Chapter One — Hanuman Agrees to Reveal the Mystery

The commentator explains that Charushila is among the companions of Sita in the eternal retinue. Three powers of Sita bring the soul to the Supreme Self: saṃdhinī, which joins the soul to Brahman through the guru lineage; sandīpinī, which fills the surrendered with delight in worship; and āhlādinī, Sita herself, who brings about the meeting once the perfected form has arisen. Agastya therefore bows and asks Hanuman to speak completely if grace has awakened toward him.

Rasikānāṃ hṛd-āhlāda-kāriṇīṃ pāvanīṃ kathām,
Kathayanti mahātmānaḥ prāpnuvanti Harer padam. (10)

Great souls who tell this pure story—which delights the hearts of rasikas—attain the abode of Hari.

“Sing the stainless virtues of Rama; the ocean of becoming is crossed without effort.”

Hanuman said:

Sādhu pṛṣṭo ’smi brahmarṣe manasā veti niścitam,
Guhyād guhyataraṃ divyaṃ tava prītyā vadāmy aham. (11)

O brahmarshi, you have asked well. I know with certainty what is in your mind. Subject to your love, I shall tell this divine mystery, more secret than the secret.

Goloka-nirṇayaṃ sarvam aiśvaryaṃ ca niveditam,
Adya te kathayiṣyāmi premāmṛta-mahotsavam. (12)

The nature and sovereignty of Goloka have already been declared. Today I shall tell you of the great festival of love’s nectar.