O Viṣṇu! Thou who takest the three mighty strides! The highest step is thy most secret step—the step that extendeth into that realm which mortals cannot perceive. This is the step beyond the stars, beyond the sky, beyond all earthly knowledge.

In this highest realm doth dwell the blessed ones—the righteous souls who have lived truly and died with honor. They have journeyed to that place that is reserved for the noble, the brave, the pure. It is a realm of eternal light, eternal joy, eternal peace.

Thou, O Viṣṇu, art the guardian of this realm. The gates are in thy hands; thy word decideth who shall enter and who shall be turned away. Thou art the judge of all souls; thou art the bestower of eternal blessings.

We mortals do not know this highest realm; we cannot perceive it with our earthly eyes; we cannot comprehend it with our limited minds. And yet, knowing that it existeth, knowing that thou art its guardian, we take comfort. For if we live rightly, if we speak truthfully, if we act with courage and honor, perhaps one day we too shall be permitted to enter that blessed place.

Grant us thy blessing, O mighty Viṣṇu! Guide our feet so that we may walk the righteous path! Help us to live in such a way that we shall be worthy of thy grace! And when at last we come to the end of our mortal lives, may we be received with honor into that highest realm where thy blessing doth shine eternal!