Salutation to Ādinatha (Śiva), who expounded the knowledge of Haṭha Yoga, which like a staircase leads the aspirant to the high pinnacle of Raja Yoga.

This opening verse establishes the lineage and purpose of Haṭha Yoga. Ādinatha is Śiva, the primordial lord, considered the original source of all yogic teaching.

The staircase metaphor (adhirohiṇī) is significant: Haṭha Yoga is not an end in itself, but the means to attain Raja Yoga, the yoga of the mind. Physical practices prepare the body and purify the energy channels for deep meditation.

Svātmārāma, the author, thus places himself within a tradition flowing from Śiva through the Nātha Siddhas.