Exch5: Satyanarayana Vrath

September 28, 2004

Thanks for your detailed answer, very much appreciated. The link provided by you

doesn't mention Jups affliction.

If you are aware of the kinds of afflictions kindly expand.

Thanks once again Nitin

Dear Sai Kumar,

Kindly call me only Sunil. Thanks for ur reply. As I have noticed in earlier

times in India the Satyanarayana Vrath is usually done in groups, everyone in

the locality is invited and hence prasad is prepared by the member who has

organised.

Now if an individual is doing Vrath for himself, then is it that he should make

the prasad and consume it himself ( i presume he can distribute it to others

too), but what if an individual who is a foreigner then it is not possible to

do this abroad, so under these circumstances can one just listen with full

devotion to the Katha and would that be alright and not breaking any rules.

Before posting the original query I had bought the audio cass in hindi and nice

to learn that it is ok to listen to the Katha.

Your answer shall be awaited.

Thanks Ajit Krishnan too for ur kind reply.

Regards,

SJ

||| Om Namo Naarayanaaya|||Dear Sunil,People keep this fast (vrata) for several

reasons, truth beingforemost – satya – nara – aayana. To have the Higher spirit

wecommonly refer to as God guide (aayana) mankind (nara) to truth (satya).This

fast has also been recommended for some based on their charts,should Jupiter be

afflicted. Try this link for some

information.http://www.srath.com/mantra/satyanarayana.htmQueries1. I presume

this Vrath is to be kept on Full Moon Day of every month.Any particular month

to start this or one can start from any comingFull Moon dayYes – Full Moon, or

Pournima.2. What are the rituals that one should performYou can go as

elaborately as you wish. From personal experience, nofood or water is consumed.

For those who are unable to do this,uncooked food / milk would be recommended.

The fast is broken

rightafter sunset after looking at the reflection of the Moon in water.Break

fast with water.3. Can one hear a tape of the Satyanarayana KathaSure.4. I

presume since the word Vrath is mentioned then one should abstainfrom food and

water for the whole day sunrise to sunset. Kindly clarifyYes. That is the

meaning of a vratha.5. What are the astrological combinations for which a

native iscompulsorily adviced to keep this Vrath and for what benefit.Look for

Jupiter being afflicted in the chart. This fast helpalleviates the

significations for those. Depending on placements, itmay have to be done a

certain number of times.6. Any restrictions of caste, creed for Satyanarayana

Vrath (I askthis since I presume only Brahmins are supposed to recite

GayatriMantra , I have heard this and I can be wrong)Answer. Same as for

Question 5Shall be obligedBest wishes to allSunil

JohnMumbaiBest wishes,Nitin.|| Namah Shivaaya ||

September 29, 2004

Namaste Sunil,

Prasadam has special significance for Satyanarayana Vratham. if you listen to

the stories comprising the vratham, out of the 5 stories the last 2 stories are

only about prasadam! That is because, what we eat is supposed to influence our

thought process & actions. So, the "aachamana" before the vratham, the thirtham

and prasadam after the vratham complete the process of "Antar Shuddhi", which

ofcourse, includes sravana (hearing), manana (recollect / chant) of the Lord's

names & lilas.

If cooking prasadam is difficult, equal portions of Bombay Rawa (the one used

for making upma) and sugar can be mixed with a few cashewnuts to make a dry /

uncooked prasadam. You can dice a couple of bananas in the prasadam also to

make it tastier.

Doesn't it help to have women on the board?

Regards,

Lakshmi

Sunil John <jjnet2000_in > wrote:

||| Om Namo Naarayanaaya|||Dear Nitin,