Tantraloka, Vol. 1 with Jayaratha's Commentary

१३

First Daily Lesson

And who is the Mother? She is "supported by the pure digits" original: 'vimalakalāśrayā'. "Pure" refers to the digits or creative arts of the phonemes varṇakalā|the mystical powers associated with the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet; she whose "support" original: 'ālambanam' or basis consists of these is she who is named Vimalakalā Abhinavagupta’s mother’s name was Vimalā or Vimalakalā—this is the meaning.

Furthermore, she is "the greatness of the new creation" original: 'abhinavasṛṣṭimahā'. The "creation" original: 'sṛṣṭiḥ' of "Abhinava"—that is, the illustrious Abhinavagupta—is his very birth. As it is said:

"His fathers rejoice and his grandfathers rejoice:
Today a devotee of the Great Lord Shiva original: 'māheśvara' is born; he will carry us across the ocean of worldly existence."

Based on such sayings, because of the birth of a noble son, she has fulfilled her life’s purpose original: 'kṛtakṛtyatayā'. Thus, by producing an extraordinary state of aesthetic and spiritual wonder original: 'camatkāra', she is one for whom there is a "festival" original: 'mahaḥ' or great celebration.

And likewise, of what nature is the Father? He is "one whose brilliance is protected by the Five-Faced One" original: 'pañcamukhaguptaruciḥ'. The "Five-Faced One" refers to a lion original: 'siṃha'. He whose "brilliance" original: 'ruciḥ' or fame is spread everywhere under the name Siṃhagupta literally "Protected by the Lion" is he. As the verse says:

"His son is known among the people as Chukhulaka,
Narasiṃhagupta, whose intellect is as bright and pure as the moon."

Line 2: Manuscript K reads "whose support is the very nature of the art of phonemes."

Line 6: Manuscript K reads only "by the state of wonder."