Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham (Glory-Significance-Intricacies)

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha!

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha!

Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaya!

Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

                            

India the birth place of Hinduism is rich in spirituality, religious cultures, faiths, austerities, customs and traditions that we don’t find any where else in the world. In the words of Mark Twain “India is the cradle of human race, the birth place of human speech, the mother of history, the grand mother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Bharatha Khanda (Indian sub-continent) is known as Karma Bhoomi which is unique with its significance for Vedic and religious culture and heritage. It is believed and said that one has to take birth in human form in this sub continent to attain the ultimate salvation through austerities that pleases the Almighty God. 

Hinduism strongly believes in Puranas and Vedic principles which are the guiding force behind performance of various austerities and rituals. Vrathas and austerities are an eternal and integral part of Hindu culture and tradition since yore. Vratha means a niyama or a restriction and they play a significant role in the spiritual development of an individual when they are properly observed. As long as one performs a sacred and pious act with full faith and devotion, it would definitely yield positive results and would bring pleasing rewards. They generate positive energy, help in acquiring control over wandering mind and bring discipline in life for self uplift. At the end of the day one should try to understand the concept, significance and intricacies of these Vrathas that motivates a person to follow and observe these austerities with full faith and devotion.

 

One such Vratha which is unique and highly rewarding is Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha which is widely performed throughout the country and even abroad by Hindus. It is so popular that we may not find any family or an individual who have not performed or heard of this vratha. This vratha is performed in adoration of Lord Sathyanarayana. Before we comprehend the niceties of this meritorious vratha let us try to understand as to who is this Lord Sathyanarayana?

Sathyanarayana is none other than Sri Maha Vishnu the primordial supreme Lord SriManNarayana. Sathya + Narayana = Sathyanarayana. Sathya is one of the several thousands of names associated with Lord Vishnu. We find a reference to the word Sathya more than once in sloka # 12,23,31,56,80 and 93 of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram. Sathya means truth. Lord Sri ManNarayana is the truth and is eternal. His concepts and creations are truth. His avatharas (incarnations) are truth. He is an embodiment of truth and Sathya is his costume. He is Sathya-dharma-parayana, the custodian of truth, virtue and justice. He always protects his true devotees. He is a personification of Dharma and his avatharas are always for protecting Sathya and dharma. He is the ultimate reality for his devotees. He is also known as Sathyanarayana. Verily He is a true God, not an illusion.

Narayana is a highly popular name by which Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is called.  He is the all pervading Supreme Lord. Several Vedic scripts like Purusha Sooktham, Narayana Upanishad, Narayana Sooktham and several puranas eulogize Lord Sri ManNarayana, his qualities, merits, magnificence and his supremacy. Nara + Yana = Narayana.  Nara is generally referred to mankind and Yana means the conveyance. Narayana means the conveyance or the sole vehicle for the human beings to depend upon for their ultimate journey of salvation.  Aayana also means the direction and Narayana is the one who shows direction to the mankind towards the ultimate reality. The word Naara is also associated with another meaning for water. Narayana also means the one whose abode is water.

Famous Ashtaakshari (eight lettered) manthra Om! Namo! Naaraayanaaya dedicated to Lord SriManNarayana is a Kyvalya (salvation) manthra without reciting of which even the Gayathri manthra becomes ineffective which we perform during Sandhyavandana. We find merits of reciting Narayana manthra in Srimad Bhagavatham 6^th canto, in the episode of Ajaamilopakhyanam. In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram we find reference to the word Narayana in sloka # 26 and sloka # 108. Narayana Upanishad describes Him as Eko! Narayana. There is only one Narayana, the supreme Lord; the Aadipurusha and there is no one superior to him and is second to none. He is unblemished and free from all sins. He is the Omkara (Pranavam) and is the core element of life. He is Paramaatma. He is Lord Sathyanarayana.

Having understood the concept and significance of Lord Sathyanarayana, let us try to understand the intricacies of Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham and its merits. Sathyanarayana is an extremely benevolent form of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu who is depicted similar to Vishnu. He is portrayed as chaturbhuja (four arms) holding Conch, Disc, Mace and Lotus in four hands, wearing a garland (Vanamala) with a sparkling appearance. Sathyanarayana is a household name among Hindu families. His worship is in the form of a vratha popularly known as Sathyanarayana Vratham.

