Daily Poetry — September 7, 2026

मधुशाला (Madhushala) - एक अंश

Composed by हरिवंश राय बच्चन (Harivansh Rai Bachchan)

Original Hindi

मदिरालय जाने को घर से चलता है पीनेवाला, 'किस पथ से जाऊँ?' असमंजस में है वह भोलाभाला। अलग-अलग पथ बतलाते सब, पर मैं यह बतलाता हूँ - 'राह पकड़ तू एक चला चल, पा जाएगा मधुशाला।' भेजनेवाला पीता है, पीते हैं पीनेवाले, जग को पागल करनेवाला, यह नशा है मतवाला। भेद-भाव सब मिटाता है, यह मद का प्यारा प्याला, एक सभी को कर देता है, यह जीवन की मधुशाला।

English Translation

From home, the drinker sets out for the tavern, 'Which path should I take?' he, the innocent, is in a dilemma. Everyone suggests different paths, but I tell you this – 'Choose one road and keep walking, you will find the Madhushala.' The giver drinks, the drinkers drink, This intoxication, a mad frenzy, drives the world wild. It erases all distinctions, this dear cup of wine, It unites everyone, this Madhushala of life.

AI Generated

AI Echo (Hindi)

यहाँ नहीं कोई ऊँच-नीच, न कोई धर्म का घेरा, प्रेम पगे प्यालों में घुलता, हर मन का अंधियारा। पथ अनगिनत जग में दिखते, पर मंज़िल एक निराली, जहाँ हर आत्मा मिलती है, वही अपनी मधुशाला। सत्य-अमृत यहाँ बरसता, झूठे मोह की छाया, छूट जाती पल भर में, जब पीता जीवन का राया। भेद-बुद्धि जब शांत होती, तब सब लगते प्यारे, एक ही रस में सब डूबें, यही संदेश हमारा।

AI Generated

AI Echo (English)

Here there is no high or low, no boundaries of faith, The darkness of every heart dissolves in cups steeped in love. Countless paths appear in the world, but the destination is unique, Where every soul meets, that is our Madhushala. The nectar of truth rains here, the shadow of false attachment, Vanishes in a moment, when the king of life drinks. When divisive intellect calms, then everyone seems dear, May all drown in the same essence, this is our message.

Literary & Historical Context

Madhushala (The House of Wine), published in 1935, is one of the most iconic works by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, known for his unique 'Halawad' (philosophy of wine). This excerpt beautifully encapsulates the central metaphor of the tavern (Madhushala) as a symbol for a place or state of being where all worldly distinctions—social, religious, or personal—dissolve into a shared experience of unity and joy. Influenced by Omar Khayyam's Rubaiyat, Bachchan uses the imagery of wine and the winehouse to critique societal norms and advocate for universal love, understanding, and brotherhood. The poem became incredibly popular for its accessible language, rhythmic quality, and profound philosophical insights, offering a respite from life's complexities and promoting a vision of shared humanity. It holds a significant place in Hindi literature as a work that blended profound philosophy with popular appeal.

← Prev Poem Browse All Poems Next Poem →

Feedback | Was this useful?