The Way to True Worship

This book shows how Hindus worship with scriptures and mythology by presenting the most popular worship and story of Vishnu or God. Its text, Satya Narayana Vrata Katha, meaning 'True God Worship', is extracted from the world's largest mythological work in Sanskrit, the Skanda Purana. This is the first English translation and exposition of the text. Divided into four parts, the book offers an authentic description and explanation of the procedures, techniques, materials, mantras, prayers, myths, concepts, and symbols associated with the worship. Part I explains the religious literary history that is the background of the worship text. Part II explains how other Hindu philosophical and mythological aspects are related to the worship and story. Part III is the translation of the five main chapters used in the worship. Part IV explains exactly how the entire performance takes place. Other useful features are a pronunciation guide to Sanskrit words, a glossary, and a bibliography.