ఈ లోకంలో ధర్మం ఉంటే, పరలోకంలో బంధువు అవుతుంది

i lokamlo dharmam unte, paralokamlo bandhuvu avutundi

Translation

If there is righteousness in this world, it will become a relative in the next world.

Meaning

This expression emphasizes the importance of karma and virtuous living. It means that the good deeds and dharma (righteousness) one practices during their life on earth will act as their only true companion or protector in the afterlife. It is used to encourage ethical behavior and charity.

Related Phrases

To see the world of Lord Indra from a single blow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone experiences a sudden, severe shock or a powerful physical blow that leaves them dazed, stunned, or momentarily unconscious. It implies that the impact was so intense that it made them see stars or transported them to another realm (Devendra Lokam/Heaven) due to the intensity of the pain or surprise.

As is the king, so will the virtue [of the people] be.

This expression means that the character, behavior, and values of a leader directly influence the conduct and morality of the people they lead. It is used to suggest that the subjects of a kingdom or the members of an organization will mirror the qualities of their head.

Husband's world is her world; son's world is the afterlife.

This traditional proverb highlights the different roles family members play in a woman's life according to historical social norms. It suggests that while a husband is a woman's primary companion and focus during her lifetime, a son is seen as the one who ensures her spiritual salvation and peace in the afterlife through the performance of last rites and rituals.

What was found on the road was spent on charity

This expression is used to describe money or resources that were acquired easily (without effort) and were subsequently lost or spent just as easily. It conveys the idea of 'Easy come, easy go'—implying that one doesn't feel much regret over losing something they didn't work hard to earn.

The canopy is the mountain, and the house is the world of Indra.

This expression describes a state of extreme contentment or delusion where one views their humble or limited surroundings as grand and magnificent. It is often used to describe a person who is so satisfied with their small world that they imagine it to be a paradise or a kingdom.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.

This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.

The natal home is a world of merit, the marital home is a world of troubles.

This traditional expression highlights the difference between a woman's life at her parent's house (puttinillu), where she is often pampered and carefree, versus her life at her in-laws' house (mettinillu), where she faces responsibilities, restrictions, and sometimes hardships or criticism (arallu).

Just because he is a relative, will he remove the bonds (of debt or sin)?

This expression is typically used to imply that even if someone is a close relative or a god-like figure, they cannot exempt you from your responsibilities, the consequences of your actions (Karma), or legal/financial obligations. It emphasizes that rules, justice, or the results of one's deeds remain the same regardless of personal relationships.

There is no mercy in Hell; there is no death in Heaven.

This expression highlights the fundamental characteristics of the afterlife realms in Hindu mythology: Hell (Naraka) is a place of absolute punishment where no sympathy is shown, while Heaven (Nakalu/Swarga) is a place of eternal life where the concept of mortality does not exist. It is used to describe situations of extremes or the inevitable nature of certain environments.