Word Meaning
परस्तारी
parastārī
Meaning
Worship, adoration, devotion, or service.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'parastārī' denotes the act of devout worship, adoration, or serving an object of reverence. In this couplet, it specifically refers to the worship of illusion ('vahm'), critiquing the human tendency to venerate mere mental constructs and multiplicities instead of recognizing true Divine Unity. It frames excessive intellectualizing or polytheistic multiplicity as an act of futile idolatry.
Etymology
From Persian 'پرستاری' (parastārī), formed from 'پرستار' (parastār, attendant or worshipper) and the abstract suffix '-ī', rooted in the verb 'پرستیدن' (parastīdan, to worship or serve).
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazals to express romantic devotion, religious adoration, or metaphorical idol-worship.
Examples
Lost in the adoration of a fleeting shadow.
Devotion to mental constructs leads to illusion.