Homage to the Earth
The Bhoomi Sukta of the Atharva Veda 12.1 is dedicated to the Earth and prayers and instructions for its protection and well-being. This ancient verse however is from the Bhakti tradition. Its origin is obscure, however, the dedication of our duties to the Earth and Nature is a well-known part of Hinduism.
A dedication to the Earth which is adorned with skies, clouds, stars, rivers and oceans and which is comprised of mountains and all of nature. Earth is a special planet because it allows all life-forms, thus it is the favourite of God, the special love of God, patni-like.
समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तनमण्डले ।
विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्वमे ॥
Samudra-vasane devi
parvata-stana-maṇḍale
Viṣhnu-patni namastubhyam
paada-sparsham kshmasvame.
Homage to the Goddess Earth who has oceans as her garments and mountains as her ornaments; who is the special place of God. Please forgive me for touching you with my feet.
समुद्र oceans, seas वसने garment, covering देवि Goddess पर्वत mountains स्तन breast/bosom मण्डले circle/orb/ornament विष्णु God पत्नी wife/companion नमस् salutations/ I bow तुभ्यं to you पाद feet स्पर्श touch क्षमा forgive मे me
