Sloka 4
4.1. IAST Text
mahadrasyam tadguptaṁ yat tu sṛṣṭaṁ tvayā priyē
tadāpi katha yiṣyāmi snēhavaātsalya kāraṇāt!
4.2. Word-by-Word Meaning & Explanation
- mahadrasyam
- mahā: “great”
- drasyam: “that which is seen” or “the mystery that appears”
- Combined Meaning: “The great mystery.”
- Explanation: This term refers to the profound secret underlying creation—the vast, often ineffable, principles that govern the manifested world.
- tadguptaṁ
- tad: “that”
- guptaṁ: “secret” or “hidden”
- Combined Meaning: “That which is hidden.”
- Explanation: Emphasizes the esoteric, concealed nature of the knowledge that is ordinarily not disclosed to the uninitiated.
- yat
- Meaning: “which” or “that which”
- Explanation: Introduces the subject of inquiry, pointing to the hidden mystery produced by cosmic creation.
- tu
- Meaning: “but” or “indeed”
- Explanation: A particle that underscores a contrast or introduces a reservation, highlighting that although this mystery is normally concealed…
- sṛṣṭaṁ
- Meaning: “created” or “manifested.”
- Explanation: Indicates that the mystery in question is an outcome of cosmic creation, affirming that it is not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated.
- tvayā
- Meaning: “by you.”
- Explanation: Directly addresses the deity as the creator, thereby attributing the manifestation of the mystery to his creative power.
- priyē
- Meaning: “O dear one” or “beloved.”
- Explanation: Expresses intimacy and affection in the address, signifying the special relationship between the teacher (deity) and the devotee.
- tadāpi
- Meaning: “even then” or “nevertheless.”
- Explanation: Suggests that despite the mystery’s inherently hidden nature, it is nevertheless accessible in this special context.
- katha yiṣyāmi
- katha: “narrate” or “explain”
- yiṣyāmi: “I shall” (future tense)
- Combined Meaning: “I shall explain (or narrate).”
- Explanation: Indicates the forthcoming disclosure of the esoteric knowledge, assuring the devotee that the hidden mystery will be revealed.
- snēhavaātsalya
- snēha: “affection” or “love”
- vātsalya: “parental tenderness” or “devotional love”
- Combined Meaning: “Due to our affectionate bond.”
- Explanation: Underlines that the secret is being revealed out of deep devotion and an intimate, loving relationship between the teacher and the disciple.
- kāraṇāt
- Meaning: “for the sake of” or “because of.”
- Explanation: Provides the reason for the disclosure—that the special bond of affection (snēhavaātsalya) justifies sharing this secret.
4.3. Overall Meaning of the Sloka
O dear one, even though that great hidden mystery—manifest through your creative power—is ordinarily concealed, I shall now explain it to you because of our deep affectionate bond.
4.4. Detailed Commentary
This sloka is pivotal in the Gayatri Manjarī as it marks the moment when the divine teacher (Mahādeva) declares his intention to reveal the esoteric secrets of creation. The analysis unfolds as follows:
- The Great Hidden Mystery:
The opening terms mahadrasyam and tadguptaṁ refer to the profound and hidden mystery underlying all creation. This mystery is not overtly manifest to the ordinary seeker but is the deep, secret principle that governs cosmic creation. - Cosmic Creation and Divine Agency:
The word sṛṣṭaṁ signifies that this mystery is not random; it is the result of divine creation (tvayā), thereby affirming the supreme creative power of Mahādeva. The direct address to the deity establishes that he is the source of all manifested mysteries. - The Special Relationship:
The term priyē reveals a tone of intimacy and endearment, showing that the teacher and disciple share a sacred bond. Such a relationship is critical in the Tantric tradition, as esoteric wisdom is imparted only through a genuine and heartfelt connection between the teacher and the devotee. - Promise of Revelation:
Despite the mystery being ordinarily hidden, the particle tadāpi coupled with the promise katha yiṣyāmi assures the devotee that, because of the affectionate bond (snēhavaātsalya), the secret will now be disclosed. This indicates that the hidden knowledge is not arbitrary; it is reserved for those who have earned the trust and devotion of the divine. - Core Message:
At its core, this sloka communicates that the deepest, most profound secrets of creation—which are usually veiled from ordinary perception—are revealed only through a relationship of deep love and trust. In the Tantric tradition, the transmission of such secret knowledge is not available to everyone but is reserved for those who have cultivated a pure and affectionate connection with the divine teacher.
Summary:
Sloka 4 sets the stage for the subsequent teachings by emphasizing that the esoteric, hidden mystery underlying creation is about to be revealed. This revelation is granted out of a sacred, intimate bond between the divine and the devotee, highlighting the essential role of the guru–disciple relationship in the transmission of transformative spiritual knowledge.