Satyanarayan Pooja is one of the most widely loved forms of worship in Indian homes. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Satya-Narayan, the Lord who is Truth itself, and the family listens together to the Satyanarayan Katha, a set of short stories about devotion, keeping one's word and gratitude. The pooja ends with aarti and the sharing of prasad.
Families perform it on Purnima, after a marriage or a housewarming, on anniversaries, after a wish has been fulfilled, or simply to give thanks. Performing it during a visit to Trimbakeshwar is a lovely way to bring the whole family together in prayer. It is relaxed, welcoming and suitable for all ages.
Why at Trimbakeshwar
Many families combine a pilgrimage to Trimbakeshwar with a Satyanarayan Pooja to give thanks, especially after completing another ritual here or after a wish has been fulfilled. Offering the pooja in a sacred town, near the source of the Godavari, gives a familiar household worship a special sense of occasion.
Significance
The pooja centres on satya, truth, and on keeping the promises we make to God and to one another. The katha tells of people from different walks of life (a poor Brahmin, a woodcutter, a merchant and a king) and how their devotion, or their forgetting of a promise, shaped their lives. Afterwards, the family shares prasad, traditionally a sweet preparation such as sheera made with wheat or semolina, ghee, sugar, milk and banana.
In the scriptures
The Satyanarayan Katha is found in the Bhavishya Purana (Pratisarga Parva) and in the Reva Khanda attributed to the Skanda Purana, as it appears in popular printed editions. Scholars note that the katha is a relatively late addition to these texts, but it has become one of the most widely performed Vishnu poojas in India.
Why devotees perform it
Anyone can perform Satyanarayan Pooja: newly married couples, families moving into a new home, those celebrating a birthday, anniversary or success, devotees giving thanks after a wish is fulfilled, or families who simply want to pray together. Friends and relatives are welcome to join.
- Giving thanks after a wish has been fulfilled
- Blessing a marriage, a new home or a new venture
- Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or achievement with prayer
- Observing Purnima with the family
- Bringing the whole family together in worship during a pilgrimage
How the pooja is performed
Ganesh pujan and sankalp
The pooja begins with Ganesh pujan and the sankalp in the family's name.
Kalash sthapana and Navagraha pujan
The kalash is installed and the Navagrahas and other deities are invoked.
Worship of Lord Satyanarayan
Lord Satyanarayan is invoked and worshipped with panchamrit, tulsi, flowers and offerings.
Satyanarayan Katha
The pandit reads the katha in its chapters while the family listens together.
Aarti and prasad
The pooja ends with aarti, pushpanjali and the sharing of prasad.
Before you come
- Arrive about 15 minutes early. We will confirm the time and place on WhatsApp.
- Clothing: clean traditional clothes; festive colours are welcome.
- Bring: the names of family members to include in the sankalp.
- Food: some families observe a fast until the pooja and break it with prasad; this is optional.
- Friends and relatives are welcome. Let us know how many will attend.
What we arrange
- Pooja samagri, including materials for panchamrit
- The pooja and katha by our family pandit
- Sankalp in your family's name
Dakshina covers the pooja as described. Ask us about samagri and stay.
Questions devotees ask
When is the best time to do Satyanarayan Pooja?
Purnima is a traditional favourite, but the pooja can be performed on any auspicious day, and on occasions such as a housewarming, anniversary or after a wish is fulfilled.
How long does the pooja take?
About 2 to 3 hours, including the katha, aarti and prasad.
Can it be performed at our home instead of in Trimbak?
This booking is for a pooja performed in Trimbak. If you would like it at home, please contact us to ask whether that is possible for your location.
Do we need to fast?
No. Some families fast until the pooja and break the fast with prasad, but it is entirely optional.
Can friends and relatives attend?
Yes, Satyanarayan Pooja is meant to be shared. Let us know how many people will come.
What does the pooja cost?
The current dakshina is shown at the top of this page, with what it covers listed under What we arrange. A small advance may be requested to confirm your date.
