Sankalp
A stated intention or occasion for the puja — the reason the family is performing it today.
THANKSGIVING CEREMONY
Satyanarayan Puja
A puja to Lord Vishnu performed on auspicious occasions or as a thanksgiving for a wish fulfilled — one of the most commonly performed home ceremonies in India.
About This Ceremony
What it is, and when it's performed
Satyanarayan Puja worships Lord Vishnu in his form as Satyanarayan, "the true form of the eternal one." It is performed to express gratitude, mark a milestone (a new home, a wedding, a birth), or simply on a full moon (Purnima) as a routine act of devotion.
The ceremony centers on the Satyanarayan Katha — five chapters of stories recounting the fruits of devotion and the consequences of neglecting the vow — read aloud to everyone present.
It typically closes with a shared prasad of sheera (a semolina-and-ghee sweet) offered to Vishnu and then distributed to everyone who attended.
What It Involves
The key moments of the ceremony
Katha reading
Five chapters recounting the story and significance of the vow to Satyanarayan.
Aarti
A closing aarti performed together by everyone present.
Prasad
Sheera (semolina-ghee sweet) is offered and then shared with the household and guests.
A Core Mantra
One of the mantras chanted during this puja
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Salutations to Bhagavan Vasudeva (Vishnu) — the core invocation repeated through the Satyanarayan Katha.
Two Ways To Do This
Guide yourself, or have a pandit come to you
Ritvik
Chanting in true Vedic meter with plain-spoken guidance for this ceremony, step by step, in your language.
At Home Puja
A verified pandit performs the full ceremony at your home, vetted for authentic Vedic knowledge and professional conduct.
Frequently Asked
Satyanarayan Puja — common questions
When is Satyanarayan Puja usually performed?
Commonly on Purnima (full moon), or to mark an occasion — a new home, a wedding, a promotion, recovery from illness, or simply as an annual family tradition.
How many people are needed for the puja?
It can be performed by a single family with a pandit, or with extended family and neighbours present — the katha reading is traditionally done aloud for everyone gathered.
Can I do Satyanarayan Puja myself without a pandit?
Yes — many families do. Ritvik guides you through the sankalp, the katha, and the aarti in your language, at your pace, so you don't need to already know the sequence by heart.
What is typically offered as prasad?
Sheera (also called Satyanarayan prasad) — a warm semolina halwa made with ghee, sugar, and often banana — is the traditional offering, shared with everyone present afterward.
Explore More
Other ceremonies
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Guide yourself through Satyanarayan Puja with Ritvik, or book a verified pandit for the full ceremony.