering."
Lord Vishnu replied, "Son, you have asked a good question. The concern you have for all the worlds is worth mentioning. There is a worship that is very powerful in the heavens and on the earth. I will reveal it now to you because of our affection for each other. That is the Satyanaaraayana Pooja (worship). Those who perform this worship in the required way, according to religious rites, will enjoy all the happiness in this life and attain salvation beyond." On hearing this, Narada asked again. "O Damodara (a name for Lord Vishnu), with your infinite grace, please tell me in detail the fruits of the worship. What is the procedure for doing it? Who has performed it before? And how does one perform it? Lord Vishnu replied, "This Satyanarayana worship removes sorrows, grants wealth, grain, and clothes. It increases prosperity and grants progeny. One who performs it will be victorious in all conditions and situations. While preparing for a battle, when afflicted with sorrows or struck with poverty, it is beneficial to do this Pooja. This worship can be performed the very day when one feels overwhelmed with devotion and reverence; however, the most auspicious days for this worship are full moon day, Ekadashi (eleventh day of each of the two fortnights of the lunar month), and Sankranti (the holy day marking the Sun's entry into Capricorn)." Lord Vishnu continued: "One should get up early in the morning and finish his daily ablutions and tasks. Then with a pure mind and body the one performing the Pooja should pledge, 'O Lord Satyanarayana! To receive your blessings, I am performing this worship with devotion and concentration.' He should finish his daily activities, bathe again in the evening and perform the Pooja when night starts. The place of worship must be, decorated with Rangoli (colorful designs made with rice); a Kalasha should be placed on the rice. A new cloth should be laid out, and on it should be placed an idol of Lord Satyanarayana. This idol can be made of any material based on one's status. It should be bathed with the five nectars (milk, curds, ghee, sugar, and honey), and then placed on the cloth." Lord Vishnu then went on to tell how to perform the Pooja: "After praying first to the Lords of the five worlds, Ganesha, Brahma, Visnu, Shiva, and Parvati (Pancalokapalakas), the nine planets (Navagrahas), Indra and the other lords of the eight directions (Ashtadikpalakas) along with their presiding deities (adhi devatas and prayadhi devatas) should be worshiped. Then, Lord Satyanarayana, represented by the main Kalasha, should be invited and worshiped. Lord Vishnu concluded by saying, "People of any caste, man or woman, can perform this Pooja. This Pooja can be performed in the evening on any day. One should invite Brahmins and relatives and perform this worship by offering a mixture of bananas, ghee, milk, wheat grains or rice grains, sugar, or jaggery. After the final offering, offer gifts to the Brahmins, hear the story of the worship and have a feast with everyone. In this Kaliyuga, this worship is the easiest way to fulfill one's desires."
Chapter Two After telling the gathering of sages about Satyanarayana Pooja, Sage Soota continued his tale. "O great ascetics! I will now tell you who all observed this worship in the past. Listen." Once there lived a very poor Brahmin in the city of Kashi. Plagued by acute hunger, he used to wander about in search of food. Knowing his plight, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the guise of an old Brahmin and asked, "O Brahmin, being a Vedic scholar why are you suffering like this and wandering aimlessly?" The Brahmin replied, "O great sir! I am very poor. Unable to bear the pangs of hunger, I beg for alms. No matter how hard I work, I can't find a way out of this misery. If you have any solution, please tell me." The old Brahmin (who was really Lord Vishnu) replied, "O Brahmin! Lord Satyanarayana is another form of Lord Vishnu. The Lord of Lords fulfills the wishes of his devotees. Hence, reap the benefits of performing the Satyanarayana Pooja, by which all suffering will be removed." Saying this, the old Brahmin explained the details of how to perform the Pooja and disappeared. The poor Brahmin decided to perform the Satyanarayana Pooja the very next day. In anticipation, he couldn't sleep the night before and got up early the next morning and performed the required bath and pledged to do the Pooja that very day. He then went to beg for alms. That day, he received a lot of money. He called Brahmins and relatives and performed the worship. As a result, by the grace of Lord Satyanarayana, all of his suffering vanished and he obtained riches and lived a contented life. Not only did performing the Satyanarayana Pooja bring him wealth, but also his sins were all removed and he finally attained Moksha (salvation). Whoever performs this Pooja will be rid of all of his sorrows immediately." The great Sage Soota continued speaking to the gathered ascetics, "I have described to you in detail what Lord Vishnu told Sage Narada. What else do you want to know?" The sages asked, "O Soota! Please tell us about those who performed the worship after hearing about it from the Brahmin."
