Mahadeva spoke to Parvati with great compassion and reverence, saying, “O beloved goddess, listen as I reveal to you a vow so rare that even among the three worlds, it is scarcely known. Simply by hearing of this vow, people are freed from the most terrible sins, even the sin of killing a Brahmin and other grave offenses. The self-luminous One manifested for the sake of devotees’ happiness. This sacred manifestation, whether observed as a particular lunar day or as a month, arose as a source of great merit. O goddess, merely by uttering his name, one attains eternal liberation, for he is the supreme Self, the ultimate cause behind all causes. He is the very soul of the universe, assuming universal form, the blessed Lord of all. It was by his power that the twelve suns were sustained. This was the great-souled Narasimha, who manifested openly, seeking always the peace and well-being of his devotees.” Hearing these words, Parvati addressed Mahadeva: “O best of the gods, you have described countless incarnations. Tell me now, O Lord of the universe, about that supreme abode called Narasimha. By understanding it, one attains a happy world, simply through knowledge.” Mahadeva replied, “After slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu, the god of gods, the teacher of the world, sat contentedly with Prahlada on his lap and spoke these words to him. Prahlada, who was the wisest among the wise, and who had been compelled to slay his own father, was present there.” Prahlada then addressed Lord Narasimha with deep devotion: “O blessed Vishnu, Narasimha, wondrous in form, I bow to you. I am your devotee, O best of the gods, and I wish to ask you something truly. Lord, devotion to you has arisen in my heart in many ways. Tell me, O Master, how have I become so dear to you? What is the reason for this love?” Narasimha replied, “O greatly wise Prahlada, listen with focused mind as I explain the cause of your devotion and why you are so dear to me. In a former birth, you were not born to any Brahmin, nor did you study the Vedas. Your name was Vasudeva, and you were born to a courtesan, exceedingly lustful by nature. In that life, you did not perform even a single virtuous deed. You indulged in honey and ghee, and were ever eager for union with courtesans. Yet, by the power of my vow, devotion arose in you, O sinless one.” Prahlada, hearing this, asked, “O Lord of the gods, please tell me in detail—whose son was I, and what was this vow? While living with a courtesan, how did I come to perform it? Out of your compassion, please tell me everything now.” Narasimha explained, “Long ago, for the purpose of creation, Brahma performed this supreme vow. By the power of this vow, all moving and unmoving beings were created. The Lord himself undertook this vow for the destruction of Tripura; by the strength of this vow, Tripura was cast down. This excellent vow was also performed by many ancient gods, sages, and great wise kings. By the power of this vow, all attain success; in heaven, many enjoyments have become dear to you through me. Having enjoyed those pleasures, they merge in me. Prahlada, now enter into me. For the sake of dharma, your descent is distinct from my body. There is no return for those who attain this, even after hundreds of great aeons. Even a poor man obtains wealth like Kubera. One who desires pleasure attains pleasure; one who seeks sovereignty gains supreme sovereignty; one who desires long life attains a lifespan like Shiva’s. This vow grants women freedom from widowhood, sons, good fortune, wealth, grain, and the removal of sorrow. Whether women or men perform this supreme vow, I grant them happiness, the fruits of enjoyment, and ultimately liberation. What more can I say, dear one? Neither I nor even Shankara can fully describe the fruit of this vow.” Prahlada, filled with gratitude, said, “O Lord, by your grace I have heard of this supreme vow. My devotion to you makes me eager to hear further of the fruit of this vow. Now I wish to know the supreme procedure of this vow—O Lord, in which month and on what day should it be performed? Please tell me in detail, O Master, by what procedure one may obtain the complete fruit.” Narasimha replied, “Prahlada, my dear child, listen attentively to the details of this vow. In the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha, it should be performed on the fourteenth day. Now hear, my son, of my manifestation and the cause of my satisfaction. Listen to my origin, which brings happiness to devotees. In the western direction, for another purpose, this sacred place of the crown arose, a place that destroys all sin. In that holy field, there lived a renowned Brahmin named Harita, accomplished in the Vedas, devoted to knowledge and meditation. His wife was supremely virtuous and ever faithful, named Lilavati, always devoted to her husband’s will. Together, they performed great austerity for a long time—twenty-one ages passed thus in that field. There, they finally beheld the divine presence. I, Narasimha, appeared before them and said, ‘Whatever boon you desire, O Brahmin, I grant it without doubt.’ Whatever they asked, I granted as my boon. They asked for a son like me to be born to them immediately, and I spoke, ‘So be it, O child. I am your son, without doubt. I am Visvakarma himself, the supreme soul, transcending all. I will not reside in the womb, for I am eternal.’ Harita then said, ‘Let it be so, without doubt.’ From that time, I have remained in that field for the sake of devotees. Whoever comes there, the best among devotees, and seeks my vision, I destroy all their obstacles continually. For this reason, those best among men who perform the vow according to the prescribed rules have no fear. Meditating especially on my child form together with them, whoever performs worship at night becomes Narayana himself.