Satyanarayan Katha is a popular puja to Lord Vishnu in the form of Satyanarayan. Families do it to give thanks and ask for blessings, for example after moving into a new home, a wedding, a new job or a new business. Many families also do it on Purnima (full moon day).
What happens during the puja
- Sankalp: the family states the purpose of the puja.
- Ganesh puja to begin without obstacles.
- Kalash sthapana and worship of the deity.
- The katha: the pandit reads or tells the stories, usually in several chapters, with aarti at the end.
- Aarti and distribution of prasad to everyone present.
How long does it take?
Usually about 2 hours. Plan a little extra time for guests to arrive and for prasad to be shared.
Commonly needed items
- A clean wooden stool or platform and a new cloth for the altar
- A picture or idol of Lord Satyanarayan, kalash, coconut and mango leaves
- Flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits and banana
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- A prasad made of semolina or wheat flour, ghee, sugar and banana, as is common in many homes
- Lamps, incense, camphor, kumkum, turmeric and rice
How to prepare your family
- Invite guests with the start time, and ask them to arrive a little early.
- Keep seating on the floor or chairs ready for elders.
- Decide who will distribute the prasad.
- Confirm the pandit's language so everyone understands the katha.