గోవులేని ఊళ్లో గొడ్డుగేదె శ్రీ మహాలక్ష్మి

govuleni ullo goddugede shri mahalakshmi

Translation

A barren buffalo is the emblem of Mahâ Lakshmî, in a village where there are no cows.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of something truly superior or qualified, even a mediocre or inferior alternative is highly valued. It is similar to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Notes

Mahâ Lakshmî is the goddess of fortune. The one-eyed is a king in the land of the blind.

Related Phrases

After the whole of the cattle had been stolen from the shed, the barren buffalo became as valuable as Mahâ Lakshmi ( the goddess of fortune ).

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to hide a loss or find false consolation by valuing something worthless only after their valuable assets are gone. It is used when someone suddenly appreciates a useless item or person simply because they have nothing better left, or when making excuses for a failure.

In a village without cows, even a barren buffalo is considered Goddess Lakshmi.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of high-quality options or truly talented people, even someone with mediocre skills or a sub-par alternative is treated as superior or highly valuable. It is similar to the English expression 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Loose change is the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of small denominations of money or loose change. It suggests that one should not underestimate the value of small coins, as they collectively represent wealth and are essential for daily transactions and financial discipline.

When thieves drive away a whole shed full of cattle, even a barren buffalo is considered Goddess Lakshmi.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has lost everything suddenly realizes the value of the little that remains. It highlights how people ignore or undervalue their possessions when they have plenty, but start treating even the most useless or insignificant remnant as a precious treasure once a disaster strikes.

Goddess Lakshmi has many incarnations.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who is extremely moody, unpredictable, or puts on many different 'acts' and pretenses. It suggests that a person changes their behavior or temperament frequently, much like a deity taking on different forms.

When the owner said his she-buffalo was barren, the neigh- bour said it was milch. Applied to a spirit of contradiction.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an outsider or neighbor contradicts the owner's first-hand knowledge with baseless or overly optimistic claims. It highlights the tendency of people to comment or give unsolicited advice on matters they don't fully understand, often being more stubborn about the facts than the person directly involved in the situation.

In a village where there are no cows, a barren buffalo is considered Goddess Lakshmi.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of something truly high-quality or superior, even something mediocre or inferior is highly valued. It is similar to the English idiom 'In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

A slob at home, but Goddess Lakshmi to the neighbors.

This expression is used to describe a person who is stingy, lazy, or ill-mannered with their own family members but acts extremely generous, helpful, and virtuous when dealing with outsiders or neighbors to maintain a good reputation.

Monday is Shuba Lakshmi, Tuesday is Maha Lakshmi

This phrase is typically used by street vendors, beggars, or traditional performers to praise potential donors or customers on specific days of the week. It suggests that since the day is auspicious (Monday or Tuesday), the person giving charity or making a purchase will be blessed with prosperity and wealth. It is a form of rhythmic flattery used to encourage generosity.

When an outsider says it's a pregnant buffalo, the owner says it's a barren buffalo.

This proverb describes a situation where an owner or an insider devalues their own possessions or family members while an outsider recognizes their true worth. It is used to highlight a lack of appreciation for what one already has, or a tendency to be overly critical of one's own people or assets.