In reverence, the devotee turns to Earth, the ancient mother, seeking her blessing and protection. He marvels at her fragrance, which rises from her being and is carried by plants and waters, shared by Gandharvas and Apsarases. He asks that this fragrance make him fragrant too, and prays that no harm comes to him or his companions. He remembers the immortal fragrance that entered the lotus, gathered at the wedding of Sūryā, a scent from the very beginning of creation. He asks Earth to bestow this fragrance upon him, ensuring safety and wellbeing. The devotee observes Earth’s radiance among men and women, in horses and heroes, in wild beasts and elephants, and in the brightness of a maiden. He prays that this fortune and brilliance flow to him, warding off all harm. He acknowledges Earth as stone, rock, and dust—held together and sustained, with a golden bosom. He offers his homage to her, recognizing her unity and strength. Upon Earth, trees and forest-lords stand firm forever. She supports all, and he approaches her with reverence, honoring her stability and endurance. He asks that, whether rising, sitting, standing, or moving forward, he may not stumble upon Earth with his right or left foot, seeking her guidance in every step. He speaks of Earth as the wide-ranging, patient ground, grown strong through sacred utterance. She bears nourishment and sustenance, the portion of food. He wishes to settle down upon her, who is rich in ghee, and asks for her favor. He calls for pure waters to flow over his body, setting aside whatever is unlovely or harmful. With purification, he cleanses Earth, seeking harmony between himself and her. He prays that Earth’s eastern, northern, lower, and western directions be pleasant for him to move in, and asks that he may not fall as he dwells upon her world. He requests that Earth not drive him away from behind or before, nor from above nor below. He asks her to be auspicious for him, to ward off those who block his way, and to keep danger at bay. His vision extends as far as he can see upon Earth, with the sun and land. He prays that his sight may never fail, nor his highest span be diminished. When lying down, turning to the south, seeking friendship, or resting on her western side, he asks Earth not to harm him in any part or limb. Whatever he digs from Earth, he asks that it quickly grows back. He prays not to harm her vital parts or heart, honoring her wide-ranging nature. He recognizes Earth’s established seasons—summer, rains, autumn, winter, cool, and spring—as well as her years, days, and nights. He asks that Earth yield him her milk, nurturing him always. He praises Earth, who bears the serpent, in whom fires are kindled, who holds waters, casts away foes, grants divine favor, and, choosing Indra, set herself for the slayer of Vṛtra. Upon Earth, sacrificial posts are set, altars are built, and priests worship with hymns, songs, and rituals, preparing Soma for Indra to drink. He remembers the ancient seers, creators of beings, who sang out with cows, seven by their rite, with sacrifice and austerity, together with the maker. He prays that Earth grant him the wealth he desires, that Bhaga assign it to him, and that Indra, the foremost, come before him. Upon Earth, people sing and dance, fight and shout, and drums resound. He asks that Earth drive away his rivals and make him free from foes. On Earth, food, rice, and barley grow, and five peoples dwell. He offers homage to Earth, spouse of the rain-bringer, rich in rain. On Earth’s fields, cities made by the gods stand, and works are performed. He asks Prajapati to make Earth, womb of all, fruitful for him in every region. Earth bears treasure in many forms, hidden wealth. He prays that she give him jewels and gold, and that the bountiful goddess grant him wealth and favor. Earth is home to people of many kinds, languages, and customs. He asks that she yield him a thousand streams of wealth, like a steady, unshaken cow. He prays that whatever serpent, scorpion, biting insect, winter-born or lurking creature lies hidden in Earth, whatever moves in the rainy season, may not approach him. He asks Earth to be gracious and auspicious. He acknowledges the many paths created for people—tracks for chariots and ways for travel—by which both good and evil move. He prays to conquer these paths, free from enemies and thieves, seeking favor through them. Earth bears soil, endures weight, and is patient with the end of both good and evil. United with the boar, she gives herself to the boar, to the beast. He asks Earth to drive away wild animals, beasts of the forest, lions, tigers, cannibals, wolves, bears, and demons, keeping them away from him. He prays that Gandharvas, Apsarases, spies, Kimidins, ghosts, and demons be driven away from him by Earth. Upon Earth, two-footed birds descend—swans, eagles, flying creatures. The wind, Mātariśvan, moves, stirring up dust and shaking trees, with its force and blaze. Upon Earth, black and red are joined, day and night established. Encircled by the year, Earth is asked to give him a beloved dwelling in her auspicious abode. Heaven, Earth, and the atmosphere give him their expanse. Agni, Sūrya, waters, intelligence, and all the gods grant it together. He declares himself enduring, uppermost, named upon Earth, victorious, all-conquering, master of desires, destroyer of hopes. He recalls Earth’s greatness, first spoken by the gods and spread forth, when she entered and established the four directions. He prays that, in villages, wilderness, assemblies, battles, and gatherings upon Earth, he may speak well among them. He observes that, like a horse, dust is stirred; people who measured Earth were born; she is the foremost, delightful guardian of the world, the grasp of trees and hold of plants. He declares his words honeyed and victorious; what he sees obeys him. He is radiant, full of vigor, striking down those who oppose him. He wishes Earth to be peaceful, fragrant, pleasant, rich in milk, abundant in nourishment. He asks Earth to speak for him, be with him, together with her milk. He remembers how Viśvakarman sought Earth with offerings, entered into the inner sea, into the dust; she is the vessel for enjoyment, placed secretly, appearing openly among the mothers. He honors Earth as the support of people, Aditi, wish-fulfilling, spreading forth; whatever is lacking, she fills. Prajāpati is first-born of truth. Finally, he prays that Earth’s lap be free from disease and sickness for him and her offspring. He wishes for awakening to long life, to be among those who offer to her. Thus, the devotee’s prayer flows, honoring Earth in all her aspects, seeking her blessings, protection, and abundance, and offering gratitude for her endless gifts.