Satya means "truth" and Narayana means "The highest being" so Satyanarayan means "The highest being who is an embodiment of Truth". The Satya Narayana Vratam and Puja are very popular all over India. There is a temple for Sri Satyanarayana Swami at Annavaram, near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh where this vratam is performed every day.
This puja is first mentioned in Skanda Purana, Reva Kanda by Suta Puranik to the rishis in Naimisharanya. The details are part of the Katha/"Story" that is usually read along with the puja.
This puja is usually performed on the Purnima day of every month. It is also performed on special occasions and during times of achievements as an offering of gratitude to the Lord. These occasions could include marriage graduation, start of a new job, and the purchase of a new home to name a few. In addition, the performance of this most auspicious puja generally confers a child to couples trying to start a family.
The Satyanarayan puja can be performed on any day except on New-Moon. It is not a puja confined to any festivities, but Purnima (full moon day) is considered specifically auspicious for this puja. Performing this puja in the evening is considered more appropriate. However one can perform this puja in the morning as well.