"O Sages," Soota replied, "I will tell you who else performed this worship. Once a Brahmin decided to perform the worship according to his means, all of his friends and relatives came to participate. When the Brahmin began his worship, a woodcutter arrived on the street and came inside the Brahmin's house seeking a cup of water, but when he saw that Pooja was being performed, he stayed and observed the whole affair. Desiring to know what was happening, the woodcutter asked, 'O Great Soul! What worship is being undertaken? What are its benefits? Please tell me in detail.' The Brahmin replied, 'This is the Satyanarayana Pooja. It fulfills all desires, grants wealth, grains and prosperity.' The woodcutter was delighted to hear this, drank some water, ate the Prasad that was offered and left for his home. The woodcutter decided to perform the Pooja in his home the very next day. Early that morning, he pledged to use all of the money he earned selling wood that day to perform Satyanarayana Pooja and left for the city. He went to the wealthiest part of town and made twice his normal profit selling wood. Delighted, he bought bananas, sugar, ghee, milk, and wheat grains on the way home. Later, he invited his relatives and performed Satyanarayana Pooja. Due to the merit he obtained doing this worship, he gained wealth, progeny, happiness, and prosperity. In fact, he was prosperous for all of his remaining life and attained salvation.
Chapter Three Sage Soota told the gathering: "O Best of the Ascetics! I will tell you another story, please listen." In the olden days, there lived a wise king named Ulkhamukha. He had mastered all of his senses and always spoke the truth. He used to go to the temple every day and offer gifts and riches to the Brahmins. His wife was a pious and beautiful woman. One day, the royal couple was performing Satyanarayana Pooja on the banks of the river, Bhadrasheela. Just at that time, a merchant by the name of Sadhu sailed by with his boat filled with merchandise. He saw the king performing the worship, and as he reached the shore, approached him and asked, "O Mighty King! Kindly tell me in detail the worship you are performing with such devotion and concentration." The king replied, "We are performing Satyanarayana Pooja so that we may be blessed with children." Sadhu replied, "O Mighty King! I too don't have any children. I will surely perform this worship and fulfill my desire." After this, the merchant completed his business, reached his hometown, and informed his wife Leelavati about the Satyanarayana Pooja, which would fulfill their wish of having children. He pledged to perform the worship after the birth of the child. Through divine grace, Leelavati conceived and in due course gave birth to a daughter named Kalaavati. One day, Leelaavati reminded her husband, "You pledged that you would perform the Satyanarayana Puja once we have children. Why are you still not performing the worship even after our wish has been fulfilled?" Sadhu comforted his wife saying, "Dear! I will perform the worship during our daughter's marriage," and with that he left the city on business. In the meantime, Kalaavati blossomed into a lovely maiden and Sadhu sent a messenger in search of a suitable groom. The messenger found a good-natured, handsome, and able boy in a merchant family from Kanchana Nagar. Sadhu found the boy as a suitable match for Kalaavati.
He celebrated his daughter's marriage with great pomp and ceremony. Engrossed in the festivities, he forgot to perform Satyanarayana Pooja. Due to this very irresponsible and selfish attitude of Sadhu, the repercussions that followed were most certain. One day, Sadhu went on a business trip along with his son-in-law to the seaside town of Ratnapura. Later, they went to the city of King Chandraketu. Seeing that Sadhu had completely forgotten his promise, Lord Satyanarayana placed a curse on Sadhu, saying "Let him be afflicted with great sorrows and hardships." During the night, some thieves robbed the king's treasury and ran to the place where Sadhu and his son-in-law were staying. The royal soldiers were in pursuit of the thieves, and when they arrived they mistook the Sadhu and his son-in-law for the criminals, chained them and brought them to the king's assembly. The soldiers said, "We have brought the thieves along with their loot. Please punish them accordingly." Without even deliberating, the King declared the merchants should remain in chains and be thrown in prison. Due to the illusion created by Lord Satyanarayana, no one paid heed to the ardent appeals of the two merchants. King Chandraketu confiscated all their merchandise. Because of this, Leelaavati and Kalaavati were also afflicted with sorrows. Their house was robbed and their mental distress increased. Leelaavati became ill, and because they had no money to buy food, they had to begin to go begging. One day, Kalaavati arrived at a Brahmin's home to beg for food. Observing the Satyanarayana Pooja being performed, she watched the worship and prayed to the Lord, ate the Prasad, and left for home. When she arrived home, her mother asked her why she was late. Kalaavati replied, "Mother! I saw the Satyanarayana Pooja being performed at the Brahmin's house. I listened to the story and had the Prasad." Hearing this, Leelaavati decided to do the worship. She called friends and relatives and performed the Satyanarayana Pooja along with them. She prayed, "Lord, Please forgive all of our sins. Please let my husband and son-in-law come home soon." Lord Satyanarayana was pleased with Leelaavati worship. He appeared to King Chandraketu that night in a dream and told him, "Release the two merchants. Give them back their wealth. If not, you will lose your kingdom, sons and wealth." The king told the assembly the next morning about his dream and ordered the release of the two merchants. The soldiers brought the Sadhu and his son-in-law to the assembly; the merchants bowed to the king, but hesitated to speak, remembering their earlier ordeal when nobody would listen to them. The King then said, "You had to face great difficulties, but don't be afraid anymore." He removed their chains, gifted them with expensive clothes and ornaments and doubled the merchandise he returned to them. He told them to go home in peace.
