Word Meaning
हैरती
hairatī
Meaning
Astonished, bewildered, or one transfixed with profound wonder.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'hairatī' refers to someone struck with bewilderment, astonishment, or rendered motionless with wonder. In this couplet, the mirror is personified as a spellbound gazer staring blankly and intently at anyone who appears before it, perplexed by some unseen reflection or elusive beauty. It evokes the mystical motif of sight turned speechless and transfixed by spectacle.
Etymology
From Arabic ḥayrat (حیرت, perplexity/amazement) with the Persian relative/adjectival suffix -ī.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'hairatī' is frequently paired with the mirror ('ā'īna') to depict the state of an open-eyed, motionless trance induced by the beloved's overwhelming beauty.
Examples
How long will the astonished one remain the mirror-bearer of the vision?
The eyes of that bewildered soul remained wide open in astonishment.