Who first initiated for this Vratha

According to the story behind, it was Lord SriManNarayana himself in the guise of an old Brahmin who first directed a poor Brahmin living in Kaasi Kshethra to perform this sacred Vratha. Later through a dialogue between Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and Sage Narada it percolated down and from Pouranic prophet Sage Sootha it got unfolded into the world.

 

Uniqueness

Generally any vratha is performed targeting only the presiding Deity of that particular Vratha. Of course Lord Ganapathi will be worshiped invariably before commencement of any Vratha or Pooja. But uniqueness of Sathyanarayana Vratham is that, it is the only ritual where we find the Presiding Deity Lord Sri Sathyanarayana is worshiped along with Lord Ganesha and also Navagrahas. In some sampradaya we find even Ashta Dikkhpaalakas are also worshipped on the same platform. It only shows the supremacy of Lord Sathyanarayana who is none other than Lord Sri Hari who is worshipped along with protocols. During this vratha Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi is also worshipped. Another uniqueness we find in this Vratha is that it is the only vratha which is performed by one and all irrespective of affiliations and is open for people of all Varnas.

 

When-Where & Why?

Generally Vrathas are observed or performed only once in a year on the said day or thithi (Eg. Vinayaka Vratha, Anantha Vratha, Mangala Gouri etc).  Whereas, to perform Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham there is, no need for looking at the thithi, vaara and nakshathra.  It can be performed on any day as per one’s sankalpa. However, preferred days as per the Vratha Katha are Pournami (full moon day), Sankramana (Sun’s transit day), Ekaadasi.  

Preferred lunar months are Vaisakha masam, Karthika masam & Maagha masam. Apart from this, we find people generally perform Sathyanarayana Vratham on specific occasions like marriage, Gruha-pravesam etc. There is no restriction on the number of times that it can be performed. We find people performing this Vratha every month and at certain places it is even performed every day. It can be performed either in the day or in the evening. When it is performed in the evening we find people observes fasting till completion of the Pooja.  When it is on Ekaadasi day it is generally performed in the evening, fasting should be observed and we find people keep vigil throughout night, break the fast on the next day (Dwaadasi) morning after repeating the pooja.

Sathyanarayana Vratham can be performed at home, temples/mutts, offices, shops and establishments. Performing this vratha on the banks of sacred rivers or pilgrim centers (theertha kshetras) will be highly auspicious and meritorious. Sacred Naimisharanya the cradle of all Pouranic discourses and scripts is the most ideal place among the Theertha Kshetras to perform Sathyanarayana Vratham. It can be performed individually or collectively.

This meritorious Vratha is performed for various purposes and fulfillment of various desires in mind. Some of the purposes for which this ritual is generally performed are, for begetting progeny, facing obstacles in life, suffering from grief, ill-health, suffering from poverty, debts, success in ventures, prosperity and abundance in life, on the occasion of marriage, Gruha pravesam etc. However, it should not be performed during the period of Asoucha, on the day of Pithru/Mathru thithi, on the eclipse days.

Significance of Vratha Katha

Any vratha or ritual would be incomplete without reading its legend behind (Vratha-Katha) especially the one like Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham which should not be missed out. The story of Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham is originated from the Reva-Khanda of Skandha Purana, one of the Ashtadasa Maha-Puranas composed by Sage Sri Veda Vyasa. It was first narrated by Sage Sootha at the sacred Naimisharanya on the backdrop of Sage Narada getting a direction from Lord Sri ManNarayana for his (Narada’s) query on the suffering of humanity. Sri Sathyanarayana Vratha katha forms an integral part of this sacred vratham.  Great popularity behind this Vratham springs from the stories and legends behind and also from the experiences of devotees who performed it that stands as a testimony to the glory and significance of this sacred vratham.

The story consists of five chapters.  First chapter is almost like a dialogue between Sage Narada and Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. It narrates about when, where and why to perform this ritual, its merits and significance. Second chapter narrates about who fist performed viz. a poor Brahmin and a poor wood-cutter and their experiences. Third and fourth chapters narrate about the Mahatmya of Lord Sathyanarayana, glory of His worship, implications of ignoring him and also his benevolence. Fifth chapter indicates significance of Prasada (offering to the Lord) and implications of ignoring it.

