In a sacred field, there lived a renowned Brahmin named Harita, famed for his mastery of the Vedas and his deep devotion to knowledge and meditation. His wife, Lilavati, was the very embodiment of virtue—steadfast in her faithfulness and ever devoted to her husband’s will. Together, Harita and Lilavati undertook severe austerities for an extraordinary span of time—twenty-one ages passed as they persevered in their penance. At last, in that hallowed field, they beheld a divine vision. It was Narasimha, the Lord in his awe-inspiring form, who appeared before them and spoke: “O Brahmin, whatever boon you desire, I grant you without hesitation.” Whatever Harita and Lilavati asked at that moment, Narasimha bestowed upon them as his boon. He declared, “Let a son like me be born to you immediately. Indeed, I am your son, without doubt. I am Visvakarma himself, the supreme soul beyond all. I am eternal and will not reside in the womb.” Harita replied, “Let it be so, without doubt.” From that time onward, Narasimha remained manifest in that field for the sake of his devotees. He proclaimed, “Whoever comes here, the best among devotees, seeking my vision, I shall continually remove all their obstacles. For this reason, those who observe the vow here according to the prescribed rules have nothing to fear. Especially those who meditate on my child form and worship me at night shall become one with Narayana. “My form is wondrous—four-armed, with great fangs, the very embodiment of time, radiant as ten million suns, difficult to approach even for ten million Yamas. My face is that of a lion, my body joined with human limbs. One should always worship me, Sri Narasimha, the divine lion and form of time, especially at this place. “The vow performed here is pure, supreme, and brings prosperity; ultimately, it grants liberation to my devotees. By observing it, one attains the merit of a thousand Dvadasi fasts, especially when it is kept on a Saturday during the conjunction with the Svati star. When Siddhi Yoga is present, in the merchant’s karana, or joined with auspicious yogas, this vow destroys ten million sins. On any of these special days, my observance destroys all sin. But whoever knowingly neglects my day becomes a sinner. “One who fails to perform this vow falls to hell for as long as the sun and moon endure. But when my day arrives, O child, after cleansing the teeth, with firm resolve, my devotee who has mastered the senses should undertake this vow. Today, I establish it for you—observe it without obstacle. “Those observing the vow must avoid harsh speech and wicked acts. At midday, they should bathe in a river or any pure water—be it at home, in a temple tank, or a beautiful pond—reciting Vedic mantras. The bath should be performed with earth, cow dung, the fruit of emblic myrobalan, and sesame, according to proper rites, to remove all accumulated sins. “After donning clean garments, begin the daily duties. Then, after smearing the house, make an auspicious eight-petaled design. Upon it, place a pot adorned with copper yantras, and set atop it a vessel filled with rice grains. There, establish my golden image together with Lakshmi, crafted skillfully from gold, and bathe it with the five sacred nectars. “Invite a learned Brahmin teacher, free from excessive greed, to lead the worship. Construct a pavilion adorned with clusters of flowers, and worship me with seasonal blooms according to the proper method. Offer sixteen kinds of offerings, with mantras and observances, especially Puranic mantras. Use sandalwood mixed with camphor, dense saffron, and tulasi leaves. “Whoever offers these to Sri Narasimha is liberated, without doubt. Always offer incense made of black aloe, dear to Hari. Present these offerings to Hari, the Guru, for the fulfillment of all desires and aims. Light a great lamp to dispel the darkness of ignorance, and perform the grand waving of lights, accompanied by the sound of bells. “Offer naivedya—sugar and various foods for enjoyment—saying, ‘I offer this to you, beloved of Lakshmi; destroy all my sins.’ Recite the naivedya mantra: ‘O Narasimha, Achyuta, Lord of the gods, on your auspicious birthday I will observe a fast, renouncing all enjoyments. Thus, be pleased, O Lord; remove the sins of birth.’ At night, keep vigil with songs and musical instruments. “Recite the Puranas, especially the stories of Sri Narasimha. At dawn, after bathing, worship me again and satisfy me as previously described. With a tranquil mind, perform a Vaiṣṇava śrāddha in my presence. Then, give the stated gifts to worthy recipients and the twice-born, with the desire to conquer both worlds. “A golden image weighing a thousand units brings me satisfaction. Give cows, land, gold, and the like to the twice-born. A bed with bedding should be given, along with seven kinds of grain; other gifts should also be offered according to one’s means. Do not be miserly with wealth, seeking the promised results. Afterwards, feed the Brahmins and give them proper gifts. “Even those without wealth should give according to their ability. All varṇas have the right to observe my vow, but my devotees, especially the most devoted, should certainly perform it.” Thus, the Lord Narasimha revealed the supreme vow and its observance, bestowing blessings and liberation upon all who approach him with devotion and faith.