Chapter Four The Great Sage Soota continued his tale: "Later Sadhu and his son-in-law departed for a pilgrimage to various holy places. They gave gifts to Brahmins and then headed for home." After they traveled for some distance by sea, intending to test them further, Lord Satyanarayana appeared in the guise of an ascetic and questioned Sadhu. "O Merchant, What merchandise are you carrying in your boat?" Hearing this, Sadhu and his son-in-law answered the holy man in a proud and mocking tone. "O! Ascetic! Why do you need to know what merchandise we have in our boat? Are you planning to steal our wealth? There is nothing except leaves in our boat." The ascetic replied, "So be it," and walked off of the boat and stood on the shore watching the pair. As Sadhu finished his daily ablutions, he became uneasy as he realized that the boat was feeling lighter than it had been. Quickly he went to check his stock, shocked to find only leaves where his stash of valuable merchandise had been. He almost swooned and began a loud lament. "Why are you lamenting?" his son-in-law asked. "This happened because of the ascetic's curse. Only he has the power to regain our riches. Let's go and beg for his forgiveness. That's the only way back to our wealth." Immediately Sadhu and his son-in-law went to the ascetic and bowed at his feet again and again. They humbly prayed, "O Great Person! Being foolish we ridiculed you. Please forgive us this grave error and protect us!" The ascetic pacified them and said, "Since you did not fulfill your promise to perform my worship, you had to go through these hardships." On hearing these words of Lord Satyanarayana, Sadhu prayed, "Lord! The whole world is drowned in your illusion (Maya). Even Brahma and the other Devatas cannot comprehend you. How can I, with my limited knowledge, comprehend your various forms? Lord! I will worship you. Please bestow your compassion on me. Please return my wealth and protect me." The Lord, pleased with Sadhu, granted all his wishes and disappeared. Sadhu returned to his boat and noticed that all of his riches were returned. He made a prayer of thanks to God. He told his son-in-law to send a messenger ahead to their hometown of Ratnapura to let their wives know they were coming home, and headed his boat in that direction. The messenger reached Leelaavati just as Sadhu was about to land. He told her, "O Mother! The master has arrived along with your son-in-law. The boat has just reached the shore." Leelaavati was delighted to hear that her husband had returned. She hastened her daughter to finish the Satyanarayana Pooja that she was at that time performing. Both of them finished the
worship and raced to the shore to meet their returning husbands, but in her haste Kalaavati forgot to partake of the Prasad. Because Kalaavati forgot this most important part of the Pooja, Lord Satyanarayana sank the boat and all of the merchandise was lost and the son-in-law was drowned. The people waiting at the shore were shocked and saddened as they helplessly watched the tragedy. Leelaavati was distraught and embraced her daughter. "My son-in-law has drowned and our boat is lost right before our eyes," she wept. "All of this is the power of Lord Satyanarayana!" Kalaavati was crazed with sorrow and believing that her husband was dead, she took his shoes that had washed ashore in her hands, and began to walk into the sea to kill herself. Sadhu, watching the scene, realized that it was only a drama created by God, and he began to pray to Lord Satyanarayana. He invited all those gathered there to join him. The Lord was pleased and said, "O Sadhu! Your daughter did not partake of the Prasad from the Pooja she was performing in her haste to see her husband. Hence, you cannot see your son-inlaw. Everything will be fine if she returns home and takes the Prasad. When she returns from doing this she will regain her husband and all will be well. You will all be happy!" Upon hearing this message from heaven, Kalaavati rushed home and ate the Prasad and came back to the shore. Upon her return, her husband and the boat full of merchandise reappeared on the water's surface in good shape. The young couple and their relatives were extremely happy. Then Kalaavati asked her father, "Father, why are you delaying? Let's go home." Immediately upon returning to their house, Sadhu and his family performed Satyanarayana Pooja in gratitude for their safe return. Later, Sadhu performed the Satyanarayana worship on every full moon and Sankranti without fail for the rest of his life. By the Lord's grace, he enjoyed all the comforts in this world and finally attained salvation.
