Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poems are deeply inspirational and profoundly powerful, reflecting the emotional and philosophical struggles of human life with remarkable clarity. A towering figure in 20th-century Indian literature, Harivansh Rai Bachchan was not just a poet, but a thinker who used poetry as a medium to question despair, hope, faith, and resilience.
His poetry is marked by emotional intensity, lyrical simplicity, and philosophical depth. Whether he writes about pain, perseverance, love, or inner conflict, his words carry a timeless relevance that continues to resonate with readers across generations. Bachchan’s verses do not merely describe emotions — they awaken them.
In this collection, I have curated five Harivansh Rai Bachchan poems that stand out for their expressive power and enduring impact. Each poem has been chosen for the way it energizes the mind, stirs the heart, and offers perspective on life’s struggles and aspirations.
Personally, I consider these poems to be among Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s best works — not only for their literary brilliance, but for the way they continue to inspire strength, reflection, and emotional courage even today.
Read more about Harivansh Rai Bachchan: Harivansh Rai Bachchan: A Master and Philosopher of Words
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5 Harivansh Rai Bachchan Poems
1. नीड़ का निर्माण (Construction of a Nest)
नीड़ का निर्माण फिर-फिर,
– Harivansh Rai Bachchan
नेह का आह्णान फिर-फिर।
वह उठी आँधी कि नभ में
छा गया सहसा अँधेरा,
धूलि धूसर बादलों ने
भूमि को इस भाँति घेरा,
रात-सा दिन हो गया, फिर
रात आई और काली,
लग रहा था अब न होगा
इस निशा का फिर सवेरा,
रात के उत्पात-भय से
भीत जन-जन, भीत कण-कण
किंतु प्राची से उषा की
मोहिनी मुस्कान फिर-फिर
नीड़ का निर्माण फिर-फिर,
नेह का आह्णान फिर-फिर।
वह चले झोंके कि काँपे
भीम कायावान भूधर,
जड़ समेत उखड़-पुखड़कर
गिर पड़े, टूटे विटप वर,
हाय, तिनकों से विनिर्मित
घोंसलो पर क्या न बीती,
डगमगाए जबकि कंकड़,
ईंट, पत्थर के महल-घर
बोल आशा के विहंगम,
किस जगह पर तू छिपा था,
जो गगन पर चढ़ उठाता
गर्व से निज तान फिर-फिर
नीड़ का निर्माण फिर-फिर,
नेह का आह्णान फिर-फिर।
क्रुद्ध नभ के वज्र दंतों
में उषा है मुसकराती,
घोर गर्जनमय गगन के
कंठ में खग पंक्ति गाती;
एक चिड़िया चोंच में तिनका
लिए जो जा रही है,
वह सहज में ही पवन
उंचास को नीचा दिखाती
नाश के दुख से कभी
दबता नहीं निर्माण का सुख
प्रलय की निस्तब्धता से
सृष्टि का नव गान फिर-फिर
नीड़ का निर्माण फिर-फिर,
नेह का आह्णान फिर-फिर।
Summary of नीड़ का निर्माण
Harivansh Rai Bachchan Poems Hindi
“नीड़ का निर्माण” (Construction of a Nest) is a thoughtful and symbolic poem in which Harivansh Rai Bachchan reflects on the simple yet meaningful act of birds building their nests and connects it to the deeper realities of human life.
The poem opens with the poet observing birds as they carefully construct their nests. He notes their patience, discipline, and unwavering dedication as they gather twigs, leaves, and small materials piece by piece. This labor is not casual or careless; it is driven by responsibility, love, and the instinct to create a safe shelter for their young.
From this natural scene, Bachchan moves toward a powerful metaphor. He suggests that human beings, too, build nests—not merely with physical structures, but through relationships, values, homes, and emotional bonds. Just as birds work tirelessly to create a secure environment, humans must also invest effort, care, and commitment in shaping their lives and relationships.
The poet emphasizes that warmth, affection, and mutual trust are the true foundations of these human nests. It is within such nurturing spaces that individuals find comfort, strength, and a sense of belonging. A nest built on love and harmony, he suggests, has the resilience to withstand life’s storms and hardships.
