ఘంటాకర్ణునికి అష్టాక్షరి ఉపదేశం చేయబోయినట్టు

This expression is used to describe a situation where the resources provided are grossly insufficient for the massive scale of the requirement. Just as a tiny amount of buttermilk cannot satisfy the giant Kumbhakarna (from Ramayana), it refers to a drop in the ocean or a trivial effort for a gigantic task.

This expression refers to a futile effort or wasted advice given to someone who is fundamentally opposed to listening or changing. Ghantakarna was a legendary character who wore bells on his ears to avoid hearing the name of Vishnu. It is used when one attempts to teach something good to a person who is intentionally deaf to it or has a completely opposite mindset.

This expression is used to describe a sudden and significant loss of wealth, prosperity, or grace from a household or a person. Just as the departure of the Goddess of Wealth implies the onset of poverty or misfortune, it signifies a complete reversal of fortune where a once-flourishing situation turns bleak.

This proverb emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and kindness. It teaches that even if someone does you wrong or acts as an enemy, you should respond with goodness and help rather than seeking revenge or harboring ill will. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'return good for evil.'

* Σενίων δὲ τε Θυμος ἀριστος.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one tries to give advice or teach something to a person who is fundamentally opposed or completely indifferent to it. Ghantakarna was a character who wore bells on his ears to avoid hearing the name of Vishnu; hence, teaching him a Vishnu mantra (Ashtakshari) is a futile effort.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to create or do something noble, beautiful, or perfect, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate mistake, ends up creating something ugly, ruined, or messed up. It is often used to mock incompetence or a failed endeavor that went horribly wrong.

This proverb describes a situation where one attempts to create or achieve something noble, grand, or highly skillful, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate turn of events, the end result turns out to be something trivial, inferior, or completely different. It is used to mock failed ambitious attempts.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a failure or a complex event cannot be blamed on a single factor, but is rather the result of many contributing causes. In the Mahabharata, Karna's downfall was caused by multiple curses, promises, and circumstances happening at once.

This proverb describes a situation where one's well-intentioned efforts or ambitious plans go wrong, resulting in a ridiculous or unintended outcome. It is used when someone tries to improve something or create something great but ends up making it worse or spoiling it completely due to lack of skill or poor execution.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally charitable or generous. It refers to the legendary character Karna from the Mahabharata, who was known for his 'unwavering philanthropy' and for never refusing a request for help, even at the cost of his own life.