The Origin of Narasimha (Narasimha Vrata)

Verse 1 (padma.6.174.1)

महादेव उवाच। शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि व्रतं त्रैलोक्यदुर्लभम् । यं श्रुत्वा मुच्यते लोको ब्रह्महत्यादिपातकात्

mahādeva uvāca śṛṇu devi pravakṣyāmi vrataṃ trailokyadurlabham yaṃ śrutvā mucyate loko brahmahatyādipātakāt

Mahadeva said: Listen, O goddess, I shall tell of a vow rare to find in all three worlds; by hearing of which people are freed from sins such as the killing of a brahmin.

Verse 2 (padma.6.174.2)

उत्पतिः स्वप्रकाशस्य भक्तानां सुखहेतवे । तिथिर्वापि समासो वै संजातः पुण्यकारकः

utpatiḥ svaprakāśasya bhaktānāṃ sukhahetave tithirvāpi samāso vai saṃjātaḥ puṇyakārakaḥ

The arising of the self-luminous one, for the happiness of his devotees -- the very tithi, or occasion, on which he came into being, is meritorious.

Verse 3 (padma.6.174.3)

यस्य नाम गृणन्देवि मुक्तिं लभति शाश्वतीम् । स एव परमात्मा च कारणानां च कारणम्

yasya nāma gṛṇandevi muktiṃ labhati śāśvatīm sa eva paramātmā ca kāraṇānāṃ ca kāraṇam

Uttering whose name, O goddess, one obtains eternal liberation -- he alone is the Supreme Soul, the cause of all causes,

Verse 4 (padma.6.174.4)

विश्वात्मा विश्वरूपी च सर्वेषां भगवान्प्रभुः । द्वादशार्का धृता येन नृसिंहेन महात्मना । स एव प्रकटीजातो भक्तानां शमभीप्सया

viśvātmā viśvarūpī ca sarveṣāṃ bhagavānprabhuḥ dvādaśārkā dhṛtā yena nṛsiṃhena mahātmanā sa eva prakaṭījāto bhaktānāṃ śamabhīpsayā

the Soul of the universe, of universal form, the Lord and Master of all -- by whom, as the great-souled Narasimha, the twelve suns were sustained. That very one became manifest, out of the wish to grant peace to his devotees.

Verse 5 (padma.6.174.5)

पार्वत्युवाच। अवतारा ह्यसंख्याताः कथिताः सुरसत्तम । नृसिंहाख्यं परं धाम वद विश्वेश्वर प्रभो । येन विज्ञानमात्रेण सुख लोकमवाप्नुयात्

pārvatyuvāca avatārā hyasaṃkhyātāḥ kathitāḥ surasattama nṛsiṃhākhyaṃ paraṃ dhāma vada viśveśvara prabho yena vijñānamātreṇa sukha lokamavāpnuyāt

Parvati said: Countless incarnations, O best of gods, have already been told. Tell me now, O Vishveshvara, O lord, of that supreme abode called Narasimha -- by the mere knowledge of which one obtains the world of happiness.

Verse 6 (padma.6.174.6)

महादेव उवाच। हिरण्यकशिपुं हत्वा देवदेवं जगद्गुरुम् । सुखासीनं तदुत्संगे स्थितो वचनमब्रवीत्

mahādeva uvāca hiraṇyakaśipuṃ hatvā devadevaṃ jagadgurum sukhāsīnaṃ tadutsaṃge sthito vacanamabravīt

Mahadeva said: Having slain Hiranyakashipu, that god of gods, the guru of the universe, sat happily; and, seated close in his lap, one spoke these words to him --

Verse 7 (padma.6.174.7)

प्रह्लादो ज्ञानिनां श्रेष्ठः पितॄहंतारमुत्तमम्

prahlādo jñānināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pitṝhaṃtāramuttamam

Prahlada, foremost among the wise, addressed him, the excellent slayer of his own father.

Verse 8 (padma.6.174.8)

प्रह्लाद उवाच। नमस्ते भगवन्विष्णो नृसिंहाद्भुतरूपिणे । त्वद्भक्तोहं सुरश्रेष्ठ त्वां पृच्छामि च तत्वतः

prahlāda uvāca namaste bhagavanviṣṇo nṛsiṃhādbhutarūpiṇe tvadbhaktohaṃ suraśreṣṭha tvāṃ pṛcchāmi ca tatvataḥ

Prahlada said: Salutations to you, Lord Vishnu, of the wondrous form of Narasimha! I am your devotee, O best of gods, and I ask you now in earnest truth.

Verse 9 (padma.6.174.9)

स्वामिंस्त्वयि ममाभिन्ना भक्तिर्जाता ह्यनेकधा । कथं तेऽहं प्रियो जातः कारणं वद मे प्रभो

svāmiṃstvayi mamābhinnā bhaktirjātā hyanekadhā kathaṃ te'haṃ priyo jātaḥ kāraṇaṃ vada me prabho

O Lord, my devotion to you has arisen unbroken, in many ways. How have I become dear to you? Tell me the reason, O lord.

Verse 10 (padma.6.174.10)

नृसिंह उवाच। कथयामि महाप्राज्ञ शृणुष्वैकाग्रमानसः । भक्तेर्यत्कारणं वत्स प्रियत्वस्य च यत्पुनः

nṛsiṃha uvāca kathayāmi mahāprājña śṛṇuṣvaikāgramānasaḥ bhakteryatkāraṇaṃ vatsa priyatvasya ca yatpunaḥ

Narasimha said: I shall tell you, O most wise one; listen with a focused mind. The cause of your devotion, my child, and also of your being so dear to me --

Verse 11 (padma.6.174.11)

पुरा कस्य द्विजस्यापि जातस्त्वं नाप्यधीतवान् । नाम्ना तु वसुदेवो हि वेश्यायामति लंपटः

purā kasya dvijasyāpi jātastvaṃ nāpyadhītavān nāmnā tu vasudevo hi veśyāyāmati laṃpaṭaḥ

formerly you were born as the son of a certain brahmin, though you never studied the scriptures. Your name was Vasudeva, and you were extremely dissolute, given to courtesans.

