ॐMantra.Tips

Satyanarayana Dhyana Mantra (Satyanarayanam Devam Vande) — Word-by-Word Meaning

सत्यनारायण ध्यान मंत्र (सत्यनारायणं देवं वन्दे)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full PageComplete LyricsBenefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

सत्यनारायणम्
Satyanarayanam
Lord Satyanarayana — Vishnu as the embodiment of Truth (Satya) and the refuge of all (Narayana)
देवम्
Devam
The shining Lord, the divine one
वन्देऽहम्
Vande'ham
I bow, I worship
कामदम्
Kamadam
The bestower of all desires and boons
प्रभुम्
Prabhum
The supreme Lord and master
लीलया
Leelaya
Through (His) divine play (lila)
विततं विश्वम्
Vitatam Vishvam
The whole universe has been spread out / made manifest
येन
Yena
By whom
तस्मै नमो नमः
Tasmai Namo Namah
To Him, salutations again and again
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Om, salutations to Lord Vasudeva (the great Vishnu mantra)
शान्ताकारम्
Shantakaram
Of serene, peaceful form
भुजगशयनम्
Bhujagashayanam
Reclining on the serpent (Shesha)
पद्मनाभम्
Padmanabham
From whose navel the lotus (of creation) springs
सुरेशम्
Suresham
The Lord of the gods
लक्ष्मीकान्तम्
Lakshmikantam
The beloved consort of Goddess Lakshmi
भवभयहरम्
Bhavabhayaharam
Remover of the fear of worldly existence (samsara)
सर्वलोकैकनाथम्
Sarvalokaikanatham
The one sole Lord of all the worlds

Complete Translation

I bow to Lord Satyanarayana, the granter of all desires, the supreme Master, by whose divine play this entire universe has been spread out — to Him salutations again and again. Om, salutations to Lord Vasudeva. I worship Vishnu of serene form, who reclines on the serpent, from whose navel springs the lotus, Lord of the gods; the support of the universe, vast as the sky, dark as a rain-cloud, of auspicious limbs; the beloved of Lakshmi, lotus-eyed, attainable by yogis in meditation; the remover of the fear of worldly existence, the one Lord of all the worlds.

Origin & History

Source: Satyanarayana Vrat Katha tradition (associated with the Skanda Purana, Reva Khanda); dhyana and Vishnu invocation verses

Author: Traditional (Puranic; the Shantakaram dhyana is a classic Vishnu meditation verse)

Period: Puranic / classical

The Satyanarayan Vrat is recounted in the Reva Khanda of the Skanda Purana, where Sri Krishna teaches Narada the simple but powerful worship of Vishnu as Satyanarayana, the Lord of Truth. The Katha relates how a poor brahmin, a woodcutter, a merchant and others prospered by faithfully observing the vow, and how those who neglected it after promising suffered, until they returned in devotion. The puja begins with this dhyana mantra, establishing the serene, all-pervading Vishnu in the heart before the story is read.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Satyanarayana?▼
Satyanarayana is Lord Vishnu worshipped as the embodiment of Truth — 'Satya' (truth) plus 'Narayana' (the refuge of all beings). The Satyanarayan Vrat, described in the Skanda Purana, is among the most widely performed Vishnu vows for prosperity and the fulfilment of vows and wishes.
What does the Satyanarayan dhyana mantra mean?▼
It means: 'I bow to Lord Satyanarayana, granter of all desires, the supreme Lord, by whose play the whole universe is spread out — salutations to Him again and again.' It establishes the Lord in the heart before the Katha begins.
When is the Satyanarayan Vrat performed?▼
It is commonly performed on the full-moon day (Purnima), on Ekadashi, on Kartik Purnima, and on auspicious occasions such as housewarmings, weddings, new beginnings and thanksgiving for wishes fulfilled.
What prasad is offered in the Satyanarayan Puja?▼
The classic offering is sheera or sapatha/panjiri — a sweet made from semolina (sooji), wheat flour, milk, sugar, ghee and banana. After the Katha and aarti it is distributed to all devotees as the Lord's blessing.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →