गर्दान

Meaning

Turning away, averting, revolving; one who wards off (calamity).

Detailed Meaning

Derived from the Persian verb 'gardāndan' (to turn, cause to revolve, or avert), 'gardān' functions as an agent noun or active participle meaning 'one who turns or repels'. In the context of this couplet, it forms the compound 'balā-gardān' (averting calamity or acting as a propitiatory sacrifice). Here, the fire/spark of agony is conceived as a devotee offering itself up to avert misfortune from the beloved's careless, graceful strides.

Etymology

Persian, present stem/active participle of 'gardāndan' (to turn, cause to revolve, avert).

Usage

In classical ghazal poetry, it most commonly occurs in the compound 'balā-gardān' to evoke sacrificial love and warding off ill omens from the beloved.

Examples

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Related Words