ఆలి పంచాయితీ రామాయణం, పాలి పంచాయితీ భారతం.

ali panchayiti ramayanam, pali panchayiti bharatam.

Translation

A dispute with the wife is Ramayanam; a dispute with the partners is Bharatam.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the endless and complex nature of certain conflicts. Disputes with one's spouse (Ramayanam) are often long-winded and emotional, while disputes regarding property or inheritance among partners/relatives (Bharatam) are intense and destructive. It is used to describe household or familial conflicts that seem never-ending.

Related Phrases

Whatever comes to one's share is the divine nectar.

This expression is used to convey the idea of being content with what one receives or what is available, rather than complaining or desiring more. It suggests that whatever is destined for you or comes your way should be accepted with gratitude, treating it as something sacred or precious.

Chennampalli village mediation results in half and half

This expression refers to a situation where a dispute is resolved not by logic or justice, but by simply dividing the outcome equally between two parties. It is often used to criticize a compromise that avoids making a fair decision or a 'lazy' settlement where both sides lose or gain equally regardless of who is right.

A Mahabharata the size of a winnowing basket - A Ramayana the size of a thorn bush.

This expression is used to describe an excessively long, tedious, and never-ending explanation or story. It refers to someone who stretches a simple point into a confusing and unnecessarily detailed narrative, much like calling a small winnowing basket (cheta) or a small fence (kampa) as grand epics like Mahabharata or Ramayana.

Five days of Makha (rain) equals five months (of water/benefit).

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if it rains during the 'Makha' Karti (a specific period in the lunar calendar), the water received in those five days is as beneficial and sufficient as five months of regular rainfall. It emphasizes the importance of timely rain for a good harvest.

Rama's story for the world's pleasure / Worldly gossip

While literally referring to the story of Rama that delights the world, in common usage it refers to casual conversation, idle talk, or endless gossip about worldly matters and people's lives. It is often used to describe social chitchat or passing time by talking about various random topics.

A monkey's mediation will ruin the homes.

This proverb is used to warn against seeking help or arbitration from foolish, unstable, or mischievous people. Just as a monkey might end up causing more damage while trying to 'solve' a problem (like the famous story of the monkey dividing bread between two cats), involving an incompetent or malicious mediator in a dispute will only lead to total loss for everyone involved.

To judge a public illicit affair, former harlots have become heroic mothers.

This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy. It describes a situation where people who have committed the same or worse sins in the past suddenly act like moral authorities or paragons of virtue when judging others. It is similar to the English saying 'the pot calling the kettle black' but with a more cynical tone regarding moral posturing.

A Mahabharata as large as a winnowing basket.

This expression is used to describe a story, explanation, or document that is unnecessarily long, tedious, or excessively detailed. It compares a small or simple matter to the epic Mahabharata, implying that someone is stretching a simple point into a never-ending saga.

Do dogs have caste arbitrations?

This expression is used to mock people who argue over trivial matters or status when their actual behavior or situation doesn't warrant such importance. It suggests that certain disputes or social distinctions are unnecessary and ridiculous in specific contexts, much like dogs fighting over hierarchy is pointless to human eyes.

Bran-bread from the hand of a mother is better than the five cakes and rich food from the hand of a wife. Pañchabhakshyam are five kinds of cakes.—Paramânnam is a rich dish of rice boiled with milk, sugar, spices, &c.

This proverb emphasizes the incomparable love and comfort associated with a mother's care. It suggests that even the simplest, coarsest food prepared by one's mother is more satisfying and precious than the most luxurious feast prepared by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to highlight the deep emotional bond and selfless nature of maternal love.