Chapter Two — The Hidden Ashoka Grove

Evaṃ puṇyāraṇyāni cāvṛtāni navāni ca,
Tan-madhye ’śoka-vanikā sarveṣām apy agocarā. (42)

Thus many sacred forests, ever assuming new forms, surrounded the Couple. In their midst lay the Ashoka grove, beyond the senses of all ordinary beings.

Puṃsām agocaraṃ sthānaṃ kevalaṃ prema-dāyakam,
Nārī-bhāva-samāyuktās teṣāṃ dṛśyaṃ bhaved dhruvam. (43)

That place, giver of love alone, is inaccessible to men ruled by ego and pride of attainment. It surely becomes visible only to those inwardly joined to the feminine devotional disposition.

Surucira-vanaṃ vilokya sarvaṃ viharaṇa-śīlo līlayā Rāmaḥ,
Jayati Janakajā-jānir īśo dhīrodātta-guṇākaro rasikaḥ. (44)

Victory to Rama, Lord and beloved husband of Janaka’s daughter, crown of rasikas and mine of noble, majestic qualities, who playfully wanders through all these lovely forests.

Thus ends the Second Chapter of the supremely secret Śrī Hanumat Saṃhitā, the great festival of the mahārāsa, in the dialogue between Hanuman and Agastya.