Verse 12 (padma.6.174.12)

तस्मिन्जन्मनि नैवं च चकार सुकृतं कियत् । भुक्त्वा मधु घृतं चैव वेश्यासंगमलालसः

tasminjanmani naivaṃ ca cakāra sukṛtaṃ kiyat bhuktvā madhu ghṛtaṃ caiva veśyāsaṃgamalālasaḥ

In that birth you performed but little virtuous deed. Consuming honey-wine and ghee, you were ever eager for the company of courtesans.

Verse 13 (padma.6.174.13)

मद्व्रतस्य प्रभावेन भक्तिर्जाता तवानघ । प्रह्लादोवाच। विस्तराद्वद देवेश कस्य पुत्रस्य किं व्रतम्

madvratasya prabhāvena bhaktirjātā tavānagha prahlādovāca vistarādvada deveśa kasya putrasya kiṃ vratam

Yet, O sinless one, through the power of my vow, devotion arose in you. Prahlada said: Tell me in detail, O lord of the gods -- whose son was I, and what was this vow?

Verse 14 (padma.6.174.14)

वेश्यायां वर्तमानेन कथंचिद्धि कृतं मया । ममोपरि कृपां कृत्वा सर्वं कथय सांप्रतम्

veśyāyāṃ vartamānena kathaṃciddhi kṛtaṃ mayā mamopari kṛpāṃ kṛtvā sarvaṃ kathaya sāṃpratam

While engaged with the courtesan, I somehow performed it. Having mercy upon me, please tell me all of it now.

Verse 15 (padma.6.174.15)

नृसिंह उवाच। सृष्ट्यर्थं तु पुरा ब्रह्मा चक्रे ह्येतदनुत्तमम् । मद्व्रतस्य प्रभावेन निर्मितं सचराचरम्

nṛsiṃha uvāca sṛṣṭyarthaṃ tu purā brahmā cakre hyetadanuttamam madvratasya prabhāvena nirmitaṃ sacarācaram

Narasimha said: For the sake of creation, formerly Brahma performed this unsurpassed vow; by the power of my vow, the entire universe of moving and unmoving beings was fashioned.

Verse 16 (padma.6.174.16)

ईश्वरेण व्रतं चीर्णं वधार्थं त्रिपुरस्यच । व्रतस्यास्यप्रभावेन त्रिपुरस्तु निपातितः

īśvareṇa vrataṃ cīrṇaṃ vadhārthaṃ tripurasyaca vratasyāsyaprabhāvena tripurastu nipātitaḥ

This vow was performed by Ishvara for the sake of destroying Tripura; and by the power of this vow, Tripura was brought down.

Verse 17 (padma.6.174.17)

अन्यैश्च बहुभिर्देवैरृषिभिश्च पुरातनैः । राजभिश्च महाप्राज्ञैर्विहितं व्रतमुत्तमम्

anyaiśca bahubhirdevairṛṣibhiśca purātanaiḥ rājabhiśca mahāprājñairvihitaṃ vratamuttamam

By many other gods too, and by the sages of old, and by kings of great wisdom, this excellent vow has been performed.

Verse 18 (padma.6.174.18)

व्रतस्यास्य प्रभावेन सर्वे सिद्धिमवाप्नुयुः । मम ते वै प्रिया जाता दिवि भोगाननेकशः

vratasyāsya prabhāvena sarve siddhimavāpnuyuḥ mama te vai priyā jātā divi bhogānanekaśaḥ

By the power of this vow, all of them obtained accomplishment. All of them became dear to me, having enjoyed manifold pleasures in heaven,

Verse 19 (padma.6.174.19)

भुक्त्वा मयि विलीनास्तु प्रह्लाद त्वं विशस्व माम् । कार्यार्थमवतारस्ते मच्छरीरत्पृथग्यतः

bhuktvā mayi vilīnāstu prahlāda tvaṃ viśasva mām kāryārthamavatāraste maccharīratpṛthagyataḥ

and, having enjoyed these, became dissolved in me. O Prahlada, you too shall merge into me. Your incarnation, for the sake of a purpose, was separate from my own body only for that time.

Verse 20 (padma.6.174.20)

न तेषां पुनरावृत्तिर्महाकल्पशतैरपि । दरिद्रो लभते लक्ष्मीं धनदस्य च यादृशी

na teṣāṃ punarāvṛttirmahākalpaśatairapi daridro labhate lakṣmīṃ dhanadasya ca yādṛśī

For them there is no return to rebirth, even after hundreds of great kalpas. The poor man obtains wealth equal even to that of Kubera, the giver of riches.

Verse 21 (padma.6.174.21)

ततः कामी लभेत्कामं राज्यार्थी राज्यमुत्तमम् । आयुष्कामो लभेदायुर्यादृशं च शिवस्य हि

tataḥ kāmī labhetkāmaṃ rājyārthī rājyamuttamam āyuṣkāmo labhedāyuryādṛśaṃ ca śivasya hi

One who desires pleasure obtains pleasure; one who desires a kingdom obtains an excellent kingdom; one who desires long life obtains a lifespan equal even to that of Shiva.

Verse 22 (padma.6.174.22)

अवैधव्यकरं स्त्रीणां पुत्रदं भाग्यदं तथा । धनधान्यकरं चैव तथाशोकविनाशनम्

avaidhavyakaraṃ strīṇāṃ putradaṃ bhāgyadaṃ tathā dhanadhānyakaraṃ caiva tathāśokavināśanam

This vow prevents widowhood for women, grants sons, grants good fortune, brings wealth and grain, and likewise destroys sorrow.

Verse 23 (padma.6.174.23)

स्त्रियो वा पुरुषा वापि कुर्वंति व्रतमुत्तमम् । तेभ्यो ददाम्यहं सौख्यं भुक्ति मुक्ति फलं तथा

striyo vā puruṣā vāpi kurvaṃti vratamuttamam tebhyo dadāmyahaṃ saukhyaṃ bhukti mukti phalaṃ tathā

Whether women or men perform this excellent vow, to them I grant happiness, and the fruit of both worldly enjoyment and liberation.

