Patibarata Maili Bhali — Kabir

पतिबरता मैली भली , गले कांच को पोत। सब सखियन में यों दिपै , ज्यों रवि ससि को जोत॥
— Kabir

Meaning

My husband is better than a soiled garment, and my neck is better than a glass ornament. Among all my friends, I shine like the sun upon the moon.

Explanation

This couplet uses rich metaphors to establish the speaker's value and unique position among her friends. She asserts that her presence is more valuable than both soiled clothes and expensive glass jewelry. By comparing herself to the sunlight to the moon, Kabir highlights her essential role in illuminating the lives of her friends. It is a confident declaration of worth, suggesting that her light is vital for the joy and clarity of those around her.

Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.

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Hindi Meaning
English Meaning
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