Satyanārāyaṇa Pūjā and havan

Thanksgiving to Viṣṇu as Truth

Purpose: a much-loved thanksgiving worship of Viṣṇu as Satyanārāyaṇa, “the Lord who is Truth”, after a wish is fulfilled or on happy occasions — a new home, a wedding, a promotion. Its kathā (stories) is traditionally attributed to the Skanda Purāṇa. A short havan is often added at the end.

When: Pūrṇimā (full moon), Ekādaśī, or any auspicious day. Mantra: “oṃ śrī satyanārāyaṇāya namaḥ” (with svāhā for offerings). Prasāda of sheera/sapāda bhakṣya (semolina, ghee, sugar, banana) is shared. A priest usually leads, but families also do it themselves.

Pūrṇimā · Self or priest

Homam — the sacred fire offering · Ask a Jyotishi your own question