Verse 24 (padma.6.174.24)

बहुनोक्तेन किं वत्स व्रतस्यास्य फलस्य हि । मद्व्रतस्य फलं वक्तुं नाहं शक्तो न शंकरः

bahunoktena kiṃ vatsa vratasyāsya phalasya hi madvratasya phalaṃ vaktuṃ nāhaṃ śakto na śaṃkaraḥ

What use, my child, is much more speech regarding the fruit of this vow? Neither I myself, nor even Shankara, am able to fully declare the fruit of my vow.

Verse 25 (padma.6.174.25)

प्रह्लाद उवाच। भगवंस्त्वत्प्रसादेन श्रुतं व्रतमनुत्तमम् । व्रतस्यास्य फलं श्रोतुं त्वयि मे भक्ति कारणम्

prahlāda uvāca bhagavaṃstvatprasādena śrutaṃ vratamanuttamam vratasyāsya phalaṃ śrotuṃ tvayi me bhakti kāraṇam

Prahlada said: O Lord, by your grace I have heard of this unsurpassed vow. To hear the fruit of this vow is, for me, itself a cause of devotion to you.

Verse 26 (padma.6.174.26)

अधुना श्रोतुमिच्छामि व्रतस्यास्य विधिं परम् । कस्मिन्मासे भवेदेव कस्मिंश्चिद्वासरे प्रभो

adhunā śrotumicchāmi vratasyāsya vidhiṃ param kasminmāse bhavedeva kasmiṃścidvāsare prabho

Now I wish to hear the supreme rule for this vow -- in which month it should be performed, and on which day, O lord.

Verse 27 (padma.6.174.27)

एतद्विस्तरतो देव वक्तुमर्हसि सांप्रतम् । विधिना येन वै स्वामिन्समग्रफलभाग्भवेत्

etadvistarato deva vaktumarhasi sāṃpratam vidhinā yena vai svāminsamagraphalabhāgbhavet

You should now tell me this in full detail, O god -- the procedure by which, O Lord, one becomes a full sharer in its fruit.

Verse 28 (padma.6.174.28)

नृसिंह उवाच। प्रह्लाद वत्स भद्रं ते शृणुष्वैकमना व्रतम् । वैशाखेसित पक्षे तु चतुर्दश्यां समाचरेत्

nṛsiṃha uvāca prahlāda vatsa bhadraṃ te śṛṇuṣvaikamanā vratam vaiśākhesita pakṣe tu caturdaśyāṃ samācaret

Narasimha said: O Prahlada, my child, may good befall you; listen with a single-pointed mind to this vow. It should be performed on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Vaishakha,

Verse 29 (padma.6.174.29)

ममाविर्भावसंयुक्तं मम संतुष्टिकारणम् । शृणु पुत्र ममोत्पत्तिं भक्तानां सुखहेतवे

mamāvirbhāvasaṃyuktaṃ mama saṃtuṣṭikāraṇam śṛṇu putra mamotpattiṃ bhaktānāṃ sukhahetave

connected with my own manifestation, the cause of my satisfaction. Listen, my son, to the account of my own arising, for the happiness of my devotees.

Verse 30 (padma.6.174.30)

पश्चिमायां दिशायां च संजातं कारणांतरात् । मौलिस्तानमिदं क्षेत्रं पवित्रं पापनाशनम्

paścimāyāṃ diśāyāṃ ca saṃjātaṃ kāraṇāṃtarāt maulistānamidaṃ kṣetraṃ pavitraṃ pāpanāśanam

In the western quarter, arisen from a particular cause, is this holy field called Moulisthana, pure, the destroyer of sin.

Verse 31 (padma.6.174.31)

तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे तु विख्यातो ब्राह्मणो वेदपारगः । हारीत इति नाम्ना च ज्ञानध्यानपरायणः

tasminkṣetre tu vikhyāto brāhmaṇo vedapāragaḥ hārīta iti nāmnā ca jñānadhyānaparāyaṇaḥ

In that field there lived a renowned brahmin, learned in the Veda's full range, named Harita, devoted to knowledge and meditation.

Verse 32 (padma.6.174.32)

तस्य स्त्री तु महापुण्या सतीरूपा सदा प्रभो । लीलावती तु नाम्ना च भर्तुर्वशपरा सदा

tasya strī tu mahāpuṇyā satīrūpā sadā prabho līlāvatī tu nāmnā ca bharturvaśaparā sadā

His wife, O lord, was a woman of great merit, ever the very form of virtue, named Lilavati, ever devoted to her husband's will.

Verse 33 (padma.6.174.33)

ताभ्यां तपो महत्तप्तं कालं बहुतरं सुत । एकविंशयुगाश्चैव यातास्तत्र न संशयः । तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे तु वै ताभ्यां प्रत्यक्षो वाभवत्तदा

tābhyāṃ tapo mahattaptaṃ kālaṃ bahutaraṃ suta ekaviṃśayugāścaiva yātāstatra na saṃśayaḥ tasminkṣetre tu vai tābhyāṃ pratyakṣo vābhavattadā

By that couple great austerity was performed for a very long time, my son; twenty-one full ages passed there, without doubt. In that field I then became manifest, in person, to them.

Verse 34 (padma.6.174.34)

नृसिंह उवाच। यं यं वांछयसे ब्रह्मंस्तं ददामि न संशयः । ताभ्यामुक्तं तदा तस्मै दीयते चेद्वरो मम

nṛsiṃha uvāca yaṃ yaṃ vāṃchayase brahmaṃstaṃ dadāmi na saṃśayaḥ tābhyāmuktaṃ tadā tasmai dīyate cedvaro mama

Narasimha said: 'Whatever you desire, O brahmin, that I shall give you, without doubt.' They then said to me, if indeed a boon would be given by me --

Verse 35 (padma.6.174.35)

त्वादृशो मम पुत्रस्तु ह्यधुनैव भवत्विति । मयोक्तं तु तदा वत्स पुत्रोऽहं ते न संशयः

tvādṛśo mama putrastu hyadhunaiva bhavatviti mayoktaṃ tu tadā vatsa putro'haṃ te na saṃśayaḥ

'Let a son like you become my own, this very moment.' I then said, my child: 'I myself shall be your son, without doubt.'

