Chapter 12 — Narhari Becomes Shri Narsimaha Saraswati

Literal. Narhari leaves home, reaches Kashi, and demonstrates yogic proficiency. The aged sannyasi Krishna Saraswati — already self-realized — recognizes him and asks him to formally accept sannyasa through the proper channels, despite Narhari himself being the Datta incarnation. Narhari accepts initiation from Krishna Saraswati and is renamed Shri Narasimha Saraswati. Namdharak asks Siddhamuni: if Narhari was already Datta, why did he need a Guru? Siddhamuni answers: in human life, human customs are to be followed; even Shri Rama had Vashistha, Shri Krishna had Sandipani. The chapter then recites the lineage of Gurus from Shankar through Krishna Saraswati.

Symbolic. The avatar accepts ordination through the regular channel — even when the regular channel is structurally below the avatar in the metaphysical hierarchy. The chapter argues this is normative: human customs must be followed in human life, regardless of the agent's underlying status.