Bachchan also highlights the importance of cooperation and unity. Birds do not build their nests in isolation, and similarly, human life flourishes through collective effort, understanding, and mutual support.
In the concluding thought, the poet urges readers to cherish and protect their nests—both literal and symbolic. He reminds us that happiness, fulfillment, and purpose are cultivated within these carefully built spaces, and that life gains meaning through the bonds we nurture and preserve.
Overall, “नीड़ का निर्माण” uses the imagery of nest-building as a gentle yet profound reflection on responsibility, love, unity, and the emotional foundations of human existence.
2. आत्मपरिचय (Atmaparichay)
मैं जग-जीवन का भार लिए फिरता हूँ,
– Harivansh Rai Bachchan
फिर भी जीवन में प्यार लिए फिरता हूँ
कर दिया किसी ने झंकृत जिनको छूकर
मैं सासों के दो तार लिए फिरता हूँ!
मैं स्नेह-सुरा का पान किया करता हूँ,
मैं कभी न जग का ध्यान किया करता हूँ,
जग पूछ रहा है उनको, जो जग की गाते,
मैं अपने मन का गान किया करता हूँ!
मैं निज उर के उद्गार लिए फिरता हूँ,
मैं निज उर के उपहार लिए फिरता हूँ
है यह अपूर्ण संसार ने मुझको भाता
मैं स्वप्नों का संसार लिए फिरता हूँ!
मैं जला हृदय में अग्नि, दहा करता हूँ,
सुख-दुख दोनों में मग्न रहा करता हूँ
जग भ्ाव-सागर तरने को नाव बनाए,
मैं भव मौजों पर मस्त बहा करता हूँ!
मैं यौवन का उन्माद लिए फिरता हूँ,
उन्मादों में अवसाद लए फिरता हूँ,
जो मुझको बाहर हँसा, रुलाती भीतर,
मैं, हाय, किसी की याद लिए फिरता हूँ!
कर यत्न मिटे सब, सत्य किसी ने जाना?
नादन वहीं है, हाय, जहाँ पर दाना
फिर मूढ़ न क्या जग, जो इस पर भी सीखे?
मैं सीख रहा हूँ, सीखा ज्ञान भूलना!
मैं और, और जग और, कहाँ का नाता,
मैं बना-बना कितने जग रोज़ मिटाता
जग जिस पृथ्वी पर जोड़ा करता वैभव,
मैं प्रति पग से उस पृथ्वी को ठुकराता!
मैं निज रोदन में राग लिए फिरता हूँ,
शीतल वाणी में आग लिए फिरता हूँ,
हों जिसपर भूपों के प्रसाद निछावर,
मैं उस खंडर का भाग लिए फिरता हूँ!
मैं रोया, इसको तुम कहते हो गाना,
मैं फूट पड़ा, तुम कहते, छंद बनाना
क्यों कवि कहकर संसार मुझे अपनाए,
मैं दुनिया का हूँ एक नया दीवाना!
मैं दीवानों का एक वेश लिए फिरता हूँ,
मैं मादकता नि:शेष लिए फिरता हूँ
जिसको सुनकर जग झूम, झुके, लहराए,
मैं मस्ती का संदेश लिए फिरता हूँ!
Summary of आत्मपरिचय Poem
“आत्मपरिचय” is one of Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s most powerful and introspective poems, in which the poet presents a deeply personal declaration of his inner world, his philosophy of life, and his identity as a poet. Through this poem, Bachchan introduces not merely himself, but the emotional and spiritual core from which his poetry emerges.
The poem reflects the duality of life that the poet carries within him—worldly responsibilities alongside an enduring capacity for love, passion, and imagination. Bachchan portrays himself as someone who bears the weight of existence, yet continues to move through life with affection, dreams, and creative energy. His verses reveal a soul that finds meaning not in external validation, but in inner experience and self-expression.
A recurring theme in “आत्मपरिचय” is the poet’s detachment from societal expectations. While the world seeks recognition, status, and material success, Bachchan remains immersed in his own inner music. He chooses to sing the song of his heart rather than echo the voices of the crowd. This inner independence defines his poetic identity.
The poem also explores emotional contradictions—joy and sorrow, passion and despair, ecstasy and loneliness. Bachchan accepts these opposites as essential parts of life. He does not seek to escape suffering; instead, he embraces it as a source of depth and creativity. Even when the world builds boats to cross the ocean of existence, the poet allows himself to drift freely on its waves, trusting experience over convention.