Verse 36 (padma.6.174.36)

विश्वकर्मा ह्यहं साक्षात्परमात्मा परात्परः । उदरेऽहं न वत्स्यामि यतोऽहं वै सनातनः

viśvakarmā hyahaṃ sākṣātparamātmā parātparaḥ udare'haṃ na vatsyāmi yato'haṃ vai sanātanaḥ

'I myself am, in truth, the Maker of the universe, the Supreme Soul, greater than the greatest. I shall not dwell within a womb, for I am eternal.'

Verse 37 (padma.6.174.37)

हारीतेन तदा चोक्तं भवत्वेवं न संशयः । तदाप्रभृति वै क्षेत्रे स्थितोऽहं भक्तकारणात्

hārītena tadā coktaṃ bhavatvevaṃ na saṃśayaḥ tadāprabhṛti vai kṣetre sthito'haṃ bhaktakāraṇāt

Harita then said, 'So be it, without doubt.' From that time onward I have remained in that field, for the sake of my devotees.

Verse 38 (padma.6.174.38)

अत्रागत्य प्रकुर्वीत दर्शनं भक्तसत्तमः । तस्याहं सकलां बाधां नाशयामि निरंतरम्

atrāgatya prakurvīta darśanaṃ bhaktasattamaḥ tasyāhaṃ sakalāṃ bādhāṃ nāśayāmi niraṃtaram

Whatever excellent devotee comes here and takes darshan, all of his afflictions I ceaselessly destroy.

Verse 39 (padma.6.174.39)

एतस्मात्कारणाच्चैव व्रतं वै विधिपूर्वकम् । ये कुर्वंति नरश्रेष्ठा न तेषां विद्यते भयम्

etasmātkāraṇāccaiva vrataṃ vai vidhipūrvakam ye kurvaṃti naraśreṣṭhā na teṣāṃ vidyate bhayam

For this very reason, whatever best of men duly performs this vow according to rule, for them there exists no fear.

Verse 40 (padma.6.174.40)

बालरूपमयं ध्यात्वा ताभ्यां सह विशेषतः । पूजनं कुरुते रात्रौ स वै नारायणो भवेत्

bālarūpamayaṃ dhyātvā tābhyāṃ saha viśeṣataḥ pūjanaṃ kurute rātrau sa vai nārāyaṇo bhavet

Whoever meditates upon this child-form of mine, together with that couple in particular, and performs worship by night, becomes Narayana himself.

Verse 41 (padma.6.174.41)

चतुर्भुजं महादंष्ट्रं कालरूपं दुरासदम् । सूर्यकोटिप्रतीकाशं यमकोटिदुरासदम् । सिंहवच्च मुखं यस्य नरवच्चांगसंयुतम्

caturbhujaṃ mahādaṃṣṭraṃ kālarūpaṃ durāsadam sūryakoṭipratīkāśaṃ yamakoṭidurāsadam siṃhavacca mukhaṃ yasya naravaccāṃgasaṃyutam

One should ever worship that four-armed one, with mighty fangs, of the very form of Time, unassailable, blazing like ten million suns, unassailable even to ten million Yamas -- whose face is like a lion's, whose limbs are like a man's,

Verse 42 (padma.6.174.42)

श्रीनृसिंहं दिव्यसिंहं कालरूपं भजेत्सदा । एवं ज्ञात्वा विशेषेण यः स्थानं मामकं व्रजेत्

śrīnṛsiṃhaṃ divyasiṃhaṃ kālarūpaṃ bhajetsadā evaṃ jñātvā viśeṣeṇa yaḥ sthānaṃ māmakaṃ vrajet

the divine lion, Shri Narasimha, the very form of Time. Knowing this, whoever especially comes to my abode,

Verse 43 (padma.6.174.43)

व्रतं पवित्रं परमं श्रीकदंब प्रदं महत् । अंते मुक्तिप्रदं चैव भक्तानां च न संशयः

vrataṃ pavitraṃ paramaṃ śrīkadaṃba pradaṃ mahat aṃte muktipradaṃ caiva bhaktānāṃ ca na saṃśayaḥ

this vow, most pure, granting the great cluster of fortune and, in the end, liberation itself to devotees -- there is no doubt of this.

Verse 44 (padma.6.174.44)

येन वै क्रियमाणेन सहस्रद्वादशी फलम् । स्वाती नक्षत्र संयोगे शनिवारे तु मद्व्रतम्

yena vai kriyamāṇena sahasradvādaśī phalam svātī nakṣatra saṃyoge śanivāre tu madvratam

By its performance one obtains the fruit of a thousand Dvadashi observances. My vow, performed in conjunction with the Svati constellation and on a Saturday --

Verse 45 (padma.6.174.45)

सिद्धियोगस्य संयोगे वणिजे करणे तथा । योगैः सर्वैश्च संयोगं हत्याकोटि विनाशनम्

siddhiyogasya saṃyoge vaṇije karaṇe tathā yogaiḥ sarvaiśca saṃyogaṃ hatyākoṭi vināśanam

in conjunction with the Siddhi yoga, in the Vanija karana, and joined with all such auspicious yogas -- destroys even ten million sins of killing.

Verse 46 (padma.6.174.46)

एतदन्यतरैर्योगे मद्दिनं पापनाशनम् । विज्ञाय मद्दिनं यस्तु लंघयेत्स तु पापकृत्

etadanyatarairyoge maddinaṃ pāpanāśanam vijñāya maddinaṃ yastu laṃghayetsa tu pāpakṛt

In conjunction with any of these, my day removes sin. Whoever, knowing my day, disregards it, becomes a doer of sin;

Verse 47 (padma.6.174.47)

अकर्त्ता नरकं याति यावच्चंद्र दिवाकरौ । प्राप्ते मम दिने वत्स दंतधावनपूर्वकम्

akarttā narakaṃ yāti yāvaccaṃdra divākarau prāpte mama dine vatsa daṃtadhāvanapūrvakam

one who fails to observe it goes to hell for as long as the moon and sun endure. When my day arrives, my child, after cleaning the teeth,

Verse 48 (padma.6.174.48)

ममाग्रे व्रतसंकल्पं मद्भक्तो विजितेंद्रियः । अद्याहं ते विधास्यामि व्रतं निर्विघ्नतां नय

mamāgre vratasaṃkalpaṃ madbhakto vijiteṃdriyaḥ adyāhaṃ te vidhāsyāmi vrataṃ nirvighnatāṃ naya

my devotee, his senses subdued, should take the vow's resolve before me: 'Today I shall perform this for you; grant that it be free of obstacles.'

