ಆದಿ ಅನಾದಿ ಎನ್ನದೆ ಬಸವಣ್ಣ - English Translation of Akka's Vachana

ಆದಿ ಅನಾದಿಯೆನ್ನದೆ ಬಸವಣ್ಣ ಗಣಮೇಳಾಪವಾಗಿ

ಅನಂತ ಯುಗಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸಕಲ ಲೋಕದೊಳು

ಚರಿಸುತ್ತಿಪ್ಪ ಸುಳುಹನರಿಯದೆ

ಸಕಲ ನಿಃಕಲರೆಲ್ಲ ಭ್ರಮೆಗೊಂಡು ಬೀಳುತ್ತೇಳುತ್ತಿರ್ದರು.

ಇವರೆಲ್ಲರ ಮುಂದೆ ಆ ಗಣಂಗಳ ನಾನರಿದು ಬದುಕಿದೆನು ಕಾಣಾ

ಶ್ರೀಶೈಲ ಚೆನ್ನಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನಾ.

--- ಅಕ್ಕಮಹಾದೇವಿ

#LiteralTranslation

Basavanna, not to be termed beginning (Aadi) or beginningless (Anaadi), being a confluence/embodiment of Ganas

Without knowing the trace/path of him who traverses all worlds even through infinite eons, all those (who engage with concepts of) Sakala (the manifest) and Nishkala (the unmanifest) were deluded, falling and rising.

In contrast to all of them, I, having known those Ganas, have attained true life/salvation, behold!

O Chennamallikarjuna of Srisaila!

#PoeticTranslation

Whom "start" nor "startless" ever could define,

Lord Basavanna, where the Ganas entwine.

His subtle way, through countless ages known,

Through all the worlds, a sacred passage shown.

The Sakala-Nishkala scholars, in their quest,

Knew not this trace, by illusion possessed,

And rose to fall, in a bewildering maze.

But I, before them, knowing the Ganas' ways,

Found true awakening, and true life, you see!

O Srisaila's Chennamallikarjuna, praise to Thee!