Word Meaning
मय-ख़ाना
mai-khana
hinoun
Meaning
A tavern, winehouse, or place where wine is served.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, may-khana literally denotes a tavern or drinking house, but metaphorically symbolizes a space of divine ecstasy, mystic intuition, and open-hearted spirituality in contrast to dogmatic piety. In this couplet, it represents an ever-generous sanctuary whose seekers are never left unfulfilled or empty-handed.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'may' (wine) and 'khana' (house, place).
Usage
In the ghazal, the tavern frequently stands in contrast to the mosque, serving as a sanctuary of genuine love against rigid religious orthodoxy.
Examples
The seeker sat at the threshold of the tavern.
What do the self-righteous know of the tavern's grace?
Synonyms
मय-कदाख़राबातशराब-ख़ाना
Related Words
साक़ीरिंदजामख़ुमार
