చిత్తశుద్ధి కలిగి చేసిన పుణ్యంబు కొంచెమైన నదియు కొదువగాదు

chittashuddhi kaligi chesina punyambu konchemaina nadiyu koduvagadu

Translation

A good deed done with a pure heart, even if small, is never insufficient.

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that the intention and sincerity behind an action are more important than the scale or quantity of the deed. It suggests that merit earned through sincere devotion or selfless service is never wasted and holds immense value, regardless of how minor it may appear.

Related Phrases

A husband is obtained based on one's merit (punyam), and a child is obtained based on one's charity (danam).

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of their past good deeds and character. It is often used to imply that one's fortune in family life is reflections of their own virtues or to counsel patience and acceptance of one's destiny.

Husband according to past virtuous deeds and children according to one’s charity.

The advice is that one should lead a virtuous life, so that in the next life, a lady will be blessed with a noble (good) husband. And if she performs acts of charity, she will be blessed additionally with well-behaved (good) children. It calls upon women to lead a life of virtue. By extension, what applies to women applies equally to men.

Does a mountain not appear small inside a mirror?

This expression refers to the concept of condensing vast knowledge or a massive subject into a simple, concise form without losing its essence. Just as a small mirror can reflect an entire mountain, a great truth can be expressed in a few words.

Even if it is a little, sharing and eating is better.

This proverb emphasizes the value of generosity and communal sharing. It suggests that sharing even a small amount of what one has with others is more virtuous and fulfilling than eating or enjoying a large amount alone.

Even if a heap of garbage lies in a sugarcane garden, its quality will not be spoiled in the least.

This expression signifies that the inherent goodness, character, or intrinsic value of a person or object does not change or get corrupted by being in a bad environment or surrounded by negativity. Just as sugarcane remains sweet regardless of the waste nearby, a person of strong character remains virtuous.

Goodness, even if small, is enough; a seed, even if tiny, is enough!

This proverb emphasizes that quality matters more than quantity. Just as a tiny seed has the potential to grow into a massive tree, a small amount of goodness or a single positive action can have a significant and lasting impact. It is used to encourage people that even small contributions or virtuous acts are valuable.

Why perform the worship of Shiva without a pure heart?

This expression emphasizes that any action or ritual performed without sincerity or devotion is futile. It is used to point out that the intention and purity of mind behind an act are more important than the outward display of the act itself.

A husband is obtained based on past merit; grandeur is obtained based on wealth.

This proverb suggests that life's outcomes are proportional to what one possesses or has earned. Just as a good husband is traditionally seen as a result of one's good deeds (karma), the level of luxury one enjoys is directly limited by their financial resources. It is used to explain that one's status or results are commensurate with their efforts or assets.

A husband according to the worship [ of the wife ], a son according to the good works [ of the father ].

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of one's past deeds, character, and spiritual merit. It is used to imply that the rewards or the caliber of people in one's life are proportionate to the effort and virtue one has cultivated.

If there is hard work, will there be a shortage of food?

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reward of labor. It means that as long as a person is willing to work hard and put in the effort, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage industriousness and self-reliance.