అక్కమ్మ శ్రాద్ధానికి అదిశ్రవణము

This proverb reflects the historical reality of health and seasons in India. Chaitra and Vaisakha (summer) are considered auspicious and healthy times for weddings. In contrast, Shravana and Bhadrapada (monsoon) were historically periods of heavy rains, waterborne diseases, and high mortality rates, leading to frequent funerals. It signifies the cyclical nature of life and the impact of seasons on human events.

This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of life and agriculture. In the month of Shravanam, there is joy and abundance (symbolized by chickpeas used in festive offerings), but in the following month of Bhadrapadam, people often face hardships due to heavy rains, illness, or depleting food stocks before the next harvest.

This proverb highlights the difference in life's priorities and behaviors based on one's economic or social status. A person in poverty or misery often has nothing but their sorrow to express, while a wealthy or satisfied person finds beauty and fulfillment in their abundance and family. It is often used to describe how people's external expressions are dictated by their internal circumstances.

This expression describes a psychological conflict where a person is tempted to pursue a goal because of hope, even though they are suffering from the humiliation or insults faced in that pursuit. It is used to describe situations where one's ambition or desire is so strong that they endure disrespect, though it continues to cause them pain.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain urgent or sacred duties transcend the usual social rules of ritual purity or contamination. It implies that in extreme circumstances or during specific high-priority tasks, one should not be overly pedantic about minor rules of hygiene or traditional taboos.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks merit or status but acts with excessive pride or vanity compared to someone who is genuinely dignified. It highlights the irony of someone with very little acting more arrogant than someone who is well-off or naturally graceful.

This expression is used to describe something that is transient, inconsistent, or lacks substance. Just as clouds in the Shravana month often pass without heavy rain and showers during the Chitta Nakshatra are brief and scattered, it refers to efforts or promises that appear significant but result in very little.

This proverb is used to describe something that is very weak or ineffective. It suggests that if a barrier or a rule is too flimsy to stop a simple animal like a dog, it certainly won't stop a determined human being. It is often applied to weak laws, poor security, or flimsy excuses.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task or a ritual with utter carelessness or lack of devotion. Just as ancestors should be offered water with respect (Tarpana), using a large irrigation lift (Yetam) implies doing it crudely or excessively just to get it over with. It highlights doing things for the sake of formality without any genuine sincerity.

Tarpana is a drink offering to the manes of deceased ancestors (Pitris). An irreverent fellow, when pressed by his friends to perform the cere- mony, offered the water he was drawing for other purposes. An unwilling action, done to satisfy others.

This expression describes a person with a fickle or opportunistic nature who praises you when you provide them with benefits but turns hostile and curses you the moment you stop. It highlights extreme inconsistency in behavior based solely on self-interest.

Fair and foul words.