Pranam-s, Jijnasa-ji:
Just a small correction. Let us take a look at the verse in question:
“The Gods be gracious unto us even from the place whence Vishnu strode through the seven regions of the earth!” (R.V.1.22.16)
“Through all this world strode Vishnu; thrice his foot he planted, and the whole [earth] was gathered in his footstep’s dust!” (R.V.1.22.17)
“Vishnu, the Guardian, he who deceives no one, made [these] three steps; thenceforth establishing his high decrees.” (R.V.1.22.18)
“Look, everybody, on Vishnu’s [magical] works, whereby the Friend of Indra, close-allied, has let his holy ways be seen.” (R.V.1.22.19)
“The princes evermore behold that loftiest place where Vishnu is, [that place] laid as it were an eye in heaven [itself].” (R.V.1.22.20)
“This, Vishnu’s station most sublime, the singers, ever vigilant, lovers of holy song, light up.” (R.V.1.22.21).
As per the anukramani-s, this verse is found in Mandala 1, hymn 22, dedicated/revealed to Rishi Medhātithi KāNva from numerous Gods: Ashvins, Savitur, Agni, Indrani & Varunani, Dyava-Prithivi, and Vishnu (who has the most number of verses in this hymn, totaling 6).
There are two places being described here, regarding Vishnu: the "station" is the Yajna-altar/cauldron/fire-pit, and the "loftiest place" is where Vishnu is, from where he originates to walk those most holy steps, leaving everything else in the dust of his footsteps, for he is the wide-strider.
Let's take a closer look at the Sanskrit of verse 20 and 21:
tád víṣṇoḥ paramám padáṃ sádā paśyanti sūráyaḥ divī́va cákṣur ā́tatam (R.V.1.22.20)
tád víprāso vipanyávo jāgr̥vā́ṃsaḥ sám indhate víṣṇor yát paramám padám (R.V.1.22.21)
No where is the term, "VaikuNTha", used. However, Vaishnava-s use "paramam padam" to attribute it as a justification for a mystical application for the Puranic VaikunTha. This can be confusing, and is a half truth. While many Rig Vedic hymns laud Vishnu's abode as most sublime, this abode doesn't really have a name, for it is just "paramam".
To see an actual
mentioning of the term, "VaikuNTha", please see hymns R.V.10.47, R.V.10.48, R.V.10.49, and R.V.10.50. These four, as per the anukramani-s, are addressed to Indra-VaikuNTha. 10.47 is addressed to VaikuNTha Indra specifically, revealed to Rishi Saptagu Angirasa, while 48-50 are revealed to a Rishi with name of VaikuNTha Indra. See this link for clarification:
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