Word Meaning
कलेजा
kaleja
Meaning
Liver, heart; seat of deep emotions, courage, and intense feelings.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu-Hindi poetry, 'kaleja' literally refers to the liver but poetically represents the seat of suffering, endurance, and profound passion, much like the heart. In this couplet, it is used in the idiomatic expression 'kaleja thanda hona', meaning to attain deep emotional satisfaction or relief. The poet ironically observes that seeing the rival brings sweet comfort and contentment to the beloved.
Etymology
Tadbhava, derived from Prakrit, tracing back to Sanskrit 'कालखण्ड' (kālakhaṇḍa, meaning liver or dark vital organ).
Usage
In ghazal poetry, 'kaleja' frequently features in poignant idioms expressing either vindictive satisfaction ('thanda hona') or extreme grief ('chhalni hona').
Examples
kaleja thanda hona
kaleje par teer lagna