Verse 49 (padma.6.174.49)

व्रतस्थेन न कर्त्तव्यं दुष्टसंभाषणादिकम् । ततो मध्याह्नसमये नद्यादौ विमले जले

vratasthena na karttavyaṃ duṣṭasaṃbhāṣaṇādikam tato madhyāhnasamaye nadyādau vimale jale

One observing the vow should not engage in wicked conversation and the like. Then, at midday, in pure water -- in a river or the like,

Verse 50 (padma.6.174.50)

गृहे वा देवखाते वा तडागे वाथ शोभने । वैदिकेन तु मंत्रेण स्नानं कुर्याद्विचक्षणः

gṛhe vā devakhāte vā taḍāge vātha śobhane vaidikena tu maṃtreṇa snānaṃ kuryādvicakṣaṇaḥ

or at home, or in a sacred pool, or in a beautiful lake -- the wise man should bathe with a Vedic mantra.

Verse 51 (padma.6.174.51)

मृत्तिका गोमयेनैव तथा धात्रीफलेन च । तिलैश्च विधिवत्स्नायात्सर्वपापौघ शांतये

mṛttikā gomayenaiva tathā dhātrīphalena ca tilaiśca vidhivatsnāyātsarvapāpaugha śāṃtaye

With clay, with cow-dung, and with amla fruit, and with sesame, he should duly bathe, for the pacification of the entire flood of sin.

Verse 52 (padma.6.174.52)

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे नित्यकर्म समारभेत् । ततो गृहं विलिप्याथ कुर्यादष्टदलं शुभम्

paridhāya śubhe vastre nityakarma samārabhet tato gṛhaṃ vilipyātha kuryādaṣṭadalaṃ śubham

Having put on auspicious garments, he should begin his daily rites. Then, having plastered the house, he should make an auspicious eight-petaled design,

Verse 53 (padma.6.174.53)

कलशं तत्र संस्थाप्य ताम्रंत्रसमन्वितम् । तस्योपरि न्यसेत्पात्रं तंडुलैः परिपूरितम्

kalaśaṃ tatra saṃsthāpya tāmraṃtrasamanvitam tasyopari nyasetpātraṃ taṃḍulaiḥ paripūritam

and there set up a copper vessel with a thread wound about it; upon it he should place a bowl filled with rice.

Verse 54 (padma.6.174.54)

हैमीं च तत्र मन्मूर्ति स्थाप्य लक्ष्म्या समन्विताम् । निर्माय शक्त्या स्वर्णेन स्नाप्य पंचामृतैस्ततः

haimīṃ ca tatra manmūrti sthāpya lakṣmyā samanvitām nirmāya śaktyā svarṇena snāpya paṃcāmṛtaistataḥ

There he should set up my golden image, together with Lakshmi, fashioned according to his means from gold, and then bathe it with the five nectars.

Verse 55 (padma.6.174.55)

ततो ब्राह्मणमाहूय आचार्यं नातिलोलुपम् । शास्त्रज्ञमग्रतः कृत्वा ततो देवं समर्चयेत्

tato brāhmaṇamāhūya ācāryaṃ nātilolupam śāstrajñamagrataḥ kṛtvā tato devaṃ samarcayet

Then, summoning a brahmin as officiating priest, one who is not excessively greedy and is learned in the scriptures, placing him at the front, he should then worship the god.

Verse 56 (padma.6.174.56)

मंडपं कारयेत्तत्र पुष्पस्तबक शोभितम् । ऋतुकालोद्भवैः पुष्पैः पूज्योऽहं च यथाविधि

maṃḍapaṃ kārayettatra puṣpastabaka śobhitam ṛtukālodbhavaiḥ puṣpaiḥ pūjyo'haṃ ca yathāvidhi

He should erect a pavilion there, adorned with clusters of flowers; I should be worshipped, according to due rite, with flowers that come into bloom in season.

Verse 57 (padma.6.174.57)

उपचारैः षोडशभिर्मंत्रैर्नियमैश्च यः । ततः पौराणिकैर्मंत्रैः पूजनीयो विशेषतः

upacāraiḥ ṣoḍaśabhirmaṃtrairniyamaiśca yaḥ tataḥ paurāṇikairmaṃtraiḥ pūjanīyo viśeṣataḥ

With the sixteen traditional offerings, with mantras and observances, I should thereafter especially be worshipped with the mantras drawn from the Puranas.

Verse 58 (padma.6.174.58)

चंदनं च सकर्पूरं घनकुंकुममिश्रितम् । कालोद्भवानि पुष्पाणि तथा तुलसीदलानि च

caṃdanaṃ ca sakarpūraṃ ghanakuṃkumamiśritam kālodbhavāni puṣpāṇi tathā tulasīdalāni ca

Sandal-paste mixed with camphor and rich saffron, flowers that arise in their season, and likewise tulasi leaves --

Verse 59 (padma.6.174.59)

श्रीनृसिंहाय यो दद्यात्स मुक्तो नात्र संशयः । कृष्णागुरुमयं धूपं सर्वदा हरिवल्लभम्

śrīnṛsiṃhāya yo dadyātsa mukto nātra saṃśayaḥ kṛṣṇāgurumayaṃ dhūpaṃ sarvadā harivallabham

whoever offers these to Shri Narasimha is freed, without doubt. Incense made of black agarwood, ever dear to Hari,

Verse 60 (padma.6.174.60)

हरये गुरवे दद्यात्सर्वकामार्थसिद्धये । महादीपः प्रकर्त्तव्यो ह्यज्ञानध्वांत नाशनः । महानीराजनं कुर्याद्घंटानाद पुरःसरम्

haraye gurave dadyātsarvakāmārthasiddhaye mahādīpaḥ prakarttavyo hyajñānadhvāṃta nāśanaḥ mahānīrājanaṃ kuryādghaṃṭānāda puraḥsaram

should be offered to Hari, the guru, for the accomplishment of every desire and every purpose. A great lamp should be lit, the destroyer of the darkness of ignorance; a great waving of lamps should be performed, preceded by the ringing of bells.

