Word Meaning
मय-कदा
may-kada
Meaning
A tavern or winehouse; metaphorically, a realm of mystical love and ecstatic abandon.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'may-kada' literally denotes a drinking house or tavern, but symbolically represents the sacred domain of mystical ecstasy, direct spiritual experience, and sincere love. In this couplet, it serves as the ultimate haven of freedom whose loss makes all dogmatic and institutional locations—mosque, madrasa, or monastery—equally indifferent to the speaker. It signifies an inward sanctum unbound by formal orthodox rituals.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'may' (wine) + 'kada' (house, dwelling).
Usage
Frequently juxtaposed with the masjid (mosque) or dair (temple) to criticize religious hypocrisy and praise genuine, unpretentious devotion.
Examples
What does the ascetic know of the mysteries revealed in the tavern?
Leaving the tavern behind, all worldly sanctuaries became alike to the wanderer.