Chapter Five Sage Soota continued, "Revered Sages, I shall narrate one more story. Please listen." There was once a king by the name of Thungadhvaja, who ruled over his people like a parent. One day the king went hunting. He killed a lot of animals and noticed some cowherds performing Satyanarayana Pooja under a Bilva tree. Because of his great pride he ignored the cowherds and, without acknowledging Lord Satyanarayana or bowing to him, the King left the area. Later, when the Pooja was finished, the cowherds approached the king and placed the Prasad before him and returned to the site of the Pooja for a feast. Again, the king's pride kept him from partaking of the holy dish and he left it where it had been placed. Due to this, of the king's 100 sons died, his wealth and belongings were destroyed, and he became extremely poor and was afflicted with various hardships. The King pondered his plight and realized his error. He thought, "My kingly pride prevented me from accepting the Lord's Prasad since it was offered by the cowherds. This has angered God and he has destroyed my whole family. This is what happened. I have no doubt." So the king went to the cowherds, performed Satyanarayana Pooja with them and immediately regained his kingdom, riches, and sons. He lived happily as long as he was alive and later attained salvation. Whoever performs this powerful and simple Satyanarayana worship and listens to the story will obtain riches and wealth and will live happily. The poor will become wealthy, prisoners will be free, and the timid will become courageous. All of his desires will be fulfilled and after death he will obtain salvation. Sage Soota continued, "I have narrated the necessity, procedure, importance, and results of performing Satyanarayana Pooja. In this Kaliyuga, the Satyanarayana worship is special and a simple way to obtain results. In the Kaliyuga, the Lord is known as Satyeshwara, Satyanarayana, or Satyadeva and appears in various forms and fulfills the wishes of all his devotees." Even if one does not perform the worship, but observes someone performing it, listens to the story towards the end, and takes Prasad, by the grace of God all of his sins will be destroyed.
SHRI SATYANAARAAYANA VRATA KATHAA (Hindi Romanized) Pahla Adhyaya Ek Samay Naimi Sharanya Tirth mein, Shaunik Adi Athaasi Hazaar Rishyo ne Shri Sutji se poocha: "Hey Prabhu, is Kalyug mein Vaid-Vidya rahit manushyo ko prabhu bhakti kis prakaar milaygi tatha unka udhar kaisey hoga? Is-liye hey muni shreshta, koi aisa tap kahiye jis se thodey samay mein punya praapt ho tathaa mano vanchit phal miley." Sarva-shaastra ghyata Shri Sutji boley, "Hey Vaishnavo mein pujya - aap sab ne sarva praniyo ke hit ki baat poochi hai. Ab mein us shreshta vrat ko aap logo mein kahoonga, jis vrat ko Narad ji ne Lakshmi Naaarayan se poochaa thaa, aur Shri LakshmiPati ne Muni Shreshta Naarad se kaha thaa so, dhyaan se suniye. Ek samay, Yogiraaj Naarad ji doosro ke hit ki ichchaa se, anek lokon mein ghoomtey huey, mrityulok mein aa pahunchey. Vahaan bahut yoni-yon mein, janmey huey praya sabhi manushyon ko apne karmo ke dwara anek dukho se peedit dhek kar, kis yatna ke karney se nis-chay hi in-key dukho ka nash ho sakega; aisa man mein sochkar, Vishnulok ko gaye. Vahan shwet varna aur chaar bhuj-aaon wale devon ke eersh, Narayan ko (jinkey haaton mein shanka, chakra, gada aur padma they, tatha vanmala pahney huey they) dekhkar stuti karney lagey. "Hey Bhagwan, aap atyant shakti se sam-parn hai. Man tathaa vaani bhi aapko nahi paa sakti, aapka aadi, madhya aur ant nahin hai, nirgun swaroop shrishti ke aadi bhoot, va bhakto ke dukho ko nasht karney wale hai; Aapko mera namaskar hai." Naradji se is prakaar stuti sunkar, Vishnu Bhagwan boley ki "Hey Munishreshta - Aapke man mein kya hai? Aapka yahaan kis kaam ke liye aag-man hua hai? Nisan-koj kaho." Tab Naradmuni boley, "Mrityu-lok mein sab manushya jo anek yoni-yo mein paida huey hai, apne apne karmo ke dwaara anek pra-kaar ke dukho se, dukhi ho rahey hai. Hey Naath, mujh par daya rakh-tey hai, to batlaa-eay ki unn manushyo ke sab dukh thodey se hi prayatna se kaisey door ho saktey hai?" Shri Vishnu Bhagwanji boley ki