In its later verses, the poem becomes a bold assertion of individuality. Bachchan acknowledges how the world labels him a “madman” or a “poet,” but he accepts this identity without regret. His madness is not chaos, but an intense awareness—a heightened sensitivity that allows him to transform pain into music and tears into poetry.
Ultimately, “आत्मपरिचय” stands as a profound self-portrait of Harivansh Rai Bachchan. It reveals a poet who lives passionately, thinks independently, and remains committed to truth as he perceives it. The poem is not just an introduction to the poet—it is an affirmation of the freedom to live, feel, and create on one’s own terms.
3. जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में एक सितारा था
– Harivansh Rai Bachchan
माना वह बेहद प्यारा था
वह डूब गया तो डूब गया
अंबर के आंगन को देखो
कितने इसके तारे टूटे
कितने इसके प्यारे छूटे
जो छूट गए फिर कहाँ मिले
पर बोलो टूटे तारों पर
कब अंबर शोक मनाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में वह था एक कुसुम
थे उस पर नित्य निछावर तुम
वह सूख गया तो सूख गया
मधुबन की छाती को देखो
सूखीं कितनी इसकी कलियाँ
मुरझाईं कितनी वल्लरियाँ
जो मुरझाईं फिर कहाँ खिलीं
पर बोलो सूखे फूलों पर
कब मधुबन शोर मचाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई
जीवन में मधु का प्याला था
तुमने तन मन दे डाला था
वह टूट गया तो टूट गया
मदिरालय का आँगन देखो
कितने प्याले हिल जाते हैं
गिर मिट्टी में मिल जाते हैं
जो गिरते हैं कब उठते हैं
पर बोलो टूटे प्यालों पर
कब मदिरालय पछताता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई
मृदु मिट्टी के बने हुए
मधु घट फूटा ही करते हैं
लघु जीवन ले कर आए हैं
प्याले टूटा ही करते हैं
फ़िर भी मदिरालय के अन्दर
मधु के घट हैं, मधु प्याले हैं
जो मादकता के मारे हैं
वे मधु लूटा ही करते हैं
वह कच्चा पीने वाला है
जिसकी ममता घट प्यालों पर
जो सच्चे मधु से जला हुआ
कब रोता है चिल्लाता है
जो बीत गई सो बात गई
Summary of जो बीत गई सो बात गई
“जो बीत गई सो बात गई” (“Jo Beet Gayi So Baat Gayi”) is a philosophical and emotionally mature poem that reflects on loss, impermanence, and the wisdom of acceptance. Through vivid imagery and recurring metaphors, Harivansh Rai Bachchan conveys a powerful message: what has passed should not imprison the present.
The poem begins by acknowledging personal loss—something once precious has disappeared. Yet, instead of mourning endlessly, the poet shifts perspective toward the vastness of existence. Just as the sky does not grieve every fallen star, life does not pause for individual sorrow. Loss, though painful, is a natural part of a much larger continuum.
Bachchan reinforces this idea through repeated metaphors. Flowers wither in gardens, cups break in taverns, and yet life continues uninterrupted. These images emphasize that destruction and renewal coexist. Nothing that is fragile is meant to last forever, and expecting permanence from transient forms leads only to suffering.
The poem then moves toward a deeper philosophical stance. Bachchan suggests that attachment to forms—objects, moments, relationships—creates unnecessary pain. True fulfillment comes not from clinging to what breaks, but from understanding the essence behind it. Those intoxicated by the true spirit of life do not mourn broken vessels; they continue to seek meaning beyond material loss.
In its concluding tone, the poem rejects emotional excess and self-pity. Bachchan presents acceptance not as indifference, but as wisdom. To grieve endlessly over the past is to misunderstand life’s rhythm. Growth requires the courage to let go.
Ultimately, “जो बीत गई सो बात गई” teaches that while loss is inevitable, suffering is optional. The poem urges readers to release regret, accept change, and move forward with clarity and inner strength. What has passed belongs to the past—and life must be lived in the present.
