I will now proclaim the valiant powers of God
Who measured out earth's broad expanses,
Propped up the highest place of meeting:
Three steps he paced, His stride is wide!
2 For [this], His manly powers God is praised,
Like a dread beast he wanders where He will,
Haunting the mountains: in His three wide paces
[Where] all worlds and beings [a] dwell.
3 May [this] my hymn attain to God and inspire him,
Dwelling in the mountains, widely striding Bull,
Who, one and alone, with three steps— this long
And far-flung place of meeting measured out.
4 The marks of his three steps are filled with honey;
Unfailing they rejoice each in its own way.
Though one, in threefold wise he has propped up
Heaven and earth, all beings [and all worlds].
5 Gladly would I reach that well-loved home
Where god-devoted men are steeped in joy,
For that is [the home of] the Wide-strider's children,—
The honey's source in God's highest footstep!
6 To the dwellings of you two, with pleasure we go
Where there are cattle, many-horned and nimble.
There it is the widely striding Bull's
Highest footstep, copious [b], downward shines.
Footnotes
a. Bhuvana. Sanskrit. A being, living creature, mankind.
b. Abundant in supply or quantity; profuse in speech or ideas
Hindu Scriptures
Hindu Scriptures / translated from Sanskrit by R. C. Zaehner, copyright © 1966 J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd. Used by permission. All rights reserved.