"Hey Naarad, Manushyo ki bhalaa-ee ke liye, tumne yeh bahut achchi baat poochi. Jis kaam ke karney se manushya moh se choot jaata hai, vaha mein kehta hoo suno. Bahut punya ka deney wala, swarg tatha manushya lok dono mein durlab ek vrat hai. Aaj mein premvash hokar tumse kehta hoo. Shri Satyanarayanji ka vrat achchi tarah vidhaan purvak karke manushya turant hi yahaan sukh bhogkar marne par moksh ko prapt hota hai." Shri Vishnu Bhagwan ke vachan sunkar Narad ji ne poocha ki us vrat kaa, kya phal hai? Kya vidhan hai, aur kisne yay vrat kiya hai? Aur kis din yay vrat karnaa chahiye, kripa karke vistaar se bat-aaiye. Shri Vishnu Bhagwan boley, "Dukh shok aadi ko door karne wala, dhan dhanya ko badane wala, saubhagya tatha santaan ko dene wala, sab sthaano par vijaye karne wala, Shri Satyanarayan Swami hai. Bhakti aur shradhaa ke saat kisi bhi din, manushya Shri Satyanarayan ki shaam ke samay, Brahmano aur bandhuo ke saath dharma-parayan hokar puja karey, bhakti bhaav se savaya prasad de. Gehu ke abhaav mein saathi ka churan, shakar tathaa gud le aur sabh bhakshan yogya padarath jama karke savaye arpan kar devey tatha bandhuo sahit bhojan karavey. Bhakti ke saath swayam bhojan karey. Nritya aadi ka aach-ran kar, Shri Satyanarayan Bhagwaan ka sma-ran kar samast samai vyaa-teet karey. Is tarah kaa vrat karney par, manushyo ki ichcha nischay hi - poori hoti hai; Vishesh kar kal, kaal mein bhoomi par yahi moksh ka saral upaya hai.
Doosra Adhyaya Sutji boley "Hey Rishyo! Jisne pehle samay mein is vrat ko kiya hai, uska itihaas kehta hoo, dhyan se suno." Sunder Kaashi-puri nagari mein, ek ati nirdhan Brahman rehta tha. Vah bookh aur pyaas se bechain hua, nitya hi prithvi par ghumta thaa. Brahmano ko prem karne wale, Bhagwan ne, Brahman ko dukhi dekhkar, boodey Brahman ka roop dhar uske paas jaakar aadar ke saath poocha, "Hey Vipra! Tu nitya dukhi hua prithvi par kyo ghumta hai? Hey shreshta Brahman! Yeh sab mujse kaho, mein sunaa-na chahata hoo." Brahman bola "Mein nirdhan Brahman hoo, biksha ke liye prithvi par phirta hoo. Hey Bhagwan, yadi aap iska upaaya jaante ho, to kripa karke batao." Vridh Brahman bola ki Satyanarayan Bhagwan manovanchit phal ko dene wala hai, isliye hey Brahman tu unka pujan kar, jiske karne se manushya sab dukho se mukt hota hai. Brahman ko vrat ka vidhan batakar boodey Brahman ka roop dhaaran karne wale Satyanarayan Bhagwan antardhyan ho gaye. Jis vrat ko vridh Brahman ne bat-laaya hai, mein usko karoonga. Yeh nischay karne par usey raat mein neend bhi nahi aayi. Vah saverey utha. Shri Satyanarayan ke vrat ke nischay kar bikshaa ke liye chala. Us din usko biksha mein bahut sa dhan mila jis se bandhu-baandhavo ke saath usne Shri Satyanarayan ka vrat kiyaa. Iske karne se vah brahman dukho se chutkar anek prakaar ki sampatiyo se yukt hua. Us samay se vah Brahman har maas vrat karne laga. Is tarah, Satyanarayan Bhagwan ke is vrat ko jo karega, vah sab papo se chutkar moksh ko prapt hoga. Aagey jo prithvi par Satyanarayan vrat karega, vah manushya sab dukho se choot jaaye-ga. Isi tarah Naaradji ne Shri Narayan ka kaha hua yeh vrat tumse kaha. Hey Vipro! Mein ab aur kya kahu? Rishi boley "Hey Munishwaro! Sansar mein is Brahman se sunkar kis kis ne is vrat ko kiya, hum vah sab sunana chahatey hain. Iske liye humarey man mein shradha hai. Sutji boley "Hey Muniyo! Jis Jisne us vrat ko kiya hai vah sab suno. Ek samay vah Brahman, dhan aur aishwarya ke anusaar bandhu-baandhavo ke saath vrat karne ko tayar hua. Usi samay ek lakdi bechney wala ek buda aaya aur bahar lakadiyo ko rakhkar Brahman ke makan mein gaya. Pyaas se dukhi lakadharey ne Brahman ko vrat kartey dekhkar namaskar karkey poochney laga ki aap yeh kya kar rahey hai aur iskey karney se kya fal milta hai? Kripa karkey mujse kahiye. Brahman ne kaha, "Sab manokamnao ko poora karne wala, yeh Satyanarayan ka vrat hai. Iski hi kripa se mere yahan dhan-dhanya aadi ki vridhi hui hai." Brahman se is vrat ke barey mein jaankar lakadhara bahut prasan hua. Charnamrit lekar aur prasad khaney ke baad, apne ghar ko gaya. Lakadharey ne man mein is prakaar ka sankalp kiya ki aaj gram mein lakdi bechney se jo dhan mujhe milega usi se Shri Satyanarayan Bhagwan ka uttam mein vrat karoonga. Yeh man mein vichar kar, budha lakadhara lakadiya sar par rakhkar Sundernagar mein gaya. Us roz vahan par usey un lakadiyo ka daam pehle dino se chauguna mila. Tab budha lakadhara daam lekar aur ati prasan hokar pakkey kele ki fali, shakar, ghee aur dahi, gehu ka chun ityadi Satyanarayan Bhagwan ki vrat ki kul samagriyo ko lekar apne ghar gaya. Phir usne apne sab bhaiyo ko bulakar vidhi ke saath Bhagwan ji ka pujan aur vrat kiya. Us vrat ke prabhav se budha lakadhara dhan, putra, aadi se yukt hua aur sansar ke samast sukh bhogkar vaikunth ko chala gaya.
