Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat Katha

Sage Durvasa says - "O Great Sage! I am describing the fruit that a king obtained by observing the Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat, listen carefully. In Kimpurusha Varsha, a very famous king named Bharat used to rule. King Bharat was blessed with a son named Vatsa. When the time came, Bharat handed over the responsibility of the kingdom to his son Vatsa and established him as King Vatsa.

In the course of time, in a fierce war, King Vatsa was defeated by his enemies and his kingdom, glory, wealth, etc., all came under the control of the enemies. Defeated by the enemies, the king, along with his wife, set out on foot towards the forest and reaching there, began to reside in the ashram of Sage Vashistha. In this way, a few days passed while the king was residing in the ashram.

One day, Sage Vashistha asked the king - 'O King! What is your purpose in residing in this ashram after renouncing your kingdom etc.? For what reason are you residing in this great ashram?'

The king said - 'O Sage! Wicked enemies have defeated me in war and snatched everything from me, including my kingdom and treasury. Therefore, being helpless, I have come to your refuge. Please be kind enough to provide coolness to my mind through your words of blessing.'"

Sage Durvasa says - "O Sage! On King Vatsa's request, Sage Vashistha instructed the king to observe the Narasimha Dwadashi Vrat according to the rituals. The king followed the Dwadashi Vrat as per Sage Vashistha's instructions, due to the influence of which Lord Narasimha was extremely pleased with the king. As a boon, Lord Narasimha gave the king a divine Chakra (discus) that was capable of destroying all enemies on the battlefield.

With the help of that divine Chakra, King Vatsa defeated all the enemies and regained his kingdom. Seated on the royal throne, that righteous king performed a thousand Ashvamedha Yajnas. Due to the influence of virtuous deeds, at the end of his time, that king attained the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.

O Sage! This Narasimha Dwadashi, which destroys all sins, is blessed. I have described it to satisfy your curiosity. After listening to the glory of this vrat, you may act according to your wish."

॥ Thus ends the Narasimha Dwadashi Mahatmya described in Shri Varaha Purana ॥