భగీరథ ప్రయత్నం

bhagiratha prayatnam

Translation

The effort of Bhagiratha

Meaning

Refers to a Herculean task or an extraordinary, persistent effort to achieve something nearly impossible. It originates from the mythological story of King Bhagiratha, who performed intense penance for years to bring the river Ganges from the heavens to Earth.

Related Phrases

As is the king, so are the people

This expression implies that the character, behavior, and values of the citizens or followers are a reflection of their leader. If the leader is righteous and hardworking, the people will follow suit; if the leader is corrupt, the society tends to follow that path. It is used to emphasize the influence and responsibility of leadership.

Like the river Ganges flowing over a sparrow's puddle.

This expression describes a situation where an overwhelming, immense force or resource is applied to a tiny, insignificant problem. It is used when the effort or solution is vastly disproportionate to the actual need, often implying that the small entity or issue will be completely submerged or trivialized by the greatness of the incoming force.

Like using a Brahma-weapon on a sparrow

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone uses an unnecessarily powerful or extreme force to deal with a very small or trivial problem. It highlights the lack of proportion between the effort and the actual need.

When asked what preparations had been made for the offer- ing, he said "Here are swords and daggers." A religious Brahman is not permitted even to touch a lethal weapon. An impertinent, unbecoming reply.

This proverb describes a situation where the preparations are completely contrary or irrelevant to the actual purpose of the task. It is used when someone's actions or tools do not match the peaceful or constructive nature of the goal they claim to be pursuing.

What the patient desired and what the doctor prescribed are the same.

This proverb is used when a desired outcome occurs naturally or coincidentally through someone else's actions or suggestions. It describes a situation where what you wanted to happen is exactly what was offered to you, often used when an excuse or a suggestion perfectly aligns with one's hidden intentions.

Even if you possess the nine precious gems, you must have a 'human gem'.

This proverb emphasizes that material wealth (represented by the Navaratnas) is secondary to the presence of a virtuous, capable, and loyal human being. It suggests that a person's character and the presence of good people in one's life are more valuable than any amount of riches.

A city that is not ours is a great city.

This proverb is used to describe how things often seem more impressive, grand, or attractive when we have no personal connection or responsibility towards them. It highlights the tendency to over-praise foreign places or unfamiliar situations while disregarding their flaws, simply because we don't have to deal with the daily realities or consequences of living there.

By the time of Ratha Saptami, the chariots are said to turn.

This expression refers to the astronomical shift that occurs during the festival of Ratha Saptami, marking the change in the Sun's course (Uttarayana). In a broader sense, it is used to describe a seasonal turning point or a significant shift in time or direction.

Cooking done in youth - A son born in youth

This proverb highlights that certain things are most effective or beneficial when done at the right age or time. Just as one has the energy to cook well and the health to enjoy food in their youth, having children while young ensures that the parents are strong enough to raise them and will have their children's support while the parents are still relatively active.

Life force stuck in the throat

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme distress, agony, or a critical situation where someone is barely hanging on to life or facing an immense struggle. It can also figuratively describe being in a high-pressure situation where one is waiting for a result with bated breath.