Varāha Mahā Purana
42 - Narasimhadvadashivrata
Durvasas said:
I. Similarly one may worship Vishnu in the prescribed manner on Dvadashi on the bright half of the month of Phalguna.
2-3. He should worship the feet as Narasimha, thighs as Govinda, waist as Vishvabhuk, chest as Aniruddha, neck as Shitikantha, head as Pingakesha, disc (Sudarshana) as Asuradhvamsin (destroyer of Asuras) and conch as Toyatma, with sandal, flowers and fruits.
4-5. A pot together with two white clothes and a gem inside should then be placed in front and over that in a vessel made of copper or wood or reed a golden image of Narasimha with the usual materials.
6. After performing worship on it, on Dvadashi day it should be given to a Vaidik Brahmin.
7. I shall now tell you the result gained through this Vrata by the king named Vatsa.
8. In the land of Kimpurushas there was a righteous king named Bharata and he had a son named Vatsa.
9. Vatsa was conquered by his enemies and was completely robbed of his treasury, and he went with his wife to the hermitage of sage Vashishta.
10. Vashishta then asked him the purpose of his visit.
The king said:
11-12. O sage, I have been deprived of my kingdom and robbed of my treasury by the enemies, and without any one to help me, I have now come to you. Be pleased to advise me.
Durvasas said:
13. Thus said, Vashishta told him about this (Narasimha) Dvadashivrata, and he observed it accordingly.
14. At the end of the vrata, lord Narasimha was pleased, and he gave him a Chakra (disc) to smash his enemies in battle.
15. With that weapon, the king won back his kingdom, and after performing numerous Ashvamedha sacrifices, attained Vishnuloka.
16. This holy Dvadashivrata is thus narrated to you. Now you may do whatever you desire to do so.
Summary of chapter 42 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
The Purāṇa recounts the instructive life of Maharshi Maṅkaṇa, a great ascetic who performed intense penance at the holy tīrtha of Saptasārasvata until his hand was accidentally pierced by Kusa grass, emitting vegetable juice instead of blood. Overcome with spiritual pride and joy at this magical phenomenon, Maharshi Maṅkaṇa began to dance with ecstacy, causing the entire cosmos, mountains, and rivers to vibrate in unison with his movement. To save the universe from destruction, Parameśvara Śiva appeared before the sage, pierced His own thumb to produce white ash, and gently revealed the insignificance of worldly miracles, restoring Maharshi Maṅkaṇa to humility and true spiritual wisdom.