బేగడరాగం మీగడతో సమానం

begadaragam migadato samanam

Translation

The Begada Raga is equal to the cream of milk.

Meaning

This is a traditional saying among Carnatic music lovers. It suggests that just as 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest and most delicious part of milk, the 'Begada' raga is exceptionally sweet, soothing, and rich in musical essence. It is used to praise the unique beauty and comforting nature of this specific raga.

Related Phrases

A woman in a dream is equal to a shadow in the water.

This proverb refers to the transient and illusory nature of certain desires or possessions. Just as you cannot hold a woman seen in a dream or grab a reflection in the water, some things in life are unreachable or temporary despite appearing real or attractive.

If you eat, you must eat cream; if you listen, you must listen to Begada (Raga).

This proverb highlights the pursuit of excellence and the finest quality in life. It suggests that just as the thick cream (meegada) is the best part of milk to consume, the 'Begada' raga is the most sublime and pleasing melody to the ears. It is used to emphasize that one should choose only the best when it comes to experiences or consumption.

A woman used to lovers and a woman used to eating cream cannot remain quiet.

This proverb is used to describe how once a person develops a taste for luxuries or a habit of indulging in forbidden/secret pleasures, they find it impossible to give them up. It highlights the persistent nature of deep-seated habits or addictions.

A favorite thing is equal to asafoetida.

This proverb suggests that things we love or value are like asafoetida—even in small quantities or even after the physical object is gone, its impact and 'fragrance' (memory/value) linger on. It is used to describe the lasting impression or the high value placed on cherished possessions or people.

A debt that cannot be recovered is equal to a stone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where money lent to someone is unlikely to be repaid. Just as a stone has no value in financial transactions and cannot be changed or utilized, a bad debt is considered a dead asset. It serves as a warning or a philosophical acceptance of a financial loss.

If you listen, listen to Begada; if you eat, eat the cream.

This expression highlights seeking the absolute best in any category. 'Begada' is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its emotional depth, and 'Meegada' (cream) is the richest part of milk. It is used to suggest that if one chooses to indulge in an activity, they should go for the finest or highest quality experience possible.

Born to a sorcerer/diviner, yet equal to a standard camphor lamp.

This expression is used to describe someone who comes from an illustrious or highly skilled background but fails to exhibit any extraordinary talent or greatness themselves. It highlights the irony of having a powerful lineage while remaining mediocre or ordinary in one's own capabilities.

If one must eat, one should eat clotted cream; if one must listen, one should listen to Begada raga.

This proverb highlights the pursuit of the highest quality experiences. Clotted cream (Meegada) represents the richest part of the milk, while Begada is considered a profoundly pleasing and regal melody in Carnatic music. It is used to suggest that if you are going to indulge in something, you should choose the absolute best version of it.

If you listen, listen to Begada (a raga); if you eat, eat the cream of the milk.

This is a rhyming proverb used to highlight the absolute best choices in specific categories. Begada is considered a king of ragas in Carnatic music for its richness, and cream (meegada) is the tastiest part of milk. It suggests that if one wants to experience something, they should aim for the highest quality available.

A child brought up by a widow is like a bullock without a nose-rope.

This proverb suggests that a child raised without proper discipline or parental guidance (traditionally implying the absence of a father figure or a strict guardian in a historical context) will grow up to be uncontrollable and reckless, just as an ox without a nose rope cannot be steered or restrained.