Verse 61 (padma.6.174.61)

नैवेद्यं शर्करां चापि भक्ष्यभौज्यसमन्वितम् । ददामि ते रमाकांत सर्वपापक्षयं कुरु

naivedyaṃ śarkarāṃ cāpi bhakṣyabhaujyasamanvitam dadāmi te ramākāṃta sarvapāpakṣayaṃ kuru

A food-offering, and sugar too, together with things to be chewed and things to be eaten, should be offered, saying: 'I give this to you, O beloved of Rama; destroy all my sins.'

Verse 62 (padma.6.174.62)

नैवेद्य मंत्र। नृसिंहाच्युत देवेश तव जन्मदिने शुभे । उपवासं करिष्यामि सर्वभोगविवर्जितः

naivedya maṃtra nṛsiṃhācyuta deveśa tava janmadine śubhe upavāsaṃ kariṣyāmi sarvabhogavivarjitaḥ

The mantra for the food-offering: 'O Narasimha, O Achyuta, O lord of the gods! On this auspicious day of your birth, I shall observe a fast, forsaking every worldly pleasure.'

Verse 63 (padma.6.174.63)

तेन प्रीतो भव स्वामिन्पापं जन्म निराकुरु । रात्रौ जागरणं कार्यं गीतवादित्र निःस्वनैः

tena prīto bhava svāminpāpaṃ janma nirākuru rātrau jāgaraṇaṃ kāryaṃ gītavāditra niḥsvanaiḥ

'By this be pleased, O Lord; remove the sin of my birth.' At night a vigil should be kept, with the resounding of songs and instrumental music,

Verse 64 (padma.6.174.64)

पुराणपठनं नित्यं श्रीनृसिंकथाश्रयम् । ततः प्रभातसमये स्नानं कृत्वा ह्यनंतरम्

purāṇapaṭhanaṃ nityaṃ śrīnṛsiṃkathāśrayam tataḥ prabhātasamaye snānaṃ kṛtvā hyanaṃtaram

and the constant recitation of the Purana, taking as its subject the story of Shri Narasimha. Then, at daybreak, after bathing,

Verse 65 (padma.6.174.65)

पूर्वोक्तेन विधानेन पूजयेन्मां प्रतर्पयन् । वैष्णवं कारयेच्छ्राद्धं मदग्रे स्वस्थमानसः

pūrvoktena vidhānena pūjayenmāṃ pratarpayan vaiṣṇavaṃ kārayecchrāddhaṃ madagre svasthamānasaḥ

he should worship me according to the rule already stated, making offerings to me; and, with a composed mind, before me, he should perform a Vaishnava shraddha.

Verse 66 (padma.6.174.66)

ततो दानानि देयानि वक्ष्यमाणानि यान्युत । पात्रेभ्यः स द्विजेभ्यो हि लोकद्वय जिगीषया

tato dānāni deyāni vakṣyamāṇāni yānyuta pātrebhyaḥ sa dvijebhyo hi lokadvaya jigīṣayā

Then the gifts that are about to be mentioned should be given to worthy brahmin recipients, out of a desire to win both worlds.

Verse 67 (padma.6.174.67)

सहस्वर्णमयो देवो मम संतोषकारकः । गोभूतिलहिरण्यादि प्रददाति द्विजातये

sahasvarṇamayo devo mama saṃtoṣakārakaḥ gobhūtilahiraṇyādi pradadāti dvijātaye

A golden image of the god, together with gold, is a cause of my satisfaction; one should give a cow, land, sesame, gold, and the like to a brahmin.

Verse 68 (padma.6.174.68)

शय्या सतूलिका देया सप्तधान्यसमन्विता । अन्यानि च यथाशक्त्या देयानि निजशक्तितः

śayyā satūlikā deyā saptadhānyasamanvitā anyāni ca yathāśaktyā deyāni nijaśaktitaḥ

A bed with its cotton mattress should be given, together with the seven grains; and other gifts too should be given, according to one's own means.

Verse 69 (padma.6.174.69)

वित्तशाठ्यं न कुर्वीत यथोक्तफलकांक्षया । ब्राह्मणान्भोजयेत्पश्चात्तेभ्यो दद्यात्सुदक्षिणाम्

vittaśāṭhyaṃ na kurvīta yathoktaphalakāṃkṣayā brāhmaṇānbhojayetpaścāttebhyo dadyātsudakṣiṇām

One should not act miserly with one's wealth, out of a desire for the stated fruit. Afterward one should feed brahmins, and give them a generous fee.

Verse 70 (padma.6.174.70)

निर्धनैरपि कर्त्तव्यं देयं शक्त्यनुसारतः । सर्वेषामेव वर्णानामधिकारोऽस्ति मद्व्रते । मद्भक्तैस्तु विशेषेण कर्त्तव्यं मत्परायणैः

nirdhanairapi karttavyaṃ deyaṃ śaktyanusārataḥ sarveṣāmeva varṇānāmadhikāro'sti madvrate madbhaktaistu viśeṣeṇa karttavyaṃ matparāyaṇaiḥ

Even the poor should give according to their means. This vow of mine is open to people of all varnas; but it should especially be performed by my own devotees, wholly devoted to me.

Verse 71 (padma.6.174.71)

ततः प्रार्थना मंत्रः । मद्वंशे येन राजा ता ये भविष्याश्च मानवाः । तानुद्धरस्व देवेश दुःखदाद्भवसागरात्

tataḥ prārthanā maṃtraḥ madvaṃśe yena rājā tā ye bhaviṣyāśca mānavāḥ tānuddharasva deveśa duḥkhadādbhavasāgarāt

The prayer-mantra: 'Whoever has been a king in my lineage, and whoever shall be born as men in it -- O lord of the gods, deliver them from this sorrowful ocean of worldly existence.'

Verse 72 (padma.6.174.72)

पातकार्णवमग्नस्य व्याधिभिश्चांबुचारिभिः । जीवैस्तु परिभूतस्य महादुःखगतस्य मे

pātakārṇavamagnasya vyādhibhiścāṃbucāribhiḥ jīvaistu paribhūtasya mahāduḥkhagatasya me

'Sunk in the ocean of sin, oppressed by diseases and by creatures that move in the water, plunged in great sorrow --'

Verse 73 (padma.6.174.73)

करावलंबनं देहि शेषशायी जगत्पते । व्रतेनानेन देवेश भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदो भव

karāvalaṃbanaṃ dehi śeṣaśāyī jagatpate vratenānena deveśa bhuktimuktiprado bhava

'-- give me the support of your hand, O you who rest upon Shesha, O lord of the universe. Through this vow, O lord of the gods, become the giver of both enjoyment and liberation.'

