Compassion

This expression means that a mother's presence brings order, comfort, and resolution to chaos or problems. It is often used to signify that once the central authority or a nurturing figure intervenes, all troubles and noises naturally settle down.

This expression means that when a difficulty or disaster is shared by many, it becomes easier to bear. It suggests that collective suffering reduces individual pain or that facing a challenge as a group provides a sense of solidarity and comfort, similar to the shared joy of a wedding.

This expression emphasizes the virtue of charity and social responsibility. It suggests that wealth is truly meaningful and brings greater merit when shared with the needy or shared among others rather than being enjoyed alone. It is used to encourage generosity and communal living.

This proverb highlights two contrasting concepts: that giving to a good cause is never a loss or waste of resources, whereas forced labor (vetti) provides no financial reward or compensation to the worker. It is used to encourage voluntary service or charity while acknowledging the exploitative nature of unpaid toil.

This expression is used to remind others that even someone who has done something wrong (like a thief) is still a human being deserving of basic dignity or human rights. It is often invoked to discourage excessive cruelty or over-the-top punishment, suggesting that one should not lose their own humanity while judging another's mistakes.

This expression highlights that the hospitality and love with which food is served are more important than the food itself. Food served by someone who does not like you or without genuine warmth is compared to 'Pindam' (food offered to the deceased), implying it is soul-less or insulting to consume.

This expression is used to describe the extent to which parents are willing to endure extreme hardships, humiliation, or do anything—even something undignified—to ensure the well-being and future of their children.

This expression describes a person who speaks harshly or bluntly but possesses a very kind, compassionate, and gentle nature internally. It is used to characterize someone whose outward behavior might seem rude or strict, yet their intentions and character are deeply caring.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and kindness. It suggests that instead of seeking revenge against those who hurt us, we should maintain our integrity and respond with helpfulness or benevolence.

This expression is used to signify a balanced and mature perspective towards relationships or visitors. It implies that while one warmly welcomes newcomers or guests, they also graciously accept and offer good wishes to those who choose to depart, without harborring ill will or desperation.

This expression refers to the value of food or charity. It implies that feeding a living being—whether productive (like a cow that gives milk) or non-productive (a barren one)—is never a waste and always results in merit or satisfaction. It is often used to encourage generosity without over-calculating the utility of the recipient.

This expression highlights the contrast in rewards for different types of work. It implies that while professional or strict work earns a fixed wage (coins), selfless or charitable acts earn immense respect and a legacy (villages). It is often used to describe how being precise and firm has its own small value, but being generous or offering things for free can win people's hearts or have vast social consequences.

Refers to a very deep, long, or uninterrupted sleep. In the Ramayana, Urmila (Lakshmana's wife) is said to have slept for fourteen years, taking over her husband's share of sleep so he could remain awake to serve Rama. It is used to describe someone who sleeps for a very long duration or is very difficult to wake up.

The suggestion is that for the parents the ugly child is not ugly but very lovable. It is the unbounded love of parents for their offspring that is highlighted here.

This expression refers to someone who prefers giving or acting rather than just making verbal promises or refusals. It is often used to describe a person who is generous or practical, where their actions (hand) speak louder than their words (mouth).

This expression emphasizes that the intention and sincerity behind an action are more important than the scale or quantity of the deed. It suggests that merit earned through sincere devotion or selfless service is never wasted and holds immense value, regardless of how minor it may appear.

This proverb highlights the role of a true well-wisher or a mentor. A father (or a true guardian) points out mistakes so that one can correct them and grow, whereas a stranger or someone indifferent might only offer superficial praise (finding 'only the good') without caring about one's actual improvement. It emphasizes that constructive criticism is a sign of true affection and responsibility.

You may be more thankful to the fault finder than to the good natured.

This proverb highlights the depth of maternal love and care. Even if a father is as grand, wealthy, or strong as a mountain (Veligonda), a mother—even if she is poor or fragile like a small basket of cotton—is considered more valuable and beneficial to a child because of her nurturing nature and constant presence.

This proverb highlights that when there is love and strong friendship between people, they tend to overlook each other's mistakes or flaws. It is used to describe how affection creates a sense of tolerance and bias where one sees no wrong in the person they love.

This expression emphasizes the virtue of generosity. It suggests that wealth alone does not bring fulfillment or spiritual merit; rather, it is the act of sharing or giving to others that makes a person truly honorable or 'blessed'. It is often used to encourage philanthropy or to critique stinginess.