Word Meaning
दरवेश
darvesh
Meaning
A Sufi mystic, ascetic, or mendicant who has renounced worldly attachments.
Detailed Meaning
In Sufism and classical Persian-Urdu poetry, a darvesh is an ascetic who embraces spiritual poverty and detachment from material pursuits. In this couplet by Mir, the speaker identifies as someone who has abandoned the world and calls upon another dervish as a kindred spirit to offer prayers on his behalf. It symbolizes spiritual dignity, humility, and inner transcendence beyond kingship or wealth.
Etymology
Persian 'darvēsh' (درویش), historically associated with a holy mendicant or ascetic wandering door to door.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal, the figure of the darvesh is exalted above worldly monarchs, embodying moral purity and indifference to material gain.
Examples
A crown holds no value before the gaze of a true dervish.
The world is mere dust under the feet of the dervish.