Satyanarayan Katha
How the puja is performed, stage by stage
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the Satyanarayan Katha: from the opening sankalpa, through the panchamrit abhishek and the reading of the five-chapter story, to the sharing of prasad.
Preparation & Sankalpa
The space is cleaned and an altar (chowki) is set with an image or idol of Lord Satyanarayan, a lit lamp, and the kalash. The family takes a sankalpa, a short vow stating their name, the day, and the purpose for which the puja is being performed.
Ganesh Puja
As with every Hindu ceremony, Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove any obstacles, with offerings of roli, rice, flowers, and a sweet.
Kalash & Navagraha Puja
The kalash, a pot of water topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is established as the seat of the divine, and the Navagraha (nine planets) are honoured for their blessings on the family.
Invocation of Lord Satyanarayan
Lord Satyanarayan (Lord Vishnu) is invoked and welcomed with the traditional sixteen honours (shodashopachara): a seat, water to wash, sandalwood, flowers, incense, and a lamp.
Panchamrit Abhishek
The deity is bathed with the panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar), followed by Ganga jal, then dressed and adorned with flowers and tulsi leaves.
The Katha
The heart of the puja: the five chapters of the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha are read aloud while the family and guests listen with devotion. (A summary of the story is on the overview page.)
Aarti
The puja is completed with the aarti — circling a lit lamp before the deity while the family sings together in praise.
Prasad
The sheera (or panjiri) prasad is offered to Lord Satyanarayan and then shared with everyone present. Receiving and sharing the prasad with reverence is, in this puja, the most important act of all.
