Description

The puja narrates the Satyanarayana Katha, which dictates the various worldly and spiritual benefits the puja brings to performers. The Katha states how the deity Narayana vows to aid his devotees during Kali Yuga, the last of the four ages in Hindu cosmology, in particular the performers and attendees of the Satyanarayana Puja. The Katha narrates that the performance of the puja is in itself a promise to God, and recounts the plights of characters who either fail to complete the puja or forget their promises. The following is a list of items needed for the puja. Haldi (Turmeric powder) Kumkum ( Red vermillion or Sindoor ) Navadhanya ( nine types of grains each representing one of the navagraha ( nine planets ) ) Naivedhya (food which we offer to God ) Incense sticks Camphor Sandal paste A photo framed picture of Lord Satyanarayana A small idol (or coin) of Lord Satyanarayana (optional) wheat or jwar (not rice) Grass Betel leaves (100) Betel nuts (50) Coins (40) Dry Dates/ Almonds (50) Coconuts (8) Flowers, Tulasi leaves Garland and floral garlands Two jars (Silver, Copper, Brass, or even earthen) – one for Kalash and another for the ritual Two flat plates A bell A large pidha table (for use as Altar) A large yellow cloth (to cover the Altar) pit is the favorite color or Satnarayan he wears pitambar or yellow clothes A piece of yellow or red cloth (for the Kalash) A ghee lamp (with at least three wicks) An oil lamp Cotton wicks Panchamrita (Uncooked mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee)