In the ancient city of the gods—immortal and golden, pierced at the dawn of creation by the first divine being—a solemn offering is made. Ten salutations are sent eastward to honor this primal deity, with a prayer that he may grant approval, for the triple protection has been penetrated. May Aryaman, Pūṣan, and Bṛhaspati approach with favor, bestowing their blessings by the sacred name of the one born this day. Thus, you are graced by their benevolence. With the turning of the seasons and their proper times, the energy of the year is invoked for long life and radiant strength; with this force, you are fortified. A sacred substance, smeared with ghee and mingled with honey, is prepared—firmly rooted in the earth, unshaken and steadfast, capable of bearing burdens, crushing rivals, and humbling adversaries. It is urged not to rise, but to remain for the sake of great fortune. Agni, known as Jātavedas, is harnessed at the forefront. He is called upon to carry forth, to perceive all that transpires. As the healer and maker of remedies, Agni is entreated to grant cattle, horses, and people through his power. Agni Jātavedas, united with all the gods, is asked to act. Those who have harmed, attacked, or injured are to be cast outside the boundary, circling beyond its limits. This request is repeated, emphasizing the expulsion of adversaries. Agni, the youngest, is implored to pierce the eyes and heart of the attacker, bind his tongue, and break his teeth, destroying the flesh-eating demon who has caused harm. Whatever has been taken, carried away, or stolen—whatever has been devoured by demons—Agni is asked to return it, restoring flesh to the body. No matter if the flesh is raw, well-cooked, spotted, or overcooked, or if the demon has devoured through milk, curds, undercooked food, or grain, the prayer is for these demons to depart with their offspring and kin, so that the afflicted may be freed from disease. Even if the demon has devoured through water, drink, or while lying in the bed of flesh-eating spirits, whether by day or night, the plea is the same: let the demons depart, let health return. Agni, devourer of flesh, is called to destroy the blood-drinking demon and the mind-stealer. Indra, the champion, is entreated to strike the demon with his bolt, and Soma, the bold, to sever his head. From ancient times, Agni has destroyed sorcerers; he is urged not to let demons triumph in battle, but to burn up the flesh-eaters, roots and all, ensuring the divine weapon does not fail. Agni Jātavedas is asked to gather whatever has been taken or carried away, so that the limbs may grow and swell like the shoots of Soma. Let the afflicted swell with vitality, be freed from disease, purified, and live. Offerings are presented to Agni for the binding of demons, with a prayer for acceptance. Agni is asked to accept them with his flames and to compel the flesh-eater to abandon his form. A plea is made for return—from afar, from a distance. The afflicted is urged to remain, not to follow the forefathers, as their breath is bound firmly. Any spell cast by another, whether friend or stranger, is countered with words of release and freedom. All wrongs done knowingly or unknowingly, to man or woman, are spoken away. Any harm inflicted by mother or father is addressed with words of release. Whatever offenses by kin, brother, mother, or father are remedied, the remedy is offered before the eyes, granting freedom from old age. The afflicted is called to return with their whole mind, not to go to Yama’s messenger, but to come to the abode of the living. Unbidden, they are urged to ascend, to step forth, and to journey among the living. Assurance is given: do not fear, you will not die; freedom from old age is granted. Disease and limb-fever are spoken away. Breaking of limbs, limb-fever, heart-illness—all are sent away like a hawk, far beyond, by these words. The seers, awake and awakening others, whether in sleep or wakefulness, are guardians of the breath, vigilant by day and night. Sitting near the fire, the sun is invoked to rise for the afflicted, to lift them from the deep darkness of death and confusion. Homage is paid to Yama, Death, the ancestors, and the guides. Agni, who knows the crossing over, is placed before all for safety. Breath, mind, sight, and strength are summoned; the body is called to unite and stand firm. Agni is asked to join breath and sight, to revive with body and strength, and to ensure the immortal does not depart or become a dweller in the earth. The breath is protected, the downward breath is not taken away, and the Sun, lord over death, is invoked to raise up with his rays. The tongue, speaking within, is bound and pressed down; disease, a hundred growths and fevers, are spoken away. This world, most dear to the gods and unconquered, is the place where man was destined for death, yet he is called back—not to perish before old age. Any spell cast in uncooked food, mixed grain, or raw meat, any witchcraft performed, is taken back. Spells made in a rooster, goat, cur, or lifeless thing are reclaimed. Harmful acts against animals, at the wheel, or with the donkey, are taken back. Any harm done at the root, yoke, or in ploughing, any act performed in the field, is now taken back. Thus, through sacred words and ritual, the afflicted is restored—protected by the gods, freed from disease, and returned to the realm of the living.