Teesra Adhyaya Sutji bole, "Hey shresta muniyo! Ab aagey ki katha kehta hoo- suno. Pehle samay mein Ulkamukh naam ka ek budhimaan raja tha. Vah satyavakta aur jeetendra tha. Pratidin dev sthano mein jaata tatha garibo ko dhan dekar unkey kasht door karta tha. Uski patni kamal ke samaan mukh wali aur sati sadhvi thi. Badrashila nadi ke tath par un dono ne Satyanarayan Bhagwan ka vrat kiya. Usi samay mein vahan ek sadhu vaishya aaya. uske paas vyapaar ke liye bahut sa dhan tha. Nav ko kinarey par thehra kar raja ke paas gaya aur raja ko vrat kartey huey dekh kar vinay ke saath poochney laga--hey rajan! Bhaktiyukt chit se aap kya kar rahey hai? Meri bhi sunaney ki ichcha hai. Yeh aap mujhe bataea. Raja bola "Hey Sadhu! Apne baandhavo ke saath putradi ke prapti ke liye Mahashaktivaan Satyanarayan Bhagwan ka vrat va pujan kiya ja raha hai. Raja ke vachan sunkar Sadhu aadar ke saath bola, "Hey rajan! Mujko iska sabh vidhan kahiye, mein bhi aapke katha anusar is vrat ko karoonga. Meri bhi koi santaan nahi hai aur is se nischay hi hogi. Raja se sabh vidhan sunkar, vyapaar se nivrit hokar, aanand ke saath ghar gaya. Sadhu ne apni stri se santaan dene wale us vrat ka samachar sunaya aur kaha ki jab meri santaan hogi tab mein is vrat ko karoonga. Sadhu ne aise vachan apni stri Lilawanti ko kahey. Kuch samay baad, Lilawanti garbawati hui tatha dasve mahiney mein uske ek sunder kanya ka janam hua jiska naam Kalawanti rakha gaya. Tab Lilawanti ne meethe shabdo mein apne pati se kaha ki aapne jo sankalp kiya hua tha ki Bhagwan ka vrat karoonga, ab aap usey kariye. Sadhu bole, Hey priya! Iske vivah par karoonga. Apni patni ko aashvaasan dekar voh nagar ko gaya. Kalawanti pitragrah mein vridhi ko prapt ho gayi. Sadhu ne jab nagar mein sakhiyo ke saath apni putri ko dekha to turant hi doot ko bulakar kaha ki putri ke vastey koi suyogya var dekh kar laao. Sadhu ki aagya paakar doot Kanchan Nagar pahuncha aur vahan par badi khoj kar aur dekhbhaal kar ladki ke vaastey suyogya vanik putra ko le aaya. Us suyogya ladke ko dekh kar, Sadhu ne apne bhai-bandhuo sahit prasan-chit apni putri ka vivah uske saath kar diya. Kintu, durbhagya se vivah ke samay bhi us vrat ko karna bhool gaya. Tab Shri Bhagwan krodhit ho gaye aur usey shrap diya ki voh daarun dukh prapt hoga. Apne kaam mein kushal sadhu baniya apne jaamata sahit samudra ke samip Ratanpur nagar pahuncha. Aur vahan dono sasur jamai, Chandraketu Raja ke nagar mein pahunche aur vyapaar karney lagey. Ek roz, Bhagwan Satyanarayan ki maya se prerit koi chor raja ka dhan churakar sheegra ja raha tha kintu peechey se raja ke dooton ko aatey dekh kar, chor ne ghabrakar bhaagtey-bhaagtey dhan ko vahin chup-chap rakh diya jahan vah dono sasur jamai thehrey huey they. Dooton ne us sadhu vaishya ke paas raja ke dhan ko rakha dekh kar dono ko baandhkar le gaye aur prasanta se daudtey huey raja ke samip jaakey boley, "Yeh do chor hum pakad kar laye hai, dekh kar agya de." Raja ki agya se unko kathin kaaravaas mein daal diya aur unka dhan raja ne cheen liya. Usi shrap dwara uski patni bhi ghar par bahut dukhi hui aur ghar par jo dhan rakha tha chor churakar le gaye. Sharirik va mansik peeda mein bookh va pyaas se ati dukhit ho ann ki chinta mein, Kalawanti ek Brahman ke ghar gaye. Vahan usne