Having saluted first his Guru Śrīnātha, the yogi Svātmārāma expounds Haṭha Vidyā solely for the attainment of Raja Yoga.

The author identifies himself: Svātmārāma, whose name means “one who delights in his own Self (Ātman)”. This name suggests a state of realization.

The verse reaffirms the purpose: kevalaṃ rāja-yogāya — “solely for Raja Yoga”. Haṭha Yoga is not a separate or inferior practice, but preparatory. However, this preparation is essential: without purification of the body and mastery of prāṇa, the mind cannot stabilize for deep meditation.

Śrīnātha is his direct guru, to whom he pays homage following the tradition of acknowledging the chain of transmission.