In ancient times, the sages discovered a potent remedy, known as Rudra’s remedy, that could drive away a hundred arrows from a single person, shielding them from harm. With this sacred remedy, they would sprinkle away the dangers of net-poison, invoking its fierce power to grant mercy and preserve the breath of life. Their prayers sought happiness and delight, asking that nothing bring harm, and that the earth itself forgive. They wished all things to become remedies, turning every aspect of creation into healing and protection. They called upon Indra, the generous, for glory, and upon Heaven and Earth to bestow the same. The god Savitar was invoked for glory, and the wish was made to be dear to the giver of rewards. Just as Indra shines with glory between Heaven and Earth, and as the waters and plants are radiant, so too did the sages desire to become glorious among all gods and beings. Indra, Agni, and the newborn Soma were praised for their brilliance, and the speaker declared themselves the most glorious of all beings. To the bulls, the remedy was first; to the cows, it was Arundhati. They prayed for protection for the barren, the young, and all four-footed creatures. The sacred plant, together with the goddess Arundhati, was asked to grant protection, to fill the cattle-pen with milk, keep disease away, and safeguard the people as well. The all-formed and fortunate living one was invoked to lead far away Rudra’s missiles from the cows. Aryaman, shining and adorned with praise, was called forth to seek and find a suitable husband for the maiden, and a worthy wife for the groom. The union of others was prayed to be harmonious, without fatigue, and the union of this one with others equally so. The Creator, who established earth, sky, and sun, was entreated to appoint for her a husband worthy of her. The waters were asked to bring sweetness, the sun to bring light, and all gods born of austerity to impart their power. Savitar was called upon to grant radiance. The speaker declared their ability to separate earth and sky, set the seasons in motion, and speak both truth and untruth, uttering divine and human speech. They claimed to have created earth and sky, set the seven rivers flowing, and to be a friend to Agni and Soma, who are to be invoked. Vaiśvānara was asked to purify with his rays, the wind with breath, and the sky with its spaces. Heaven and Earth, rich in milk and upholding truth, were entreated to purify with their milk. The sages embraced the universal, gracious speech, adorned with abundance, so that together, praising at the shared feast, they could become masters of riches. They embraced universal radiance, becoming pure, shining, and luminous, rejoicing together and hoping to see the sun rise with their own eyes. Whatever binding cord the goddess Nirṛti had fastened upon the neck, which could not easily be loosened, was released for life, for radiance, and for strength, so that one might eat nourishing food and be born anew. Homage was paid to Nirṛti of sharp radiance, whose iron bonds were cast away, and to Yama, who returned the person to life. Homage was given to Yama and to Death. To all bonds—iron, wooden, piercing, and those named here, and to the thousand deaths—the prayer was that Yama, together with the ancestors, might raise this one to the highest heaven. Agni, youthful and mighty, kindled among all peoples and at the place of offering, was invoked to bring wealth. The sages called upon all to come together, to speak together, and unite their minds, just as the gods of old, being of one mind, worshipped their share. United intention, assembly, and thought were sought, and the oblation was offered with united offering. United purpose and hearts were prayed for, so that all might live together well. Anger and hostility were asked to be cast down, arms yoked with the mind to be lowered, and the strength of adversaries to be driven away, their force crushed, and wealth granted. The weapon in the hands of enemies, which the gods had made powerless, was cut away, and with the offering, the arms of the foes were severed. Indra, who first made the weapon powerless for the Asuras, was invoked so that the allies might win, steadfast with Indra as support. The enemy, whose hands are powerless, was called to approach and be subdued, those who come with armies for battle. Indra was asked to deliver them to great slaughter and strike down the doers of evil. Those who stretch, advance, shoot, and run—may they be powerless, and today, Indra, drive them away. The enemies were wished to be powerless, their limbs to wither, and their knowledge to be scattered in hundreds by Indra. Indra and Pūṣan were said to have traversed all paths, and today, let the armies of the enemies become confused and wander far away. The enemies, bewildered, should wander like headless horses, and among them, Agni and Indra would strike them down one by one. The bull’s hide was bound upon them, making them fearful like deer, so that the enemy would turn away and the cow would approach. Savitr was invoked to come with razor, heat, wind, and water. The Ādityas, Rudras, and Vasus, being mindful, were asked to shave for King Soma, and the wise ones to shave for him. Aditi was called to shave the beard, the waters to grant brilliance, and Prajāpati to heal for long life and clear vision. With the razor of Savitr, knowing Soma and Varuṇa, the Brāhmaṇa was to shave this one, making him rich in cows, horses, and offspring. Whatever fame lies in the golden mountains, in cows, horses, flowing surā, and the honey of fermenting drink, let that fame be in the speaker. The Aśvins were asked to anoint with essence and honey, so that radiant speech might be uttered among people. May brilliance, fame, and the essence of sacrifice reside within, established by Prajāpati as the sky is fixed in heaven.