Hear, then, the sacred account of the manifold mantras and offerings, their wondrous fruits, and the rites that bring peace and prosperity, as spoken in the Agni Purāṇa. It is said that when one offers oblations with the mantra "suparṇam," the devotee is shielded from the fear of serpents—this is a boon given by mighty Indra, and it leads to the fulfillment of all desires. Indra’s gift is further praised: the mantra destroys all afflictions, while the invocation "these are the goddesses" brings supreme peace to the heart. There is a mantra, "the gods, the Maruts," which grants all that one wishes for, and another, "from the world of Yama," which is especially powerful in banishing evil dreams. For those seeking success in trade, the mantra "Indra and the five merchants" is supremely effective, while "May I have desire and strength," when offered, brings good fortune and blessings to women. For the growth of intellect, one should offer the oblation saying, "To you alone, O eater of offerings, may the oblation always be made." And for the increase of wisdom, "O Agni, knower of cows," is most effective. The mantra "Steadfast, with the steadfast" brings attainment of position and honor, while "May I live as red as lac," when offered with a dog, brings success in agriculture. By reciting "I have broken you," one’s good fortune increases, and "These are my bonds" brings release from all forms of bondage. If one’s enemies must be destroyed, the mantra "I have struck down the oath-breaker" is recited in oblation; for fame and intelligence, "You are the highest" is invoked. Women’s good fortune increases with "As the deer goes," and for the attainment of offspring, "By which here and this" is recited. "May Bṛhaspati protect us" ensures well-being on journeys, and "I release you" averts untimely death. Whoever recites the Atharvaśiras even today is freed from all sins, for among the mantras, some actions are described as the highest. In the sacrificial rites, the first oblation is always made with sacred woods, followed by offerings of ghee, rice, cow’s milk, and mustard seeds. Unbroken grains, sesame seeds, curd, milk, darbha grass, dūrvā grass, bilva fruits, and lotuses are also offered, all of which are praised for bringing peace and nourishment. Oil-cakes, black mustard, blood, and poison are used in particular rites, and woods with thorns are reserved for hostile ceremonies. The wise performer must always know the seer, the deity, and the meter of each mantra. Puṣkara then spoke of the Śrīsūkta, which, when recited with every Veda, is known to increase prosperity. The fifteen verses beginning with "golden-hued, tawny" are dedicated to Śrī, the goddess of fortune. In the Yajurveda, four hymns to Śrī are recited at the axles of chariots, and in the Sāmaveda, the Śrīsūkta is chanted in the Srāvantīyaṃ. The Atharvaveda too contains the prayer, "O Sustainer, place Śrī in me." Whoever recites the Śrīsūkta with devotion surely receives the favor of Śrī. By offering lotuses, bilva leaves, or ghee, the worshipper attains her blessings. And always, in each Veda, the Puruṣa Sūkta must be recited. If one offers a handful of water with each hymn, one becomes free from sin; after bathing, offering a single flower to Viṣṇu with each hymn frees one from wrongdoings. By such offerings, all desired fruits are attained, and by reciting the Puruṣa Sūkta, even great and minor sins are destroyed. Those purified by austerities, recitation, offerings, and bathing attain all blessings. Among the eighteen Śānti (peace) rites, three are considered supreme: the Amṛtā and Abhyā Śāntis are gentle and dispel all calamities, with Amṛtā for all deities and Abhyā for Brahmā. The Saumyā Śānti is also for all deities and grants all desires; the Abhayā gem is used for Varuṇa, the Śatakāṇḍa gem for Amṛtā, and the conch-born gem for Saumyā. Each gem is bound with its proper mantra for success and to dispel calamities arising from heaven, atmosphere, or earth. Now, listen to the marvels that may occur—heavenly, atmospheric, and earthly. Celestial disturbances are caused by planets and stars; in the atmosphere, there may be meteor falls, burning of the directions, or halos. The appearance of Gandharva cities, abnormal rain, and other strange phenomena are also noted, as are earthly wonders such as moving or stationary marvels and earthquakes. If such marvels occur within seven days, they bear no fruit; but if left unpropitiated for three years, they become a source of fear. Sometimes, images of deities may dance, tremble, blaze, shout, weep, sweat, or laugh—these disturbances are pacified by worship and offerings to Prajāpati. In lands where fire will not burn or great thunder resounds, or where firewood will not ignite, the kingdom suffers under its rulers; the remedy for such fire disturbances is the recitation of Agni mantras. When trees bear fruit out of season or when milk flows as blood, auspicious worship for Śiva is prescribed as the remedy. Excessive rain, drought, and famine are all considered calamities; if rain falls for three days out of season, it should be known as a cause for fear. Disruptions in rainfall are removed by worshipping Parjanya, Indra, and the Sun, so that those who have departed from the city return and those nearby approach. When rivers, lakes, and springs lose their taste, the Varuṇa mantra must be recited to restore purity. There are also marvels in childbirth: women may give birth out of season, or at the proper time, but with abnormal offspring; there may be distorted births, twins, and the like. When such abnormalities occur, women, Brahmins, and others should be worshipped; if a mare, elephant, or cow gives birth to twins, or if the offspring is of a different species or deformed, misfortune is foretold—such offspring die within six months, and their birth signals danger from foreign armies. For all such abnormalities, one should perform fire offerings, recite mantras, and worship Brahmins and others; for only those who are suitable, bear suitable offspring. Thus are the sacred rites, mantras, and remedies for all auspiciousness and calamity, as revealed by the wise and preserved in the holy scriptures.