Satyanarayan Katha - Chapter 2: The Woodcutter Observes the Vrat

Observing the Vow of the Woodcutter

After hearing the story of the impoverished Brahmin whose suffering was alleviated by observing the Satyanarayan Bhagwan Vrat, the next story is about a woodcutter. This woodcutter earned his living by cutting wood in the forest. It will be interesting to see what turn fate brings him to.

Arrival of a Brahmin in the Forest

One day, the woodcutter went to the forest to cut wood. It was extremely hot and the sun was shining with all its might. The woodcutter was very thirsty and was wandering around in search of water. Just then, he saw a Brahmin sitting under a Peepal tree. The Brahmin looked radiant and there was an amazing peace on his face. The woodcutter went to him, greeted him, and said, "O Brahmin Dev, I am very thirsty. Can you give me some water?"

The Brahmin smiled and said, "O woodcutter, of course! I will definitely give you water, but first tell me what you are doing here?" The woodcutter said, "I am a poor woodcutter. I cut wood and sell it, and that is how I earn my living." The Brahmin then asked, "Do you want to gain wealth?" The woodcutter was surprised. He thought, "How did this Brahmin Dev know that I want wealth? Surely he is a Siddha Purush."

Preaching of Satyanarayan Vrat

The woodcutter said with great eagerness, "Yes, Maharaj! Who wouldn't want wealth? If I had wealth, I too would live a happy life." The Brahmin said, "O woodcutter, if you want to gain wealth, then observe the Satyanarayan Vrat. This Vrat fulfills all desires. By observing this Vrat, even the poor become wealthy." The woodcutter asked, "O Brahmin Devta, how is this Vrat observed? Please tell me in detail." The Brahmin told the woodcutter the method of observing the Satyanarayan Vrat. He explained how to worship Lord Satyanarayan, how to make Prasad, and how to listen to the Katha.

The Brahmin said, "This Vrat is fruitful. Whoever observes this Vrat with faith and devotion, Lord Vishnu will surely fulfill his wishes. You must observe this Vrat with reverence and have complete faith in God." The Brahmin explained the importance of the Vrat to the woodcutter and blessed him. It seemed as if Lord Vishnu himself had shown his grace on the woodcutter in the form of a Brahmin.

Attainment of Wealth and Prosperity

The woodcutter followed the Vrat with reverence. He cut wood and sold it in the market, and with the money he got from it, he performed the Vrat of Lord Satyanarayan. He worshiped according to the method told by the Brahmin and listened to the Katha. Due to the effect of the Vrat, the woodcutter attained wealth and prosperity. He gradually came out of poverty and his life became happy. Now he started observing the Vrat of Lord Satyanarayan every Purnima and also started inspiring others to observe this Vrat.

As a result of this Vrat, the woodcutter not only became wealthy but also attained mental peace and happiness. He understood that devotion to God is the true path and Satyanarayan Vrat is a form of that devotion. The woodcutter was now living a happy and prosperous life, and was always grateful to Lord Satyanarayan. Now, by the grace of God, his needs were being fulfilled.