Hear now a sacred account of the power and application of mantras as revealed in the Agni Purāṇa. When a warrior prepares for battle, he takes up his bow with the mantra “dhanvanāg,” and for the act of consecration, he invokes “yuñjīta.” As he selects his arrows, he utters “ahirathetyetad,” while “vahni” and “pitara” are recited for the quiver. To yoke the horses, the mantra “yuñjanti” is employed, and as the journey begins, “āśuḥ śiśāna” is intoned. Upon mounting the chariot, the warrior chants “viṣṇoḥ krameti,” and as he urges the horses forward, “ājaṅgheti” is recited. Before the enemy army, the mantra “yāḥ senā abhitvarīti” is spoken, and those who, with devotion, perform a hundred thousand homas with “yamena dattam” gain discernment and clarity of mind. By offering these preliminary oblations with the prescribed mantras, victory is assured. The wise, through the same repeated offering of “yamena dattam,” further deepen their discernment. When the time comes to manifest a chariot that brings victory in battle, the formula “ā kṛṣṇeti” is used, just as is done in ritual utterances. The recitation of the Śivasaṃkalpa mantra brings concentration of mind, and by offering five hundred thousand oblations to the Five Rivers, one attains prosperity. If a person wishes for protection from enemies, he may bind dice with a mantra, repeating it a thousand times, and wear gold; thus shielded, he is safe from harm. For the protection of his home at night, he recites “imaṃ jīvebhya iti,” casting a stone or clod in each of the four directions around the house—there will be no fear of thieves. To subdue those who come with violence, the mantra “pari me gāmaneneti” is supreme; the aggressor is subdued at once. Furthermore, if one gives food, betel, flowers, or similar offerings after enchanting them with mantras, the recipient quickly comes under his influence. The constant and universal recitation of “Śanno Mitra” brings peace everywhere. When one invokes the Lord of hosts and offers oblations at the crossroads, harmony prevails. By offering all kinds of grains with consecrated mantras, one may bring the entire world under control; these golden-hued, pure mantras are meant for consecration. The mantra “Śanno devīr abhiṣṭaye” also brings supreme peace, and with the “Ekacakra” mantra, clarified butter is offered in portions. This brings peace from the planets and their favor. By offering ghee with the two mantras “Gāvo bhaga,” one obtains cows. In the domestic sacrifice, the “Pravādāṃṣaḥ Sopa” mantra is prescribed, while “Devebhyo vanaspate” is used in the tree-sacrifice. Puṣkara then addressed the assembly: “I have described the procedure for the Yajurveda. Now, listen as I explain the procedure for the Sāman hymns. By reciting the Vaiṣṇava Saṃhitā and offering oblations, all desires are fulfilled. Proper recitation of the Chāndas Saṃhitā pleases Śaṅkara, and the Skanda and Pitṛ Saṃhitās bring favor. Reciting ‘Yata Indra Bhajāmahe,’ which destroys the fault of violence, and ‘Avakīrṇī mucyate ca Agnistigmeti’ frees one from the scattering of the sacrifice. All these mantras are destroyers of sin and bring satisfaction; they should never be sold, but if this occurs, ‘Ghṛtavatīti’ should be recited. ‘Ayāno Deva Savitar’ is known as the destroyer of bad dreams, and with ‘Abodhyagnir,’ ghee is offered as prescribed. After sprinkling with the remaining ghee, the girdle is tied—especially for women whose pregnancies are at risk. A jewel is tied on the newborn child immediately after birth, bringing freedom from disease, as King Soma himself is thus protected. By employing the Sarpasāman, one is safe from snakebite, and by offering with ‘Mādya tvā vādyate,’ the priest gains thousands. Tying the Satāvarī jewel protects from weapons, and by offering with ‘Dīrghatasasorka,’ abundant food is obtained. Reciting ‘Svamadhyāyanti’ prevents death by thirst, and ‘Tvamimā oṣadhī’ wards off disease. Reciting ‘Pathi Devavrata’ removes all fears, and offering with ‘Yadindro Munaye’ increases good fortune. For the coloring of the eyes, ‘Bhago na citra hatyevaṃ’ is beneficial, and ‘Saubhāgyavardhana’ increases good fortune without further need for deliberation. By reciting ‘Indreti’ and its group of mantras, good fortune grows, and ‘Pari priyā hi vaḥ kāriḥ’—these two should be heard by a woman, for she will then desire the reciter without doubt. The Rathantara and Vamadeva chants increase the brilliance of Brahman. Daily, a boy should be given speech-powder mixed with ghee; after reciting the Indramid Gathin chant, he will have excellent memory. Offering and reciting the Rathantara ensures the birth of a son, and ‘Mayi Shri’ should be recited for prosperity. By regularly performing the eightfold rite for deformity, prosperity is attained; the seven or eightfold rite brings all desires to fulfillment. Whoever, with discipline, recites ‘Gavyeṣuṇeti’ morning and evening and tends to the cows will always have cows at home. As long as there is a drona of clarified butter, let the wind bring the medicine; by proper offering, all illusion is dispelled. Pradeva, by having a servant offer sesame seeds with the formula ‘Abhi tvā pūrvapītaye’ and the vaṣaṭ sound, cuts off the effects of past actions. A thousand bundles of fuel offered in battle brings victory. The wise make auspicious figures of elephants, horses, and men out of flour. For others and for the chief persons, well-cooked flour figures are prepared and cut into portions with a razor. The knower of mantras recites the appropriate mantra over these, anoints them with mustard oil, and then offers them with focused intent. Thus, by following these sacred instructions, one acquires protection, prosperity, victory, and fulfillment of all desires through the power of the mantras and their proper application.