Merits of the Vratham

Sri Sathyanarayana Vratham is considered as highly meritorious and result oriented especially in Kaliyuga that acts as remedy for various natal as well as mundane sufferings. Even witnessing the vratha, listening to the sacred story, taking Prasada (offering to God) is as meritorious as performing the Vratham itself.  It is a Kaamyaka Vratha the one that bestows and fulfills the desires of devotees be it materialistic or spiritual (Gnana, Bhakti & Vyragya)

Significance of Prasadam

A special mention has to be made about Sathyanarayana Swamy Prasadam. Another significance of this Vratha is its Prasada (offering to God) which is known as Saphaala Bhaksha. Saphaala means equal parts and Bhaksha means the eatable. Saphaala Bhaksha means Naivedya (offering to God) prepared with ingredients mixed in equal proportions. The ingredients for the preparation of Prasada are Wheat Soji, Bananas, Cow Milk, Sugar (jaggery) and Cow Ghee. Merits of Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy prasadam is such that it should be taken by one and all irrespective of affiliations.

Temples of Lord Sathyanarayana

We find temples of Lord Sathyanarayana across the country. Prominent among them is the one at Annavaram in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh about 45 km from Kakinada.  Annavaram Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy is believed to have manifested on the top of Rathnagiri hills on the banks of Pampa River. Rarity of this temple is the Presiding Deity, Lord Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy appears with moustaches holding Dhanur-Baana (bow and arrows) in a standing posture along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva on a common platform. Here the Lord is known by the name Veera Venkata Sathyanarayana Swamy. Annavaram is believed to be the place that grants its devotees their desired boons. Annavaram is well connected by Rail located on the Vijayawada – Vizag line of Southern Railway and by road on the Chennai-Calcutta national highway. Nearest airport is Vizag about 3 hours distance from Annavaram. The temple is situated at a distance of 3 km from Annavaram Railway Station. All trains and buses passing this route stop at Annavaram.

Annexure

Pooja items required

Turmeric powder(Haldi) Kunkuma powder Sandalwood powder Areca-nuts(supari) Akshata (rice grains mixed with Kunkuma) Coconuts Wooden platform (preferably square) Mango leaves Two new cloth pieces Kalasha pot (silver/copper/brass) Photo & small idol (pratima) of Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy Ingredients for Panchamrutha

Ingredients for Prasadam Dry fruits Flowers Betel leaves Thulasi Fruits, Yagnopaveetham(janeu) Water Oil/ghee lamps Cotton wicks Akhanda Deepa Camphor Incense sticks Aarati plate Ghanta(bell) Nava Dhaanya (for Navagrahas)

Ingredients for Panchamrutha	Cow milk, curd, honey, sugar & ghee
Ingredients for Prasadam	Wheat Soji, sugar/jaggery, bananas, cow milk and cow ghee

Sri Sathyanarayana Pooja - Checklist

While performing Sri Sathyanarayana Swamy vratham following sequence is generally followed. It may vary as per one’s sampradaya and changes may be made in sequence, addition or deletion wherever applicable. Details of this schedule are nowadays available from the market in the form of books or CD/Cassettes. Just for ready reference the process flow is being provided in the form of a checklist.

Guru Vandana Vigneshwara Prarthana Aachamanam Praanayaamam Sankalpam Kalasha Pooja Ganapathi Pooja Navagraha Pooja Ashta Dikkhpaalaka Pooja (as per sampradaya) Sathyanarayana Pooja Prana Prathishta Dhyanam (Prayer) Aavaahanam Aasanam Arghyam Paadhyam Aachamanam Madhuparkam Snanam (Panchamrutha) Suddhodaka Snanam

Vasthram Yagnopaveetham Chandana Akshatha Samarpana Pushpa Pooja (with flowers) Athah-Anga Pooja Ashtottara Satha Nama Pooja Dhoopam Deepam Naivedyam Thamboolam Mangala Neerajanam Manthra Pushpam Pradakshina – Namaskara Arghyam Vaayana Daanam Prayer Sathyanarayana Vratha Katha Conclusion (Samarpana) Uttara (Punah) Pooja Udhwaasanam

               Ashta Dighpalakas

East Poorva Indra South-East Aagneya Agni South Dakshina Yama South-West Nyruthi Nirruthi West Paschima Varuna North-West Vaayuvya Vayu North Uttara Kubera North-East Eesaanya Eesaana

Navagrahas Surya Sukra Chandra Shani Kuja Rahu Budha Kethu Guru

Vanamaali gadee shaarngii shankhii chakrii cha nandakii

SrimanNaaraayano vishnur-vaasudevo-abhirakshathu

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu