Sathya Narayana Pooja and Katha

Very good explanation of the ritual.

Symbolism of the Story: There are five aspects in this picture. These connect to the five desires of man to achieve in life.

One aspires physical pleasures (represented by the king on the left corner). Little finger

Next is the emotional children aspiring couple (lower left). Ring finger

Intelligence aspiring Narada (upper right). Middle finger

Awareness aspiring  Rishi (lower right). Index finger

Consciousness is Vishnu in the center. Thumb finger.

 Aspiration seeked in prayers:

Usually in all prayers these four are soughted

 Vidyarthi labhadhe vidhyam,

Danarthi labhathe danam,

 Puthrarthi labhathe puthran,

 Moksharthi labhathe gatheem.

 One who pursues education will get knowledge,

 One who wants to earn money will get money,

 One who wishes for a son , will get a son,

 And one who wants salvation will get salvation.

  How to get one of the four is the theme of Sathyanarayana pooja (worship).

 Through the Pooja the awareness of merits that help in fulfilling desires is highlighted. unfortunately everyone thinks just by doing the ritual of Sakthya narayana Pooja one gets the merit. The Pooja and the paat (Stroies) increases the awareness that every human should perform is highlighted as symbolically. Click to read about Pancha Yagnya.