Listen, O child, to the sacred account of the divine vow dedicated to Sri Narasimha, the lion-faced incarnation of Vishnu, whose form is awe-inspiring. With four mighty arms and great fangs, he appears as the embodiment of time itself, fierce and difficult to approach. His radiance rivals ten million suns, and even ten million Yamas would find it hard to stand before him. His face resembles that of a lion, while his limbs are joined with those of a man—a vision both wondrous and terrifying. It is said that one should always worship Sri Narasimha, the divine lion, the very form of time. Whoever understands this truth and approaches his sacred abode with devotion is truly blessed. The vow associated with him is pure and supreme, bestowing prosperity and greatness; in the end, it grants liberation to his devotees, without a doubt. By observing this vow, one gains the merit equal to a thousand Dvadasi fasts, especially when it is performed on a Saturday during the conjunction with the Svati star. When the Siddhi Yoga is present, in the merchant's karana, and during all auspicious yogas, the conjunction destroys ten million sins. On any of these yogas, the day dedicated to Narasimha destroys sin, but whoever knowingly transgresses it becomes a sinner. If one neglects this vow, he falls into hell for as long as the sun and moon endure. But when Narasimha's sacred day arrives, O child, after brushing the teeth in the morning, one should approach his presence with firm resolve. The devotee who has mastered the senses should say, “Today, I will establish the vow for you; carry it out without obstacle.” During the observance, one must avoid wicked speech and actions. At midday, the devotee should bathe in a river or other pure water—whether at home, in a temple tank, or in a beautiful pond—using Vedic mantras. The bath should be performed with earth, cow dung, the fruit of the emblic myrobalan, and sesame, following the proper rites to remove all accumulated sins. After bathing and donning clean garments, the devotee begins the daily duties. The house should be smeared and an auspicious eight-petaled design made. Upon this, a pot adorned with copper yantras is placed, and atop it a vessel filled with rice grains. There, the golden image of Narasimha is established, together with Lakshmi, crafted skillfully from gold and bathed with the five nectars. A learned Brahmin teacher, not overly greedy and well-versed in the scriptures, should be invited and placed at the forefront. Then the deity is worshipped. A pavilion adorned with clusters of seasonal flowers should be constructed, and Narasimha worshipped according to the proper method. The worship is performed with sixteen offerings, mantras, and observances, especially with Puranic mantras. Sandalwood mixed with camphor and saffron, seasonal flowers, and tulasi leaves are offered. Whoever presents these to Sri Narasimha is liberated, without doubt. Incense made of black aloe, beloved of Hari, should always be offered. A lamp should be made to fulfill all desires and dispel the darkness of ignorance. The great waving of lights is performed, accompanied by the sound of bells. Naivedya—sugar and various foods—are offered with the prayer: “I offer this to you, beloved of Lakshmi; destroy all my sins.” The naivedya mantra is recited: “O Narasimha, Achyuta, Lord of the gods, on your auspicious birthday I will observe a fast, renouncing all enjoyments.” Thus, the devotee prays, “Be pleased, O Lord; remove the sins of birth.” At night, one keeps vigil, singing songs and playing musical instruments. The Puranas are recited, especially the stories of Sri Narasimha. At dawn, after bathing, the devotee worships Narasimha and satisfies him according to the prescribed method. With a tranquil mind, a Vaiṣṇava śrāddha is performed in his presence. Then, gifts are offered to worthy recipients and the twice-born, with the desire to conquer both worlds. A golden deity weighing a thousand units is given, bringing satisfaction to Narasimha. Cows, land, gold, and similar gifts are given to the twice-born. A bed with bedding, seven kinds of grain, and other gifts are offered according to one's ability. One should not be miserly with wealth, desiring the stated results. Afterwards, the Brahmins are fed and given proper gifts. Even those without wealth should give according to their capacity. All varṇas have the right to observe this vow, but devotees of Narasimha should certainly perform it. Then, the prayer-mantra is recited: “O Lord of gods, deliver those kings born in my lineage and those men who will be born, from the ocean of worldly suffering.” The devotee prays: “For me, immersed in the ocean of sin, afflicted by diseases like moving water, and tormented by living beings, having fallen into great distress—O Lord of the universe, reclining on Śeṣa, give your hand as support; by this vow, O Lord of gods, grant enjoyment and liberation.” Having thus prayed and properly dismissed the deity, all offerings and gifts are presented to the teacher. After satisfying the Brahmins, they are dismissed. Then, absorbed in meditation on Narasimha, the devotee eats together with relatives. Even one who is destitute, if he regularly observes the fourteenth day fast, is freed from sins accumulated over seven births—of this there is no doubt. Whoever hears this vow with devotion, which destroys sin, is freed from the sin of killing a Brahmin merely by hearing it. One who recites this pure, supreme, and secret teaching always attains all desires and the fruit of the vow. Whoever performs the vow at the proper time, at midday, with whatever means possible, together with Līlāvatī and the sage, by the grace of Sri Narasimha, worships with supreme devotion and attains eternal liberation. And whoever goes to that sacred place and worships Sri Narasimha is truly blessed.