కంటివంటి ప్రకాశం లేదు, మంటివంటి ఆధారంలేదు.

kantivanti prakasham ledu, mantivanti adharamledu.

Translation

There is no light like the eye, and no support like the earth.

Meaning

This proverb highlights fundamental truths of existence. It means that physical sight (the eye) is the ultimate source of enlightenment/perception for an individual, and the earth (soil) is the ultimate foundation that sustains all life. It is used to emphasize the importance of vision and the basic necessity of nature.

Related Phrases

There is no light like the eye, and there is no support like the earth.

This proverb highlights the fundamental necessities of life. It signifies that our eyes are the primary source of vision (enlightenment) and that the earth/soil is the ultimate foundation for all living beings, providing food and stability.

When there is a prince like Vikramârka, a minister like Bhaṭṭi will at once be found.

This expression highlights the importance of synergy between leaders and their advisors. It means that a great leader's success is complemented by an equally capable and wise assistant or minister. It is used to describe two highly competent individuals working perfectly together.

There is no disciple like Siddappa, no teacher like Brahmamgari, and no yogi like Vemana.

This expression is used to highlight the absolute pinnacle or ideal standard of a specific role. It honors the legendary bond between Guru (Potuluru Veerabrahmendra Swamy) and Shishya (Siddappa), as well as the profound philosophical contributions of Yogi Vemana. It is often cited to emphasize excellence, loyalty, and spiritual mastery.

There is no vegetable like the eggplant, and there is no God like Lord Shiva.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to emphasize the excellence or superiority of something. Just as the eggplant (Brinjal) is considered the 'king of vegetables' for its versatility and taste in Telugu cuisine, Lord Shiva is regarded as the supreme deity. It is used to highlight that certain things are incomparable in their respective categories.

There is no relation like your turband, there is no scamp equal to your jacket. A turband can be tied so as to hide all holes, which is not the case with the jacket; the turband is therefore likened to a trustworthy friend, and the jacket to an unfaithful fellow.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting on social status and the burden of maintenance. A turban (paga) represents one's honor and dignity, staying close like a loyal relative. In contrast, an 'Angaraka' (a traditional long coat) requires constant care and cleaning, much like a person who consumes resources without giving back (harambhoru/freeloader).

A mother like lac (sealing wax) and a child like stone.

This expression describes a situation where a mother is extremely soft-hearted, tender, and easily moved (like wax that melts), while her child is stubborn, unyielding, or emotionally hard (like a stone). It is used to highlight the stark contrast in temperaments between a sensitive parent and an insensitive or difficult child.

If there is a king like Vikramarka, there will surely be a minister like Bhatti.

This expression highlights the importance of a perfect partnership. It means that a great leader or visionary can only succeed when they have an equally capable, wise, and loyal advisor or assistant. It is used to describe two people who are perfectly matched in intelligence and capability working together.

There is no disciple like Siddappa, no teacher like Brahmamgaru, and no yogi like Vemana.

This expression is used to highlight the ultimate standards of excellence in specific roles. It emphasizes the perfect bond of devotion (Siddappa), the height of spiritual guidance (Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy), and the pinnacle of philosophical detachment and wisdom (Yogi Vemana). It is often cited to describe ideal relationships or unmatched mastery in a field.

There is no vegetable like Brinjal, and there is no God like Lord Shankara.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to emphasize the superiority or excellence of something. It suggests that just as the brinjal (eggplant) is considered the king of vegetables for its versatility and taste, Lord Shiva (Shankara) is the supreme deity. It is used to express that certain things are incomparable in their respective categories.

There is no god like Rama, and there is no demon like Ravana.

This expression is used to describe the extremes of character or quality. It highlights that Rama represents the absolute pinnacle of virtue and divinity, while Ravana represents the ultimate level of villainy and ego. In a broader sense, it is used to compare someone to the best or worst of their kind.