MP Board · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Poetry: KanyadaanExplain the significance of 'aag' (fire) in the context of the poem 'Kanyadaan'.

In the poem 'Kanyadaan', the word 'fire' holds dual and contrasting symbolic significance. On one hand, fire is a sacred witness to marriage through religious rituals, signifying warmth, life, and home. On the other hand, fire symbolizes destruction, cruelty, and dowry-related violence like bride burning. The mother cautions her daughter to use fire only for cooking food and managing household chores, while remaining extremely vigilant against its destructive form.