Word Meaning
पीरान
Pīrān
Meaning
Elders, religious guides, or spiritual leaders (plural of 'pir').
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'pīrān' refers to venerable elders, Sufi masters, or orthodox clergy. In this couplet, it designates the institutional custodians and prelates of both the church and the mosque. The poet critiques these religious leaders whose dogmatic efforts fail to illuminate hearts and instead leave souls devoid of true spiritual insight.
Etymology
Persian: plural form of 'pīr' (an elder, spiritual guide) combined with the Persian plural suffix '-ān'.
Usage
In classical verse, it is often invoked respectfully for Sufi saints, but also satirically to censure hypocritical or rigid religious authorities.
Examples
The assembly of the elders of the path
The priests and elders of the shrine