Worship the indescribable 

Bhima Bhoi

Translated by Sailen Routray

A circular shape created using light painting
https://commons.wikimedia.org/Subhrajyoti07

Worship the form

that is indescribable. 

Even the yogis have not been able

to describe that Being. [0]

Sarala the realized sage

could not describe Him.

His name being formless, imperishable,

recognize Him and hold on to Him. [1]

The sages Narada, Agasti, Kanva and Kapila 

reposed their minds on Him

through yoga and meditation.

Still He could not be seen by them. [2] 

Even Brahma meditated on Him

but could not find the design into the emptiness,

despite seeking for His feet that rids one of fear,

in the four vedas. [3] 

He is not to be found in the four vedas.

How would those 

who look for Him there, find Him?

The six limbs of the vedas have no contact

with that indescribable Being. [4]

He is there in this body.

Recognize Him. Find Him. 

Hold on to Him.

He who can recognize Him

will survive the four ages. [5]

Bhima the Kondh says this

while looking for the feet of his Lord.

Those who keep on looking 

for that nameless Being

come to know 

that He has no end. [6] 

Note: Bhima Bhoi (1850-1895) was an 19th century Odia saint poet. His compositions were instrumental in the spread of Mahima religion in peninsular India, especially in the Odia speaking regions. His bhajans remain popular even today, and are performed widely. Although he was ignored by the literary establishment of his times, he is a major figure in the history of Odia literature now, with texts like "Stuti Chintamani" and "Bramha Nirupana Gita" considered as classics.