tantra

In Sanskrit, 

tantra (तन्त्र) literally translates to "loom," "warp," or "weave". The term is derived from the verbal root tan (तन्), meaning "to extend," "to spread," or "to stretch". 

Over centuries, its meaning has evolved from a physical weaving tool into a diverse range of technical and philosophical concepts.

1. Etymological and Literal Meanings

The word is fundamentally connected to the metaphor of interweaving threads on a loom: 

• Tan (तन्): To stretch, expand, grow, or spin out.
• Tra (त्र): A suffix often indicating an instrument or tool.
• Combined Meaning: Many traditions interpret tantra as an "instrument for expansion" (tanoti—expansion; trayati—liberation). 

2. General Meanings in Indian Traditions

In a broad sense, tantra refers to any systematic, broadly applicable framework or system: 

• System or Theory: A systematic method, technique, or doctrine.
• Manual or Treatise: An instructional text or handbook, particularly in fields like medicine (Ayurveda), grammar, or astronomy.
• Framework: The main point, principal part, or model of a larger work. 

3. Philosophical and Spiritual Contexts

By the middle of the 1st millennium CE, tantra became a specific bibliographic and religious category: 

• Esoteric Traditions: A yogic and ritualistic path focusing on the expansion of consciousness and liberation (mokṣa) while living in the physical world.
• Weaving the Physical and Spiritual: It signifies the "weaving together" of the body and mind, or the microcosm (individual) and macrocosm (universe).
• Dialogue-Based Texts: Scriptures often presented as a dialogue between a god (typically Shiva) and a goddess (Shakti). 

4. Modern Distinctions

• Traditional Meaning: A structured path for spiritual growth through mantras, rituals, and meditation.
• Western Connotation: Often incorrectly limited to "sexual spiritualism" or eroticism, which scholars clarify is only a rare, specific aspect of some tantric schools. 

anyatra

In Sanskrit, 

anyatra (अन्यत्र) is an indeclinable adverb (avyaya) that translates to "elsewhere," "somewhere else," or "in another place." [1, 2]

It is formed by adding the suffix -tra (denoting location) to the word anya ("another" or "other"). [2]

1. Primary Meanings

• Spatial: "Elsewhere," "in another place," or "to another place." [2, 3]
• Contextual: "In another case," "otherwise," or "on another occasion." [2, 3]
• Comparative: "Except for" or "other than" (often used with the ablative case). [3]

2. Usage in Sanskrit Literature

The term is frequently used in philosophical debates and narratives to redirect attention or establish a contrast. [3]

• Bhagavad Gītā (9.15):

  ...ekatvena pṛthaktvena bahudhā viśvato-mukham
  (While not using anyatra directly, this verse discusses worshipping the Divine in other (anyatra) forms or as a manifold unity.) [4]

• General Prose (Pancatantra/Hitopadesha):

  anyatra gamyatām
  Translation: "Let us go elsewhere" or "Go somewhere else." [5]

3. Key Compound Phrases

• Yathānyatra (यथान्यत्र): "As in another place" or "as elsewhere." [2]
• Anyatrabha (अन्यत्रभ): "Born or produced elsewhere." [2]
• Anyatratra (अन्यत्रत्र): "In another place" (a less common, reinforced form). [2]

4. Comparison with Location Adverbs

• Atra (अत्र): Here [1]
• Tatra (तत्र): There [1]
• Kutra (कुत्र): Where? [1]
• Sarvatra (सर्वत्र): Everywhere [1]
• Anyatra (अन्यत्र): Elsewhere [1, 2]

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References:
[1] Sanskrit Adverbs of Place
[2] Wisdom Library: Definition and Grammar of Anyatra
[3] Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Anyatra
[4] Bhagavad Gītā 9.15 Translation
[5] Sanskrit Lexicon: Usage in Classical Literature

sarvatra

In Sanskrit, 

sarvatra (सर्वत्र) is an indeclinable adverb (avyaya) that translates to "everywhere," "in all places," or "in all cases."

It is formed by adding the suffix -tra (denoting location) to the word sarva ("all" or "every").

1. Primary Meanings

• Spatial: "Everywhere," "universally," or "in every place."
• Temporal/Contextual: "At all times," "always," or "under all circumstances."
• Logical: "In all instances" or "universally applicable."

2. Usage in Sanskrit Literature

The term is frequently used in philosophical and spiritual texts to describe the all-pervading nature of the Divine or the Soul.

• Bhagavad Gītā (2.24):

  ...nityaḥ sarva-gataḥ sthāṇur acalo ’yaṃ sanātanaḥ
  (The Soul is eternal, all-pervading [sarva-gataḥ, a synonym for sarvatra], stable, immovable, and ancient.)

• Bhagavad Gītā (6.29):

  sarva-bhūta-stham ātmānaṃ sarva-bhūtāni cātmani | ikṣate yoga-yuktātmā sarvatra sama-darśanaḥ ||Translation: "A true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere (sarvatra)."

3. Key Compound Phrases

• Sarvatra-ga (सर्वत्रग): "All-pervading" or "omnipresent" (literally, "going everywhere").
• Sarvatra-sama (सर्वत्रसम): "Equanimous in all situations" or "viewing everything equally."
• Yatra-tatra-sarvatra: A common philosophical triplet meaning "wherever, there, and everywhere."

4. Comparison with Related Adverbs

• Atra (अत्र): Here
• Tatra (तत्र): There
• Kutra (कुत्र): Where?
• Anyatra (अन्यत्र): Elsewhere
• Sarvatra (सर्वत्र): Everywhere

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References: Bhagavad Gita 6.29: Translation and Commentary Sanskrit Dictionary: Lexicon entries for Sarvatra Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary Wisdom Library: Definition and Grammar of Sarvatra