Verse 74 (padma.6.174.74)

एवं प्रार्थ्य ततो देवं विसृज्य च यथाविधि । उपहारादिकं सर्वे आचार्याय निवेदयेत्

evaṃ prārthya tato devaṃ visṛjya ca yathāvidhi upahārādikaṃ sarve ācāryāya nivedayet

Having thus prayed, and having then duly taken leave of the god, one should present all offerings to the officiating priest.

Verse 75 (padma.6.174.75)

दक्षिणाभिश्च संतोष्या ब्राह्मणांश्च विसर्जयेत् । मम ध्यान समायुक्तो भुंजीत सह बंधुभिः

dakṣiṇābhiśca saṃtoṣyā brāhmaṇāṃśca visarjayet mama dhyāna samāyukto bhuṃjīta saha baṃdhubhiḥ

Having satisfied the brahmins with generous fees, one should then take leave of them; and, absorbed in meditation upon me, one should eat together with one's kinsmen.

Verse 76 (padma.6.174.76)

अकिंचनोपि नियतमुपोष्यति चतुर्दशीम् । सप्त जन्म कृतात्पापान्मुच्यते नात्र संशयः

akiṃcanopi niyatamupoṣyati caturdaśīm sapta janma kṛtātpāpānmucyate nātra saṃśayaḥ

Even a man of no means whatsoever, who steadfastly observes a fast on this fourteenth day, is freed of the sins committed over seven births -- there is no doubt of this.

Verse 77 (padma.6.174.77)

य इदं शृणुयाद्भक्त्या व्रतं पापप्रणाशनम् । तस्य श्रवणमात्रेण ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहति

ya idaṃ śṛṇuyādbhaktyā vrataṃ pāpapraṇāśanam tasya śravaṇamātreṇa brahmahatyāṃ vyapohati

Whoever hears with devotion of this vow, which destroys sin, dispels even the sin of killing a brahmin by the mere act of hearing.

Verse 78 (padma.6.174.78)

पवित्रं परमं गुह्यं कीर्तयेद्यस्तु मानवः । सर्वकामानवाप्नोति व्रतस्यास्य फलं सदा

pavitraṃ paramaṃ guhyaṃ kīrtayedyastu mānavaḥ sarvakāmānavāpnoti vratasyāsya phalaṃ sadā

Whatever man recites this most pure and secret account ever obtains all his desires, as the fruit of this vow.

Verse 79 (padma.6.174.79)

य इदं कुरुते शक्त्या काले मध्याह्न संज्ञके । लीलावत्या सह ऋषिं श्रीनृसिंह प्रसादतः

ya idaṃ kurute śaktyā kāle madhyāhna saṃjñake līlāvatyā saha ṛṣiṃ śrīnṛsiṃha prasādataḥ

Whoever performs this vow according to his means, at the time called midday, worshipping the sage Harita together with Lilavati, through the grace of Shri Narasimha --

Verse 80 (padma.6.174.80)

पूजयेत्परया भक्त्या मुक्तिं प्राप्नोति शाश्वतीम् । तस्मिन्क्षेत्रे तु यो गत्वा श्रीनृसिंहं प्रपूजयेत्

pūjayetparayā bhaktyā muktiṃ prāpnoti śāśvatīm tasminkṣetre tu yo gatvā śrīnṛsiṃhaṃ prapūjayet

worshipping with supreme devotion, obtains eternal liberation. Whoever, having gone to that field, duly worships Shri Narasimha,

Verse 81 (padma.6.174.81)

वांच्छितं लभते नित्यं श्रीनृसिंह प्रसादतः । श्रीनृसिंह महद्रूप कालकोटिदुरासद

vāṃcchitaṃ labhate nityaṃ śrīnṛsiṃha prasādataḥ śrīnṛsiṃha mahadrūpa kālakoṭidurāsada

ever obtains his desire through the grace of Shri Narasimha. 'O Shri Narasimha, of mighty form, unassailable even to ten million times of Time,'

Verse 82 (padma.6.174.82)

भैरवेश हरार्तिघ्न बालरूप नमोस्तु ते । श्रीनृसिंहाय रूपाय बालाय बालरूपिणे

bhairaveśa harārtighna bālarūpa namostu te śrīnṛsiṃhāya rūpāya bālāya bālarūpiṇe

'O lord of terror, remover of Hara's affliction, of the form of a child -- salutations to you! To Shri Narasimha, of that very form, the child, of child-like form,'

Verse 83 (padma.6.174.83)

व्यापकाय सुनंदाय स्वात्मप्रकट रूपिणे । सर्वजीवात्मकायैव विश्वेशाय स्वरात्मने

vyāpakāya sunaṃdāya svātmaprakaṭa rūpiṇe sarvajīvātmakāyaiva viśveśāya svarātmane

'all-pervading, of great joy, of the form that manifests one's own true Self -- who is the very soul of all living beings, the Lord of the universe, the very Self of self,'

Verse 84 (padma.6.174.84)

मार्तंड मंडलस्थाय दयासिंधो नमोस्तु ते । चतुर्विंशस्वरूपाय कालरुद्राग्निरूपिणे

mārtaṃḍa maṃḍalasthāya dayāsiṃdho namostu te caturviṃśasvarūpāya kālarudrāgnirūpiṇe

'who abides in the orb of the sun, O ocean of compassion, salutations to you! Of the four-and-twenty-fold form, of the very form of Kala, Rudra, and Agni,'

Verse 85 (padma.6.174.85)

जगदेकस्वरूपाय नृसिंहाय नमोस्तु ते । भाले दधार यो देवो नृसिंहो वीरभद्र जित्

jagadekasvarūpāya nṛsiṃhāya namostu te bhāle dadhāra yo devo nṛsiṃho vīrabhadra jit

'the sole form of the universe, O Narasimha, salutations to you!' The god Narasimha, who bore on his forehead, victorious over Virabhadra,

Verse 86 (padma.6.174.86)

द्वादशादित्यबिंबानि सुतप्तानि प्रमाणतः । तत्र सिंधु महापुण्या नदी रम्या विशेषतः

dvādaśādityabiṃbāni sutaptāni pramāṇataḥ tatra siṃdhu mahāpuṇyā nadī ramyā viśeṣataḥ

the twelve orbs of the sun, blazing to their proper measure -- there flows the greatly sacred river Sindhu, a delightful river above all others.