4. आ रही रवि की सवारी
आ रही रवि की सवारी।
– Harivansh Rai Bachchan
नव-किरण का रथ सजा है,
कलि-कुसुम से पथ सजा है,
बादलों-से अनुचरों ने स्वर्ण की पोशाक धारी।
आ रही रवि की सवारी।
विहग, बंदी और चारण,
गा रही है कीर्ति-गायन,
छोड़कर मैदान भागी, तारकों की फ़ौज सारी।
आ रही रवि की सवारी।
चाहता, उछलूँ विजय कह,
पर ठिठकता देखकर यह-
रात का राजा खड़ा है, राह में बनकर भिखारी।
आ रही रवि की सवारी।
Summary of आ रही रवि की सवारी Poem
The poem “आ रही रवि की सवारी” begins by announcing the arrival of the sun’s procession. It depicts the dawn breaking as the sun starts its journey across the sky. The poet describes the sun’s chariot moving through the celestial path, painting the horizon with hues of gold and orange.
Bachchan beautifully describes the scene, with the sun’s rays illuminating the earth and dispelling the darkness of the night. The poet highlights the transformative power of the sunrise, as it brings light, warmth, and hope to the world.
The poem portrays the morning sky as a canvas on which the sun paints its majestic colors. Bachchan marvels at the magnificence of this celestial phenomenon, comparing it to a grand procession or a royal parade.
Bachchan’s words evoke a sense of awe and admiration for nature’s beauty. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating the wonders of the natural world and the joy it brings to our lives. The arrival of the sun’s chariot symbolizes new beginnings, opportunities, and the promise of a fresh start.
Through “आ रही रवि की सवारी,” Bachchan encourages the reader to embrace the beauty of each new day and to find inspiration in the cycle of nature. The poem serves as a reminder to greet each sunrise with enthusiasm, gratitude, and a sense of wonder.
Overall, “आ रही रवि की सवारी” celebrates the splendor of a sunrise and the arrival of a new day. It invites readers to appreciate the beauty and rejuvenating power of nature, reminding us to start each day with hope and appreciation for the world around us.
5. अग्निपथ
वृक्ष हों भले खड़े,
– Harivansh Rai Bachchan
हों घने हों बड़े,
एक पत्र छाँह भी,
माँग मत, माँग मत, माँग मत,
अग्निपथ अग्निपथ अग्निपथ।
तू न थकेगा कभी, तू न रुकेगा कभी,
तू न मुड़ेगा कभी,
कर शपथ, कर शपथ, कर शपथ,
अग्निपथ अग्निपथ अग्निपथ।
यह महान दृश्य है,
चल रहा मनुष्य है,
अश्रु श्वेत रक्त से,
लथपथ लथपथ लथपथ,
अग्निपथ अग्निपथ अग्निपथ।
Summary of अग्निपथ Poem
The poem “अग्निपथ” begins with a resolute declaration that the path the poet has chosen is like walking on fire. Bachchan metaphorically compares life’s journey to a fiery path, emphasizing the obstacles and difficulties one encounters along the way.
The poet acknowledges that the path is fraught with challenges, but he is determined to continue undeterred. He rejects the idea of taking the easier route or surrendering to adversity. Instead, he embraces the struggle and commits to forging ahead fearlessly.
Bachchan emphasizes the importance of unwavering determination and a steadfast resolve in achieving one’s goals. He encourages the reader to face hardships with courage and tenacity, never losing sight of their aspirations.
Throughout the poem, Bachchan highlights the significance of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. He urges individuals to stay focused and dedicated, even when faced with obstacles that seem insurmountable.
The poet emphasizes that setbacks and failures are merely temporary roadblocks on the path to success. He encourages individuals to rise above failures, learn from them, and keep pushing forward.
In the concluding lines of the poem, Bachchan inspires readers to rise above mediocrity and strive for greatness. He implores individuals to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence, to leave a lasting impact, and to make their mark on the world.
Overall, “अग्निपथ” is a powerful poem that instills a sense of determination, resilience, and the willingness to face challenges head-on. It encourages individuals to embrace hardships as opportunities for growth and to remain committed to their dreams, even in the face of adversity. The poem serves as a source of motivation and inspiration, reminding us that the path to success is often forged through perseverance and unwavering determination.
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