Hear now the sacred tale of kuṣṭha, the revered herb, and the prayers and powers that flow through the world, as sung in the ancient verses. There is a plant called kuṣṭha, known by three names: river-born, river’s delight, and river’s man. To this plant, prayers are offered in the evening, in the morning, and throughout the day, for its presence is sought at all times. Its mother is known as ‘Living’, and its father as ‘Living Ones’—such is its noble lineage. To this powerful herb, invocations are made, again and again, at each part of the day. Kuṣṭha is exalted among all plants—just as the tiger is foremost among beasts, and the lion is king among wild creatures. To it, devotions are directed, morning, evening, and day, for it is the highest of the healing herbs. The origins of kuṣṭha are wondrous and manifold. It is said to have been born three times from the Śambhus, three times from the Angirases, three times from the Ādityas, and three times from all the gods. Thus, kuṣṭha stands as the universal remedy, always together with Soma, the Lord of the plants. Its birthplace is the aśvattha tree, the divine abode, which stands in the third, boundless heaven—the very seat of immortality. From there, kuṣṭha was born, together with Soma. A golden ship, adorned with golden bindings, once moved in heaven; there, too, is the seat of immortality, and from there kuṣṭha was born, standing ever with Soma. Where the ship descended, at the head of the Himalaya, is again the seat of immortality, and from there this universal remedy arose. In ages past, it was known to Ikṣvāku, desired by him; it was consumed by Vasu. Because of these connections, kuṣṭha is the universal remedy, fit for all. With its power, may it drive away head-pain, the affliction called Sadaṃdira, and Hāyana, and the fever that pervades and drags downward. Turning to the heart and mind, the sages pray: whatever gap there may be in thought or speech, which Sarasvatī, the goddess of wisdom, has touched with wrath, let Bṛhaspati, united with all the gods, fill that lack. Let the waters not carry away intelligence, nor let Brahman diminish it; may the waters, when called, flow forth and dry up, for I am summoned, wise and radiant. May nothing harm our intelligence, nor our consecration, nor our austerity; may we enjoy auspiciousness and long life, and may our mothers be blessed. O Aśvins, bringers of light who drive away darkness, may you grant us nourishment. Desiring the good, the ancient seers, knowing the heavens, first undertook austerity and consecration. From their practices arose sovereignty, strength, and vigor—may the gods grant these blessings. In the sacrificial rite, Brahman is the Hotṛ, the priest who invokes; Brahman is the sacrifice itself, and by Brahman the chants are measured. The Adhvaryu, the priest who prepares, is born from Brahman, and the oblation is hidden within Brahman. The ladles filled with ghee are Brahman; the altar is established by Brahman. Brahman is the essence of the sacrifice, and those who prepare the oblation are also Brahman. To the pacifier, svāhā. To the remover of sin, the offering is made; favor is sought for the well-knotted one. Indra is called to accept the oblation; may the desires of the sacrificer be fulfilled. To the remover of sin, the bull among those fit for sacrifice, shining as the first of rituals, the offspring of the waters, the Aśvins are invoked for strength and power. Wherever the knowers of Brahman go, with consecration and with austerity, may Agni lead me there, granting wisdom. To Agni, svāhā. May Vāyu, the wind, lead me there, granting breath. To Vāyu, svāhā. May Sūrya, the sun, lead me there, granting sight. To Sūrya, svāhā. May Candra, the moon, lead me there, granting mind. To Candra, svāhā. May Soma lead me there, granting nourishment. To Soma, svāhā. May Indra lead me there, granting strength. To Indra, svāhā. May the Waters lead me there, granting immortality. To the Waters, svāhā. May Brahmā lead me there, granting Brahman itself. To Brahman, svāhā. You, O ointment, are the crossing over of life, the sage’s remedy, the bringer of peace. Bring peace to the waters, and make us fearless. Whatever jaundice, limb-breaking, or spreading disease afflicts, let this ointment drive it out from the limbs. Ointment born from the earth, auspicious and sustaining, grant us long life, skill, and freedom from harm. O breath, protect breath; be gracious to the living. O Nirṛti, release us from the bonds of destruction. You, ointment, are the embryo of the river, the blossom of lightnings; wind is breath, sun is sight, and rain is nourishment. Divine ointment, three-crested, protect me on all sides; let no other herbs surpass you. May you drive away disease from the middle, from the sides, and from above; may you expel all illnesses and destroy them completely. O King Varuṇa, many times a man speaks falsely; therefore, O thousand-powered one, release us from every misfortune. For whatever we have said—“Waters are not to be harmed,” and “O Varuṇa”—for that, O thousand-powered one, release us from every misfortune. May Mitra and Varuṇa follow you, O ointment, and having followed you far, may they return again for enjoyment. Lead away the harmful spell as debt repays debt, O ointment; whether the spell is performed or not, let it leave the house. Be the eye of the charm, O remover of evil, and listen to our prayers. Whatever evil dream is among us, among our cattle, or in our house, let the remover of evil, the beloved one, release us unharmed. The ointment, grown from the strength and vigor of the waters, born from Agni, from Jātavedas, and carried by the directions and regions, may this fourfold, mountain-born ointment be auspicious. It is tied for you; may all directions be fearless for you. Stand firm as the sun, O worthy one; may all peoples bring you tribute. Wear one gem, make one, bathe with one, and drink with one; may the fourfold ointment protect us from the bonds of the four Nirṛtis. May Agni protect me with his fiery power—for breath, for inspiration and expiration, for life, for brilliance, for vigor, for energy, for well-being, for prosperity—svāhā. May Indra protect me with his strength—for all these blessings—svāhā. May Soma protect me with his gentleness—for all these blessings—svāhā. Thus, through the power of plants, the strength of the gods, the purity of sacrifice, and the wisdom of the seers, may healing, protection, and immortality flow to all who seek them.