జిల్లేడు చెట్టున పారిజాతములు పుట్టునా?

jilledu chettuna parijatamulu puttuna?

Translation

Will Pārijāta flowers grow on a Jillēḍu tree?

Meaning

This proverb is used to express that good or noble qualities cannot be expected from someone or something that is inherently inferior or bad. Just as a fragrant, divine flower like Parijata cannot grow on a toxic, milky weed like Jilledu (Calotropis), one cannot expect greatness from a base origin or nature.

Notes

Pārijāta is the Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, a very celebrated tree said to grow in Svarga, Indra's paradise (W. Elliot). Jillēḍu is the Calotropes Gigantea.

Related Phrases

Will a Calotropis plant bear mangoes?

This expression is used to highlight that one's nature, quality, or output is determined by their origin or character. Just as a toxic or weed-like plant (Jilledu) cannot produce a sweet fruit (Mango), one cannot expect greatness, kindness, or high-quality results from a person or source that lacks those inherent qualities.

Can grass flowers be equal to the Parijata flower?

This expression is used to highlight a vast difference in quality, status, or value between two things. It implies that a common or inferior object (grass flowers) cannot be compared to something divine, rare, or superior (the celestial Parijata flower). It is typically used when someone tries to compare a person of great merit to someone of very low stature.

Will a donkey foal be born in the womb of a horse?

This proverb is used to emphasize that one's nature, quality, or lineage is determined by their origins. It suggests that greatness cannot come from a low source, or more commonly, that a person will inherit the traits of their parents or environment. It is often used to question how something inferior or vastly different could come from a specific source.

In a village where lime is not produced, can food be produced?

This proverb is based on the traditional Indian habit of chewing betel leaves (paan), which requires slaked lime (sunnam). Traditionally, lime production was a sign of a prosperous or active settlement. Metaphorically, it implies that if basic social or infrastructural necessities are missing in a place, one cannot expect to find sustenance or a livelihood there. It highlights that certain conditions must be met for a community to thrive.

Will the one who planted the tree not water it?

This proverb expresses faith and providence. It suggests that if a creator or initiator (often referring to God or a parent) brings something into existence, they will also take the responsibility to provide for its needs and ensure its survival. It is used to offer comfort during uncertain times.

Will food be born in a village where oil (ghee) is not born?

This proverb highlights the importance of basic resources and prerequisites. If a village lacks essential raw materials or the base for prosperity (like oil or ghee), it is unlikely to provide a full, comfortable meal or a livelihood. It is used to describe situations where one cannot expect a significant outcome when the fundamental necessities are missing.

Can food be expected in a village where chunam is refused ? A small quantity of fine chunam ( lime ) is eaten with betel leaf.

This proverb highlights the historical and cultural importance of lime (chunam) in rural India, where it was traditionally consumed with betel leaves after a meal. It implies that if a village is so impoverished or lacks basic amenities that even simple lime (for betel nut) is unavailable, it is unlikely that one can find a proper meal there. It is used to describe a place of extreme scarcity or poverty.

Will a lion be born from the womb of a fox?

This proverb is used to imply that noble qualities or greatness cannot emerge from a mean or cowardly origin. It suggests that a person's inherent nature is determined by their lineage or character, and one cannot expect extraordinary results from something or someone that is fundamentally inferior.

Will a tiger be born from a deer's womb?

This proverb is used to express that children inherit the traits and character of their parents. It is often used rhetorically to say that someone of a gentle or timid nature cannot produce someone who is aggressive or brave, or more commonly, that greatness or specific qualities cannot emerge from a lineage that lacks them.

Do pearls grow in snail shells?

This proverb is used to suggest that noble qualities or valuable results cannot be expected from someone who lacks character or from a source that is inherently mediocre. It emphasizes that greatness (pearls) comes from a specific noble source (oysters), not from common ones (snails).