Word Meaning
पतिंगे
patinge
hinoun
Meaning
Moth; winged insect that immolates itself in a flame.
Detailed Meaning
In poetry, 'patinga' denotes the moth (synonymous with parwana), the ultimate symbol of the devoted lover who immolates himself on the beloved's flame. In this couplet, it represents the moth whose final whisper or plea before burning caused the candle to mourn in grief all night long.
Etymology
Sanskrit पतङ्ग (pataṅga, meaning flying insect or bird), through Prakrit into Hindustani.
Usage
Conventionally paired with the candle (shama) in the ghazal tradition to evoke self-sacrifice and relentless love.
Examples
The moth perished willingly upon the flame.
Did the moth whisper a secret before burning?
Synonyms
परवानापतंगफ़नगा
Related Words
शम्अपरवानालौआतिश