Hindu Heritage Services

Once, Shounak and 88,000 other sages gathered in the forest of Naimisharanya and approached Maharishi Sootha, the renowned narrator of the Puranas. They asked, "Oh, Maharishi, please tell us how mankind can attain salvation." Maharishi Sootha responded, "Let me share with you the story that I heard from Narada Muni when he asked Lord Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi, the same question.

 

I will recount to you what Lord Vishnu revealed to Narada. Listen carefully."During one of his travels across the worlds, Narada Muni arrived on Earth and witnessed the suffering of people due to the consequences of their past actions. Seeking a way to alleviate their pain and bring salvation, Narada journeyed to Vishnu Loka. There, he found Lord Vishnu, adorned with his divine attributes—the conch (Shankha), discus (Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma), with a garland around his neck.

 

Narada humbly bowed before the Lord and said, "Oh Supreme Lord, the savior of the troubled and destitute, I surrender at your divine feet."Lord Vishnu, in his infinite compassion, asked, "Narada, why have you come here? Tell me what you desire, and I will grant it." Narada replied, "Oh Lord, the people on Earth are suffering due to their past sinful deeds. Please bestow your grace and tell me how they can be relieved of their suffering and attain salvation."Lord Vishnu answered, "Narada, mankind can rid itself of its sorrows and attain peace by performing the Satyanarayana Puja. When performed according to the prescribed rites, this puja will bring happiness, peace of mind, wealth in this life, and ultimate salvation."

 

Hearing this, Narada was filled with joy and eagerly asked, "Oh Lord, in your infinite grace, please tell me the details of this puja. How and when should it be performed? And who has performed it before?"Lord Vishnu replied, "This puja can be performed on any full moon day, in any month. The devotee should gather friends and relatives, and perform the puja with devotion. Offer fruits, ghee, milk, curd, butter, wheat flour, sugar, and honey to the deity. After the puja, the Satyanarayana Katha should be recited, and prasad should be distributed to all present.

 

When performed in this manner, the puja will fulfill one's desires. In particular, during the Kali Yuga, this puja will bring contentment and peace.