Word Meaning
बुत-परस्ती
but-parastī
Meaning
Idolatry; image-worship; metaphorically, devotion to an earthly beloved.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting idol worship, 'but-parasti' in Urdu poetry often signifies utter devotion to the earthly beloved, whose beauty is idolized. In Mir's couplet, it serves as an ironic subversion of religious orthodoxy, juxtaposing the lover's pagan-like surrender with conventional Islam. The poet playfully acknowledges his own heresy to emphasize passion over ritual piety.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'but' (idol) + 'parast' (worshipper, from parastīdan) + suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In the ghazal, poets frequently adopt the charge of 'but-parasti' as a badge of honor to challenge rigid orthodoxy.
Examples
accused of but-parasti by the moral preacher
the path of but-parasti in the lane of the beloved