Daily Poetry — July 7, 2026

मधुशाला (Madhushala) - Selected Stanza

Composed by हरिवंश राय बच्चन (Harivansh Rai Bachchan)

Original Hindi

मृदु भावों के अंगूरों की आज बना लाया हाला, प्रियतम, अपने ही हाथों से आज पिलाऊँगा प्याला, पहले भोग लगा लूँ तेरा फिर प्रसाद जग पाएगा। सबसे पहले तेरा स्वागत करती मेरी मधुशाला।। लाल सुरा की धार नहीं, यह प्यार किसी का ढलका है, मैं पागल तो नहीं, नहीं मन मेरा बहका है, किसी नज़र ने छलका कर ही प्यार भरा है हाला, सबसे पहले तेरा स्वागत करती मेरी मधुशाला।।

English Translation

Today I bring wine made from the grapes of tender feelings, My beloved, today I will pour you a cup with my own hands, First, I will offer it to you, then the world will receive its bounty. My Madhushala welcomes you first of all. This is not a stream of red wine, but someone's love overflowing, I am not mad, nor has my mind wandered astray, It is a gaze that has poured this love-filled wine, My Madhushala welcomes you first of all.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

हर एक घूँट में जीवन का सार छिपा है गहरा, हर एक प्याले में खुशियों का है सुनहरा पहरा। नशा ये केवल मदिरा का नहीं, प्रेम का सागर, जहाँ डूबकर ही मिलती है मुक्ति और अगाध नागर। ये मदहोशी नहीं, ये तो रूह का मिलन है सच्चा, हर राहगीर यहाँ ढूँढे अपने मन का बच्चा। नज़र से नज़र मिले, होंठों से होंठों का संगम, सबसे पहले तेरा स्वागत करती मेरी मधुशाला।।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

In every sip, life's deep essence is hidden, In every cup, happiness stands golden, unbidden. This intoxication is not just of wine, but a sea of love, Where only by diving deep, freedom and profound wisdom one can prove. This is not delirium, but the soul's true embrace, Every wanderer here seeks their inner child's grace. Eyes meet eyes, lips find their sweet communion, My Madhushala welcomes you first of all.

Literary & Historical Context

"Madhushala" (The House of Wine), published in 1935, is one of the most iconic and celebrated works of Harivansh Rai Bachchan. It comprises 102 rubaiyat (quatrains), each concluding with the word 'madhushala'. The poem is a profound philosophical allegory where the tavern, wine, cup, and drinker serve as metaphors for life, love, loss, spirituality, and the transient yet beautiful journey of existence. It is not about literal intoxication but uses the imagery of wine to represent the intoxicating experiences of life, the pursuit of truth, and the ultimate reality. The selected stanzas exemplify this approach, inviting the beloved (interpreted as God, ideal, or profound experience) to partake first in this 'wine of tender feelings' and 'love'. The work is renowned for its lyrical beauty, accessible language, and philosophical depth, making it immensely popular and a significant contribution to Chhayavaad (Romanticism) and Halawaad (a poetic philosophy emphasizing joy and experiential reality) in Hindi literature. It beautifully blends the Persian rubaiyat tradition with Indian mysticism and a modern outlook on life.