Word Meaning
सोमनात
Somnāt
Meaning
The historic Somnath temple; metaphorically, an idol house or Hindu sanctuary.
Detailed Meaning
Somnat refers to the historically renowned temple of Somnath in Gujarat, celebrated in Persian and Urdu literary traditions. In classical poetry, it frequently appears as an antonymic counterpart to the Kaaba, signifying the realm of the temple (dair) or adoration of the beloved as an idol. In this couplet, it represents the Hindu sanctuary, which, along with the Kaaba, is shaken to turmoil by the lover's impassioned cry.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'Somnātha' (Lord of the Moon, an epithet of Shiva), assimilated into Persian and Urdu as 'Somnāt'.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal, Somnat is traditionally paired with the Kaaba to symbolize transcending communal and theological boundaries through mystic or earthly love.
Examples
Tremors of longing echo through Kaaba and Somnat alike.
Neither bounded by the mosque nor trapped within Somnat.