Word Meaning
ख़ुर्शेद
khursheed
Meaning
The sun; a radiant light source or celestial body.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, it denotes the sun as the supreme source of cosmic light and life. In this couplet, it serves as an allegory for the omnipresent Divine light without whose reflection even the humblest particle cannot exist. Figuratively, it is also employed to evoke sovereign splendour or the dazzling brilliance of the beloved.
Etymology
Persian (خورشید - khvorshēd), from Middle Persian 'xwaršēd', ultimately from Old Iranian *hvar-xšayta- (the radiant or shining sun).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it is conventionally contrasted with 'ज़र्रा' (dust-mote) to illustrate the dynamic between the magnificent Divine and the humble devotee.
Examples
The atom longs for the embrace of the sun.
His face gleamed like the morning sun.