May it be told that one sought healing from the waters, praying, “Whatever shines in my eyes, my heels, and the soles of my feet—may the waters, O healers, with your excellent remedies, wash all that away.” The rivers were invoked as mistresses and queens of the streams, dwelling graciously throughout the land, and asked to grant their medicine so that people might enjoy their blessings. There were unseen forces that gathered against the mind—five and fifty in number—and a wish arose: let all such adversities vanish, disregarded like unheeded words. So too, those seventy-seven that amassed against the neck, and ninety-nine that pressed upon the shoulders—let them all be dismissed and rendered powerless, as forgotten speech. A plea was made to the divine master: “Release me from evil; be gracious. Remove all harm far away, into a world of happiness.” It was resolved that if any being refused to lift away evil, then such a one would be cast out, and the evil would be sent along another path, far from the supplicant. The thousand-eyed immortal was invoked to cast away all affliction, directing it to those who bear enmity, so that the one who hates might be destroyed by it. Sometimes, a pigeon, sent as a messenger of Nirṛti—driven by the gods or by desire—might come. In such moments, worship and expiation were offered, seeking well-being for all two-footed and four-footed beings. Prayers rose that the pigeon, even if sent by the gods, would bring no harm, but be auspicious; that the divine bird would not bring misfortune upon the home. Agni, the priestly fire, was asked to accept the offering, so that the winged missile might turn away. Thus, it was hoped that the winged missile would find no target among the people, but settle instead in the fire-altar, ensuring prosperity for cattle and kin. May neither gods nor pigeons bring injury here. With hymns, the pigeon was driven away, and joyfully the cow was led around, enticing misfortune’s steps to be left behind, as all set forth upon the path of strength and nourishment. Agni was asked to forgive and restore the cow, who among the gods was famed and unassailable. Homage was paid to Yama, to Death—the one who first reached the descent and sought out many paths, ruling over all two-footed and four-footed beings. May the winged missile fall elsewhere; if the owl speaks, let it be in vain; if the pigeon marks the fire, let it bear no fruit. Whatever messengers of Nirṛti, sent or unsent, may have come, let no trace remain of the pigeon or the owl. May all that falls here do so without enmity; may strength and heroism settle here. May adversities turn away and depart, just as in Yama’s house the dead do not see the living—so let these forces not behold us. The gods once prepared barley mixed with honey upon the stone of Sarasvatī. Indra, lord of ploughing, mighty and full of power, was present; the generous Maruts were the ploughmen. Wild intoxication, the cause of laughter, was asked to depart to distant forests, while the śamī tree with its hundred branches was called to grow forth. The great-leaved, lovely śamī, nourished by rain and guardian of truth, was prayed to be gracious to the people, as a mother to her children. A spotted cow stepped forth, seeking her mother and father. The great bull moved within shining realms, breathing out the light. He shone in thirty abodes, and the bird of speech settled, answering the call of the dawns. Into the inner fire, clarified butter was offered for the destruction of Yātudhānas and evil beings, asking Agni to burn away demons from afar and protect the home. Rudra was invoked to guard necks, fiends to protect backs, and the Yātudhānas were called to heed the plants, who with all their power had allied with Yama. Mitra and Varuṇa were asked to grant safety, to drive away hostile fires, and to let no knower or foundation find the people; let obstacles go to death, each to its own place. The people praised the dust yoked to the new light, delighting in the great glory of Indra. None dared challenge him; his might subdued the bold, and his ancient fame remained unconquered. Prayers rose that Indra, most powerful among people, would grant wide wealth, shining like tawny gold. Speech was sent forth to Agni, the bull among peoples, to lead the way past foes. Agni, with sharp flame, who drives away demons, was invoked for guidance. He shines beyond the farthest distance, across deserts, and with insight sees all worlds together. Bright Agni, born on the far side of the expanse, was implored to lead all safely past adversaries. Blessings of Vaiśvānara, Agni, were sought from afar, that he might turn towards the people’s praise. May he come to the sacrifice, accompanied, present in hymns and offerings. Vaiśvānara, who accepted the praise and hymns of the Angirases, was asked to grant glory and sovereignty among them. Vaiśvānara was sought as the upholder of order, lord of the light of truth, and unfailing warmth. He fulfilled all the seasons, releasing them, as the offspring of sacrifice rose up. Agni, in distant realms, was the desire of what has been and what will be—the one sovereign shining forth alone.