Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple Naimisharanya
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple- Naimisharanya
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Naimisharanya is situated 90 kilometres away from Lakshmanpuri (Lucknow) in Uttar Pradesh in the District of Sitapur on the left bank of River Gomati, the tributary of River Ganga. Naimisharanya is also known as ‘Nimsar’ or ‘Naimisha’. It is a place of pilgrimage from the Satyayug and is believed to be the the first pilgrimage area on the earth. 33 crores of Deities and 88000 Sages reside here permanently because of which it is believed to be is the most sacred place. Every action performed here is fruitful.
“Satya” means Truth or Dharma and “Narayana” is another name for Vishnu.Shri Satyanarayan vrat/pooja was first commenced in Naimisharanya itself.
Lord Satyanarayana, the chief deity of this Pooja is an extremely benevolent form of Lord Vishnu.During this Pooja, people worship Lord Satyanarayana by reciting his story – Satyanarayan Katha. This story was originally narrated by Lord Vishnu himself to the Sage Narada for the benefit of mankind.
Satyanarayan Katha was also spoken here by Ved Vyas to Suta here, who in turn told it to Shaunak and other Rishis.
Sri Satyanarayana Katha in brief
*1st story describes about Lord Narayana narrating the importance of the vratam to Narada Mahamuni which in turn is retold by Suta Mahamuni to the sages in Naimisharanya.
**The 2nd story is about a poor brahmin residing in Kasi (the present Varanasi) gets all the riches on performing the vratam, He was told to do so by Sri Vishnu who comes in the guise of a brahmin.
***The 3rd story is about a merchant and his wife Leelavati – the childless couple who were blessed with a daughter named Kalavati.
**The 4th story is about the imprisoning of the merchant and his son-in-law in the King’s imprisonment and their release with the blessing of Lord Satyanaryana.
***The 5th & last story is very important which is about the King who refuses to take prasad of Satyanarayana Vratam and how he suffers due to this.
Accordingly Sri Satyanarayana is considered as an embodiment of truth. It is believed that performing Satyanarayana Puja at home or Samoohika puja i.e mass puja in temples is very effective. The performers are blessed with a happy and prosperous life .