Verse 87 (padma.6.174.87)

तस्याः समीपे नगरं वर्त्ततेऽद्यापि सुंदरि । मौलिस्तानेति विख्यातं सर्वदा देवनिर्मितम्

tasyāḥ samīpe nagaraṃ varttate'dyāpi suṃdari maulistāneti vikhyātaṃ sarvadā devanirmitam

Near it, O beautiful one, a city stands even to this day, renowned as Moulisthana, ever made by the gods themselves.

Verse 88 (padma.6.174.88)

वसतिर्वर्त्तते तत्र हारीतस्य महात्मनः । लीलावती तु तत्रैव तिष्ठते नात्र संशयः

vasatirvarttate tatra hārītasya mahātmanaḥ līlāvatī tu tatraiva tiṣṭhate nātra saṃśayaḥ

There stands the dwelling of the great-souled Harita; and Lilavati too abides there, without doubt.

Verse 89 (padma.6.174.89)

प्रतिशब्दो भवेत्तत्र सिंधुनद्याः समीपतः । कलौ युगे तु संप्राप्ते म्लेच्छा वै पापचारिणः

pratiśabdo bhavettatra siṃdhunadyāḥ samīpataḥ kalau yuge tu saṃprāpte mlecchā vai pāpacāriṇaḥ

An echo occurs there, near the river Sindhu. Now that the Kali age has come, sinful barbarians

Verse 90 (padma.6.174.90)

निवसंति तु तत्रैव बहवो नात्र संशयः । नृसिंहजन्मनि यथा शब्दोऽभूदद्भुतः परः

nivasaṃti tu tatraiva bahavo nātra saṃśayaḥ nṛsiṃhajanmani yathā śabdo'bhūdadbhutaḥ paraḥ

dwell there, in great numbers, without doubt. Just as, at the very birth of Narasimha, an extraordinary and wondrous sound arose --

Verse 91 (padma.6.174.91)

नृसिंहेति नृसिंहेति य उच्चैर्नदते नरः । तादृशः प्रतिशब्दो वै जायते नगनंदिनि

nṛsiṃheti nṛsiṃheti ya uccairnadate naraḥ tādṛśaḥ pratiśabdo vai jāyate naganaṃdini

whatever man cries out loudly, 'Narasimha! Narasimha!' -- just such an echo arises there, O daughter of the mountain.

Verse 92 (padma.6.174.92)

ब्रह्महा हेमहारी वा सुरापो गुरुतल्पगः । सिंधौ गत्वा विशेषेण स्नानं कुर्वंति ये जनाः

brahmahā hemahārī vā surāpo gurutalpagaḥ siṃdhau gatvā viśeṣeṇa snānaṃ kurvaṃti ye janāḥ

Whether a slayer of a brahmin, a thief of gold, a drinker of spirits, or one who defiles his guru's bed -- whatever people go especially to the Sindhu and bathe there,

Verse 93 (padma.6.174.93)

मुच्यते नात्र संदेहः श्रीनृसिंह प्रसादतः । दशारात्रिप्रमाणेन मानवा ये वसंति हि

mucyate nātra saṃdehaḥ śrīnṛsiṃha prasādataḥ daśārātripramāṇena mānavā ye vasaṃti hi

are released, without doubt, through the grace of Shri Narasimha. Whatever people dwell there for the space of even ten nights,

Verse 94 (padma.6.174.94)

ते ज्ञेयाः पुण्यकर्माणो नासत्यं मामकं वचः । निवसंति कलौ तत्र वर्णा ये द्विजपूर्वकाः

te jñeyāḥ puṇyakarmāṇo nāsatyaṃ māmakaṃ vacaḥ nivasaṃti kalau tatra varṇā ye dvijapūrvakāḥ

should be known as of meritorious deeds; my words are not false. Whatever people of the twice-born castes, headed by brahmins, dwell there in the Kali age,

Verse 95 (padma.6.174.95)

म्लेच्छवत्तेऽपि विज्ञेया वेदबाह्याः सुरोत्तमैः । मांसं खादंति ते तत्र मद्यपानं पपुः सदा

mlecchavatte'pi vijñeyā vedabāhyāḥ surottamaiḥ māṃsaṃ khādaṃti te tatra madyapānaṃ papuḥ sadā

should nevertheless be known by the best of gods as being like outcastes, excluded from the Veda -- for there they eat flesh, and ever drink liquor.

Verse 96 (padma.6.174.96)

अतो ह्यधर्मरूपास्ते पापिष्ठा नात्र संशयः । संध्याहीना यथा विप्रा वेदबाह्यास्तथैव च

ato hyadharmarūpāste pāpiṣṭhā nātra saṃśayaḥ saṃdhyāhīnā yathā viprā vedabāhyāstathaiva ca

Therefore they are of the very form of unrighteousness, most sinful, without doubt -- just as brahmins who neglect the twilight worship are, likewise excluded from the Veda.

Verse 97 (padma.6.174.97)

निवसंति पुरे तस्मिन्पश्चिमायां सुरेश्वरि । एकमेव परं तीर्थं नृसिंहाख्यं सुविस्तरम् । यं श्रुत्वा मुच्यते पापान्नरः सद्यो न संशयः

nivasaṃti pure tasminpaścimāyāṃ sureśvari ekameva paraṃ tīrthaṃ nṛsiṃhākhyaṃ suvistaram yaṃ śrutvā mucyate pāpānnaraḥ sadyo na saṃśayaḥ

Such people dwell in that city, in the western region, O queen of the gods. This alone is the one supreme, greatly extensive tirtha, called Narasimha's; hearing of which, a man is instantly freed from sin, without doubt.