O Brihaspati, mighty priest of the gods, is invoked to circle the people’s realm with his shining chariot, scattering all demons and driving away every foe. He is called to shatter the strength of enemies, to crush adversaries, and to purify the people, making their community sacred and secure. Let Indra, the unconquered, be the leader in every endeavor; let Brihaspati stand at the right hand, guiding with wisdom; let sacrifice be at the forefront, and Soma, the immortal nectar, advance before all. Among the divine hosts who break through and conquer, let the Maruts, those stormy sons of Rudra, move in the midst, bringing their force and vigor. The victorious cry of the gods is raised: Indra the mighty, Varuna the king, the radiant Adityas, the fierce and glorious Maruts—these great-minded ones, the very movers of the worlds—are invoked to bring triumph. In every battle, may Indra’s banner fly over the hosts; may the people’s arrows strike true and victorious; may their heroes be the best, and may the gods stand as guardians over every offering. May the conclusion of all endeavors be auspicious. May Heaven and Earth show their grace, and may every direction be free from enmity. With sincerity, the people declare their goodwill toward all, seeking safety and peace for themselves. Indra is called upon to remove all fear, to make the people fearless against whatever they dread. As Maghavan, he is asked to drive away foes, scatter haters, and destroy all assailants. Indra, generous one, is invoked for favor—so that prosperity may flourish among both bipeds and quadrupeds. May no hostile army overpower them. May Indra destroy the plots of the malicious, whether they be near or far. Ever the protector, Indra—slayer of Vṛtra, mighty and excellent—is beseeched to guard the people as they move, to shield them in their midst, behind and before. The wise one is asked to lead them to a broad and open space, to grant a radiant, fearless, and auspicious world, and to shelter them beneath his mighty and enduring arms. May the midspace, Heaven, and Earth make the people fearless. Let there be safety behind, before, above, and below. May there be safety from friend and foe, from kin and those ahead; may there be safety by night and by day, and may all regions become friendly. The people pray to be without rivals in front, with safety behind. Savitar is called to protect on the right, and the Lord of Power on the left. May the Ādityas guard from the sky, and Agnis from the earth; Indra and Agni are invoked to guard in front, the Aśvins to grant shelter all around. Jātavedas, the all-knowing fire, is asked to protect from across, and all beings are called to form armor on every side. Agni is invoked to guard with the Vasus in front; in him the people step, seeking refuge and entering his stronghold, trusting him for protection and watchfulness. Vāyu is called to guard with the midspace; Soma, with the Rudras, on the right; Varuṇa, with the Ādityas, in their direction; Sūrya, with Heaven and Earth, from the west; the Waters, rich in herbs, in their own direction; Viśvakarman, with the Seven Sages, from the north; Indra, with the Maruts, in his direction; Prajāpati, lord of creatures, with progeny and firmness, from the fixed direction; and Bṛhaspati, with all the gods, from above. In each, the people step, take refuge, and enter the fortress, entrusting themselves fully for protection and care. When adversaries attack from every direction, the Māghāyavas are invoked: Agni, rich in treasures, is sought in the east; Vāyu, possessing the midspace, in his direction; Soma, with Rudra, in the south; Varuṇa, with the Ādityas, in his direction; Sūrya, with Heaven and Earth, in the west; the Waters, rich in plants, in their direction; Viśvakarman, with the Seven Sages, in the north; Indra, with the Maruts, in his direction; Prajāpati, with progeny, in the fixed direction; and Bṛhaspati, with all the gods, above. Each is sought for protection and strength against those who attack. As the ritual proceeds, Mitra rises from the earth, and the people are led to his stronghold, urged to enter fully for shelter and armor. Vāyu ascends through the midspace; the same guidance is given. Sūrya rises from the sky, the Moon with the stars, Soma with the plants, Sacrifice with its gifts, and the ocean with the rivers—all ascend, and with each, the people are led to their respective strongholds, entering fully and seeking the shelter and armor that these great powers bestow. Thus, surrounded on every side by the guardianship of the gods, the elements, and the cosmic forces, the people move forward—fearless, protected, and blessed—ever trusting in the divine shelter and the unbreakable fortress of their faith.