Hear now the sacred tale, as revealed in the Atharva Veda, of the power of consecration, protection, and victory. In ancient times, the gods themselves upheld Savitar, the radiant deity, with a force both mysterious and divine. It is with that very power that the seers invoke Brahmaṇaspati, the Lord of Speech, to encompass the chosen one—bestowing upon him sovereignty and dominion. Let Indra, the mighty, be so encompassed for a long and flourishing life, for vast and unchallenged dominion. May old age never bring him low, but may he remain ever wakeful in his sovereignty. Again, let Indra be surrounded by this blessing for long life and keen hearing, so that he may always be alert, untouched by the decline of age, his faculties ever sharp. Let this blessing extend to all: may we be enveloped in brilliance, shielded from old age and death, and granted a long and prosperous life. This garment of protection, bestowed by Bṛhaspati, is to be wrapped about Soma the King, so that he too may be encompassed in radiant safety. Old age is commanded to depart—let it don this garment and become the protector of homes, guarding against curses. Thus may one live a hundred autumns, renowned far and wide, enveloped in abundant wealth. With the donning of this garment, well-being is assured, and the waters are protected from harm. Let one live a hundred autumns, dividing beautiful riches among the living. In every union, in every contest of strength, in every striving for prize, Indra is called as a friend and helper. Let all be golden-hued, undecaying, blessed with good children, conquering old age and death through progeny. Such is the word of Agni, of Soma, of Bṛhaspati, of Savitar, and of Indra. With a mind untiring, the sacred is yoked—the foremost, the one who carries upward to the shore of immortality, as the milker runs forth to yield its gifts. When gold, born from Agni, is placed among mortals as an immortal essence, whoever knows its secret is worthy of it; he who bears it becomes free from old age and death. This gold, shining like the sun, was sought by Manu of old with his offspring; now, the moon sends it forth with brilliance. He who bears it becomes long-lived. For long life, brilliance, vigor, and strength, may the bearer shine among people with golden splendor. That which King Varuṇa knows, that which Bṛhaspati knows, that which Indra, slayer of Vṛtra, knows—may these divine knowledges become your own long life and radiance. May the bull protect you with cows, the mighty one guard you with steeds, Vāyu shield you with the sacred utterance, and Indra protect you with his powers. May Soma guard you with herbs, the Sun with stars, the Moon—slayer of Vṛtra—with waters, and the Wind with breath. There are three heavens, three earths, three atmospheres, and four oceans; the triple hymn and the triple waters are declared—may these triple protections shield you on every side. Three are the heavens, three the oceans, three the shining ones, three the realms of bliss; three of Mātariśvan, three of the Suns—these are appointed as your guardians. With ghee, Agni is anointed, increased with clarified butter; may neither Agni, nor the Moon, nor the Sun, nor breath be harmed by deceivers. May your breath, downward breath, and vital force remain unharmed; let the shining, all-knowing gods run with divine speed. With breath, Agni is joined; the Wind is united with breath; by breath, the gods created the Sun, who faces all directions. Live, endowed with the life that grants longevity—do not die. Live with breath and self; do not fall under the power of death. The treasure hidden by the gods, which Indra found by divine paths, is guarded by the waters with triple protections; may these shield you on every side. Thirty-three gods and three powers, beloved, are guarded within the waters; with the gold placed in this amulet, may the wearer perform heroic deeds. The gods who are eleven in heaven, eleven in the atmosphere, and eleven on earth—may they accept this offering. May we be freed from enemies before and behind; may Savitṛ protect on the right, and the Lord of Power on the left. May the Ādityas protect from the sky, the fires from the earth, Indra and Agni in front, the Aśvins all around, Jātavedas from across, and the creators of beings be armor on every side. This amulet is bound for long life and brilliance; this sacred darbha grass is for the defeat of rivals, for burning the hearts of enemies. Let it burn the hearts of enemies, scorch the minds of foes; O sacred grass, hard to overcome, burn and torment them all like intense heat. O darbha grass, scorch the enemies like heated gharma, burn them, O jewel; break the hearts of rivals as Indra shattered the strength of the hostile. Break, O darbha, the hearts of my rivals; as the skin rises from the earth, cast down their heads. Break those who oppose in battle, all who are hard to defeat—break my enemies, O jewel. Cut, O darbha, my rivals; cut those who oppose in battle; cut all who are hard to defeat; cut my enemies, O jewel. Sever, O darbha, my rivals; sever those who oppose in battle; sever all who are hard to defeat; sever my enemies, O jewel. Slice, O darbha, my rivals; slice those who oppose in battle; slice all who are hard to defeat; slice my enemies, O jewel. Crush, O darbha, my rivals; crush those who oppose in battle; crush all who are hard to defeat; crush my enemies, O jewel. Pierce, O darbha, my rivals; pierce those who oppose in battle; pierce all who are hard to defeat; pierce my enemies, O jewel. Strike down, O darbha, my rivals; strike down those who oppose in battle; strike down all who are hard to defeat; strike down my enemies, O jewel. Grind down, O darbha, my rivals; grind down those who oppose in battle; grind down all who are hard to defeat; grind down my enemies, O jewel. Thus, with the power of the gods, the sacred gold, and the mighty darbha grass, protection, longevity, brilliance, and victory are invoked. The gods are called, the powers are awakened, and the wearer is shielded on every side, triumphant over foes, radiant and long-lived, blessed by the immortal guardians of the universe.