Word Meaning
बरहमन
barhaman
Meaning
A Brahmin; a Hindu priest or custodian of the temple.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'barhaman' refers to a Brahmin or Hindu priest, routinely paired as the counterpart to the Islamic 'Shaikh'. In this couplet, it represents the custodian of the temple (dair) who, alongside the Shaikh of the sanctuary (haram), is thrown into turmoil by the overwhelming grace of the beloved. The term symbolizes orthodox Hindu rites and devotion to idols in the ghazal tradition.
Etymology
Sanskrit (brāhmaṇa) through Persian (barhaman).
Usage
Frequently paired with 'Shaikh' in the compound motif 'Shaikh o Barhaman' to critique rigid sectarian dogmas in contrast to universal love.
Examples
The endless dispute between the Sheikh and the Brahmin
The Brahmin worshipping the stone idol