May there be understanding among us and within our own people, and may harmony prevail with our allies. The Aśvins, divine healers, are invoked to grant us this understanding here and now. Let us unite in thought and in spirit, so that our minds are not divided by the will of the gods. May discord and loud confusion never arise in our assemblies, nor chaos disturb us on the day sacred to Indra. If any of us have been bound by a curse from afar, we call upon Bṛhaspati to release us. May the Aśvins drive away death from our midst, and Agni, the divine physician, protect us with his powers. Let us cross the threshold of danger together, not abandoning the body, but keeping our life-breaths united here. May we live a hundred autumns, growing in strength, guarded by Agni and guided by Vasiṣṭha. If life itself has wandered far, if the vital breaths have strayed, may they return—Agni, draw us back from the grasp of Nirṛti, the force of dissolution. All that has been scattered, I restore to you, returning it to your very self. Let not your breath depart, nor your vital air wander far; I entrust this to the Seven Sages, that they may carry your vitality safely to old age. May your breath and vital airs flow together, like two oxen yoked to a cart, and may the storehouse of your years grow full and unharmed. I call your breath back to you and drive away disease. Let Agni, the excellent one, establish life everywhere. Rising up from darkness, we ascend to the highest heaven, reaching the sun, the god among gods, the supreme light. We offer the sacred chants, the Ṛc and the Sāman, by which all deeds are performed. These hymns, shining in the assembly, present our sacrifice before the gods. O gracious one, by the paths you travel in the sky—paths by which you move all things—lead us to well-being. From the long-lived, from the black ant, from the earth mound, I gather the hundredfold roots and the poison from the scorpion’s joint. This herb, born of honey and full of sweetness, is the remedy for what has been scattered and the charm against the biting mosquito. Wherever it has bitten or stung, from there we call forth the poison—the tasteless venom of the biting, stinging insect. O Lord of Speech, straighten all that is crooked and twisted, all that harms and disfigures, just as reeds are straightened. The poison of the scorpion, creeping and approaching, has been removed, and with it, health is restored. You, scorpion, have no strength in your arms, head, or body—why harm the child with your evil tail? Let the ants bite you and the peafowl tear you apart; let all creatures denounce your tasteless venom. You who strike with both tail and mouth—there is no poison in your mouth; what then dwells in your tail? Whatever has been disturbed in me—whether as I speak, beg, or move among people, whatever has been scattered in my body—may Sarasvatī fill it with ghee, restoring and nourishing me. Seven sons flow for the child and for the father of the Maruts; these sons have revealed the truths, and both strive and flourish for him. Indra and Varuṇa, drink this pressed, intoxicating Soma, well-prepared and offered with devotion. May your chariot arrive at our sacrifice and partake of the sacred drink. Come, drink the most honeyed and potent Soma, and rejoice upon this holy grass. Whoever curses us, or does not curse us, or curses us in any manner—may he wither away from the root, like a tree struck by lightning. With strength, wisdom, and a friendly, harmless gaze, I approach these houses with reverence and good intention. Rejoice, do not fear me. These houses are filled with joy, strength, and abundance, standing full of plenty—may they welcome us as we enter. In these houses, where the traveler finds shelter and goodwill abounds, we call upon their hospitality—may they recognize us as friends. We summon our wealthy friends, sweet in gathering, and pray that these houses remain free from hunger and thirst—do not fear us. We call forth cows, goats, sheep, and the very essence of food into these homes. May these houses be filled with good speech, fortune, and laughter, rich in refreshment; may they never know thirst or hunger, and may they not fear us. Remain here, houses, do not depart; flourish in every form. I come with good fortune—may you grow greater together with me. O Agni, by the heat of our austerity, we practice self-discipline so that we may be dear to the wise, long-lived, and full of learning. Hearing the teachings, may we too become long-lived and wise. Agni is the true lord, ever-strong, like a victorious charioteer, the priest at the forefront. Set in the earth’s navel, he flashes forth without thunder—may those who strive establish a firm foundation. We invoke Agni, the conqueror in battle, enduring and steadfast, with hymns of praise from his highest seat. May he lead us through all difficulties and carry us beyond every misfortune. If the black bird flies out or falls, may the waters protect us from all harm and evil. If the black bird cries out, O goddess of destruction, let Agni, the household fire, release us from that offense. For you, apāmārga, who bears fruit facing backward, have grown here—drive away all those who walk the path of harm. Whatever wrong, impurity, or evil we have committed, with you, apāmārga, who faces all directions, we wipe it all away. Whatever we have shared with the dark-toothed, ill-nailed, or the outcast, with you, apāmārga, we cleanse it from ourselves. Thus, through unity, healing, offerings, and purification, we seek the favor of the gods, the blessings of abundance, and the removal of all harm, so that we may flourish in harmony, wisdom, and light.