ఆకారం ఉంటే శ్రీకారం ఉండదు.

akaram unte shrikaram undadu.

Translation

If there is a shape, there is no beginning (sacred start).

Meaning

This proverb is used to comment on someone who has physical beauty or a grand appearance but lacks knowledge, basic skills, or a good beginning in education/character. 'Shreekaram' signifies the start of learning or auspiciousness, while 'Aakaram' refers to outward appearance.

Related Phrases

Inwardly bad, outwardly fair.

This expression refers to hypocrisy or deception. It describes a situation or a person who appears attractive, noble, or pleasant on the outside while being corrupt, ugly, or malicious on the inside. It is equivalent to the English concept of a 'whitened sepulchre' or 'all that glitters is not gold'.

All saint without, all devil within.

Having strength in one's thighs is like having ninety people with you.

This expression emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and physical or inner strength. It suggests that if an individual is personally strong and capable, they possess the power equivalent to a large group (ninety people), implying that personal grit is superior to relying on others.

If a broker hosts a feast, the guests will not trust it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person known for deceit, manipulation, or brokerage (taking commissions) does something seemingly generous. Even when they perform a good deed or host a meal, people remain skeptical and suspicious of their hidden motives or the source of the funds.

Is feeding one's own wife a favor to the village?

This proverb is used to point out that fulfilling one's basic personal or familial responsibilities is not an act of charity or a service to society. It is used when someone brags about doing something they are naturally obligated to do.

Is beauty enough? Shouldn't there be luck too!

This proverb is used to emphasize that physical beauty or talent alone is not sufficient for success or happiness in life; one also needs good fortune or timing. It is often said when a capable or beautiful person faces continuous failures.

When there is a mirror, why ask about one's beauty?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the truth is self-evident or obvious. It implies that when there is direct evidence available right in front of you, there is no need for external validation or second-hand opinions. It is similar to the English expression 'The proof of the pudding is in the eating'.

For one who has known the King of Bliss, there will be no land-grant (Agrahara).

This proverb highlights that once a person experiences supreme spiritual bliss or true inner peace (Ananda), they no longer crave material wealth, property, or worldly possessions. It is often used to describe how a profound spiritual awakening or a superior experience makes one indifferent to smaller, temporary worldly benefits.

Like receiving harm when going to do a favor.

This expression is used when a person's good intentions or helpful actions result in an unexpected negative outcome or trouble for themselves. It describes a situation where someone tries to help others but ends up being blamed, criticized, or harmed in return.

Like Kanchipuram hospitality

This expression refers to a situation where someone offers hospitality or a service in a formal or superficial manner, without any real intention of fulfilling it or with a subtle expectation that the guest will decline. It is used to describe empty courtesy or insincere invitations.

Ugliness inside, beauty outside

This expression is used to describe a person who is deceptive or hypocritical. It refers to someone who maintains a polished, attractive, or virtuous appearance to the world while harboring wicked intentions, bad character, or inner turmoil. It is similar to the English phrase 'All that glitters is not gold' or 'A fair face and a foul heart'.