This epic Persian poem of 1805 verses is a “masnavi”
[a narrative poem composed of distichs corresponding in measure, each consisting of rhyming couplets]. It includes set-pieces in other genres, such as the “ghazal”
[roughly speaking, lyric], “naghma” and “nava” [songs and airs], “zamzama” [chants], and “nala” [laments] uttered by some of the characters in the poem. The poem relates the poet’s imaginary journey through the cosmos, travelling through spheres named after planets in the solar system, and ends with the poet’s vision beyond the spheres of an epiphany of divine majesty. His guide in this journey is the famous Sufi poet, Rumi (1207-73). In his ascent through the cosmos, the poet, who is named “zinda rud” [living stream], meets a variety of…
502 words
Citation: Majeed, Javed. "Javed Nama". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 26 July 2010 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=30675, accessed 25 November 2024.]
