(Bang-e-Dra-043) (نیا شوالا) Naya Shiwala

(Bang-e-Dra-043) Naya Shiwala

Naya Shiwala
A New Altar

Sach Keh Doon Ae Barhman! Gar Tu Bura Na Mane
Tere Sanam Kadon Ke Butt Ho Gye Purane

I’ll tell you truth, oh Brahmin, if I may make so bold!
These idols in your temples—these idols have grown old,

Apnon Se Bair Rakhna Tu Ne Button Se Se Sikha
Jang-o-Jadal Sikhaya Waaiz Ko Bhi Khuda Ne

To hate your fellow‐mortals is all they teach you, while
Our God too sets his preachers to scold and to revile;

Tang Aa Ke Main Ne Akhir Dair-o-Haram Ko Chora
Waaiz Ka Waaz Chora, Chore Tere Fasane

Sickened, from both your temple and our shrines I have run,
Alike our preachers’ sermons and your fond myths I shun.

Pathar Ki Mootraton Mein Samjha Hai Tu Khuda Hai
Khak-e-Watan Ka Mujh Ko Har Zarra Devta

—In every graven image you fancied God: I see
in each speck of my country’s poor dust, divinity.

Aa, Ghairiat Ke Parde Ek Baar Phir Utha Dain
Bichron Ko Phir Mila Dain, Naqsh-e-Dooi Mita Dain

Come, let us lift suspicion’s thick curtains once again,
Unite once more the sundered, wipe clean division’s stain.

Sooni Pari Huwi Hai Muddat Se Dil Ki Basti
Aa, Ek Naya Shiwala Iss Dais Mein Bana Dain

Too long has lain deserted the heart’s warm habitation—
Come, build here in our homeland an altar’s new foundation,

Dunya Ke Teerathon Se Ucha Huwa Apna Teerath
Damaan-e-Asman Se Iss Ka Kalas Mila Dain

And rise a spire more lofty than any of this globe,
With high pinnacle touching the hem of heaven’s robe!

Har Subah Uth Ke Gayen Mantar Woh Meethe Meethe
Sare Pujariyon Ko Mai Peet Ki Pila Dain

And there at every sunrise let our sweet chanting move
The hearts of all who worship, pouring them wine of love:

Shakti Bhi, Shanti Bhi Bhagton Ke Geet Mein Hai
Dharti Ke Basion Ki Mukti Pareet Mein Hai

Firm strength, calm peace, shall blend in the hymns the votary sings—
For from love comes salvation to all earth’s living things.