Satyanarayan vrat hotey dekha. Vahan usne katha suni aur prasad grahan kar raat ko ghar aayi. Mata ne Kalawanti se kaha, "Hey putri! Din mein kahan rahi va tere man mein kya hai?" Kalawanti boli, "Hey mata! maine ek Brahman ke ghar Satyanarayan ka vrat dekha." Kanya ka vachan sunkar, Lilawanti Satyanarayan Bhagwan ke pujan ki tayari karney lagi. Lilawanti ne parivar aur bandhuo sahit Bhagwan ka pujan kiya aur yeh var maanga ki mere pati aur daamaad sheegra hi aa jaavey aur prathna ki ki hum sab ka apraadh shama karo. Satyanarayan Bhagwan is vrat se santusht ho gaye aur Raja
Chandraketu ko swapna mein dekhayee diye aur kaha ki "Hey rajan! Dono bandhi vaishyon ko prat hi chod do aur unka sab dhan jo tumne grahan kiya hai de do nahi to tera dhan, rajya, putradi sab nasht kar doonga." Raja ko aisa vachan sunakar Bhagwan antardhyan ho gaya. Prat-Kaal Raja Chandraketu ne sabha mein apna swapna sunaya aur dono vanik putro ko kaid se mukt kar sabha mein bulaya. Dono ne aatey hi Raja ko namaskar kiya. Raja meethey vachno se boley, "Hey Mahanubhavo! Bhagyavash aisa katheen dukh prapt hua hai, ab koi bhay nahi hai." Aisa kahkar Raja ne unko naye-naye vastrabushan pehnaye tatha unka jitna dhan liya tha us se duna dhan dilvakar vida kiya. Dono vaishya apne ghar ko chal diye.
Chautha Adhyaya Sutji boley, "Vaishya ne mangalachar karke yatra aarambh ki aur apne nagar ko chala. Unkey thodi door pahunchney par dandi veshdhari Satyanarayanji ne un se poocha, "Hey sadhu! teri naav mein kya hai? Abhimani vaanik hasta hua bola, "Hey dandi, aap kyon poochtey ho? Kya dhan lene ki ichcha hai? Meri naav mein to bel tatha pattey adi bharey hai. Vaishya ka kathor vachan sunkar, Bhagwan ne kaha ki tumhara vachan satya ho. Aisa kahkar dandi vaha se chaley gaye aur kuch door jaakar samudra ke kinarey baith gaye. Dandi ke jaaney par vaishya ne nitya kriya karne ke baad naav ko oonchi uthi dekh achamba kiya tatha naav mein bel patradi dekh murchit ho gir pada. Phir murcha khulney par bahut shok karne laga. Tab uska daamaad bola ki aap shok na karey, yeh dandi ka shrap hai. Aapko sharan mein chalna chahiye tabhi hamari manokamna poori hogi. Damad ke vachan sunkar vah dandi ke paas pahuncha. Bhakti bhav se namaskar kar bola, "Maine jo aap se asatya vachan kahey they us ko shama karo, aisa kahkar vah mahan shokatur ho roney lagey. Dandi Bhagwan boley, "Hey vanik putra! Meri aagya se tumhe baar-baar dukh prapt hua hai. Tu meri puja se vimukh hua hai." Sadhu bola, "Hey Bhagwan! Aapki maya se mohit gyani aapke roop ko nahi jaantey, tab mein agyani kaise jaan loo? Aap prasan hoiay, mein saamarth ke anusaar aapki puja karoonga. Meri raksha karo aur pehle ke samaan, nauka mein dhan bhar do." Un dono ke bhaktiyukt vachan sunkar Bhagwan prasan ho gaye. Uski ichanusar var dekar antardhyan ho gaye. Tab unho ne naav par aakar dekha ki naav dhan se paripurn hai. Phir vah Bhagwan Satyanarayan ka pujan kar saathiyo sahit apne nagar ko chala. jab vah apne nagar ke nikat pahuncha tab doot ko ghar bheja. Doot ne sadhu ke ghar jakar, uske stri ko namaskar karke kaha ki sadhu apne daamaad sahit is nagar ke samip aa gaye hai. Aisa vachan sunkar Lilawanti ne bade harsh ke saath Bhagwan Satyanarayan ka pujan kar putri se kaha mein apne pati ke darshano ko jaati