Word Meaning
पीटूँ
pīṭūñ
Meaning
May beat or strike (oneself in mourning and despair).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'पीटूँ' refers to the physical act of beating oneself (particularly the liver or chest) in extreme grief and mourning. The poet is torn in agonizing indecision over whether to shed tears for his heart or beat his liver in lamentation. It conveys an overwhelming volume of sorrow that a single person can barely express alone.
Etymology
From Prakrit 'piṭṭaï', derived from Sanskrit root 'पिट्' (piṭ, to strike, sound) or 'पिष्' (piṣ, to crush).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently collocates with parts of the body such as 'सर' (head), 'सीना' (chest), or 'जिगर' (liver) to signify the intense Shia and eastern ritual of lamentation.
Examples
Should I beat my chest in this grief?
Whether I weep or beat my fate in sorrow.