Maulisthāna is a sacred tīrtha (pilgrimage place) in the western direction, on the bank of the Sindhū river. Here Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha became present as a svayambhū (self-manifested) presence.

The Padma Mahā Purāṇa tells how this came about through the tapas (austerity) of the ṛshi Hārita and his wife Līlāvatī, who wished to have Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha as their son. The Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī vow is linked to this place.

The manifestation

Hārita was a brāhmaṇa who knew the Vedas. With his wife Līlāvatī he performed one unbroken tapas at Maulisthāna for twenty-one yugas. They had only one wish: to obtain a son of the nature of Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha.

Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha appeared before them in person. They asked him for a son of his own nature. He answered: “I am certainly your son. But as I am eternal, I shall not remain in the womb.”

Then he made a promise: “I shall dwell at this holy place for my devotee. The best devotee, after coming here, should see me. I shall always destroy his entire suffering.”

From that time, the svayambhū presence of Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha at Maulisthāna has been a source of moksha (liberation) for all who come to him with devotion.

The Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī vow

The Purāṇa gives the origin of the Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī vow in connection with Maulisthāna. Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha himself described it to Prahlāda. It gives long life, protection from widowhood, sons, wealth, grain and the end of grief.

The vow is kept on the Caturdaśī of the bright half of Vaiśākha. It is also kept on a Saturday when the Sun is in conjunction with Svāti and the planets form a siddhiyoga.

The way of keeping the vow is:

Fast.
Bathe at midday.
Set up a golden image of Bhagavān Nṛsiṃha with Lakshmī on an eight-sided maṇḍala.
Offer pūjā in sixteen ways.
Offer tulasī and black aguru incense.
Keep jāgaraṇa (staying awake through the night).

Greatness of the name and the vow

By speaking the name of Nṛsiṃha alone, a person gains eternal moksha. One who keeps the Nṛsiṃha Caturdaśī vow gains the fruit of a thousand Dvādaśī vows. The vow gives wealth, removes poverty, and grants sons and prosperity. Those who keep it even for hundreds of kalpas are not born again.

Sources

Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Uttara Khaṇḍa, Chapter 174