hoo, tu karya purna karke sheegra aana. Mata ke vachan sunkar Kalawanti prasad chhodkar pati ke paas gaye. Prasad ki avagya ke karan Bhagwan Satyanarayan ne rusht hokar uske pati ko naav sahit pani mein duba diya. Kalawanti apne pati ko na dekhkar roti hui zameen par gir gayi. Is tarah naav ko dooba hua tatha kanya ko rota dekh sadhu dukhit ho bola, "Hey Prabhu! Mujse ya mere parivar se jo bhool hui usey shama karo. Uske deen vachan sunkar Bhagwan Satyanarayan prasan ho gaye aur aakashvani hui. "Hey Sadhu! Teri kanya mere prasad ko chhodkar aayi hai, isliye iska pati adrishya hua hai. Yadi woh ghar jaakar prasad khaakar lautey to isey pati avashya milega. Aakashwani se aisa sunkar, Kalawanti ne ghar pahunchkar prasad khaaya. Phir us ne aakar pati ke darshan kiye, tab vaishya parivar ke sab log prasan huey. Phir sadhu ne baandhavo sahit Bhagwan Satyanarayan ka vidhi poorvak pujan kiya. Us din se har purnima va sankrant ko Bhagwan Satyanarayan ka pujan karne laga. Phir is lok ka sukh bhogkar swarg ko chala gaya.
Paanchva Adhyaya Sutji boley, "Hey Rishyo! Mein aur bhi katha kehta hoo, suno. Praja palan mein leen, Tungadhwaj naam ka raja tha. Usne bhi Bhagwan ka prasad tyag kar bahut dookh paaya. Ek samay, vanmein ja karke pashuo ko maarkar bud ke ped ke neechey aaya. Us ne bhaktibhav se gwalo ko baandhavo sahit Bhagwan Satyanarayan ka pujan karte dekha. Raja dekhkar bhi, abhimaan vash na vahan gaya, na namaskar kiya. Jab gwalo ne Bhagwan ka us ke saamne prasad rakha, to vah prasad ko tyag kar apni sunder nagri ko chala gaya. Vahan us ne apna sab kuch nasht paaya. To vah samaj gaya ki yeh sabh kuch prasad ke niradhar ke vajai se hua hai. Tab vah, vishwas kar gwalo ke samip gaya aur vidhi poorvak pujan kar prasad khaaya. Bhagwan Satyanarayan ki kripa se sab jaisa tha vaisa hi ho gaya. Tatha sukh bhogkar marne par swarg lok mein gaya. Jo manushya is param durlab vrat ko karega, Bhagwan ki kripa se usey dhan dhanya ki prapti hogi. Nirdhan dhani hota hai. Bandhi bandhan se mukt hokar nirbhay ho jaata hai. Santaanheeno ko santaan prapt hoti hai. Sab manorath purna hokar ant mein vaikunth dham ko jaata hai. Jinhonay, pehle is vrat ko kiya hai, uske doosrey janam ki katha kehta hoo. Vridh Shatanand Brahman ne Sudama ka janam lekar mauksh paaya. Ulkamukh naam ka raja Dashrath hokar vaikunth ko prapt hua. Sadhu naam ke vaishya ne Mordhwaj bankar apne putra ko aare se cheerkar moksh prapt kiya. Maharaj Tungadhwaj ne swayam-bhu hokar Bhagwan ke bhaktyukt karm kar moksh ko prapt kiya. It Shree Satyanarayan Vrat Kathayaam Panchmodhyaya Samapt. Satyanarayan Ji kee Aarti
Recipe for making Shira: Quantity: 7-8 Plates Shira. Material: 2 Vati Rava (Sooji), 1¾ Vati Sugar, ½ Vati Ghee, Badam (Almonds), Manuka (Resins), Charoli, Keshar (Saffron), Banana Procedure: 1. Roast Rava in a utensil in ghee to make it well done i.e. color changes to brownish. 2. Add same amount of water as Rava if it is fine, 3. Add water 1½ times the quantity of Rava, if Rava is coarse. 4. Heat & stir well till the water evaporates. 5. Add sugar & heat again. 6. Add Almond pieces, small circular pieces of banana, saffron, elaychi powder etc 7. Control the heat & stir well to ensure that the lumps are not formed; shira is not too thick nor too thin like paste.