కుంభకర్ణుడి నిద్ర

kumbhakarnudi nidra

Translation

The sleep of Kumbhakarna

Meaning

Refers to a state of deep, long, or heavy sleep from which a person is very difficult to wake up. It originates from the Ramayana character Kumbhakarna, who was known for sleeping for six months at a time. It is used to describe someone who sleeps excessively or is extremely lazy.

Related Phrases

A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.

This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.

Half a penny's worth of buttermilk for Kumbhakarna's mouth.

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.

A pot of poison with milk on the surface

This expression is used to describe a hypocritical person who appears sweet, kind, or friendly on the outside but harbors malice or evil intentions within. It is often used as a warning to be cautious of people who use flattering words to hide their true harmful nature.

Like trying to teach the eight-syllabled mantra to Ghantakarna.

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.

Urmila's sleep

Refers to a very deep, long, or uninterrupted sleep. In the Ramayana, Urmila (Lakshmana's wife) is said to have slept for fourteen years, taking over her husband's share of sleep so he could remain awake to serve Rama. It is used to describe someone who sleeps for a very long duration or is very difficult to wake up.

There are a thousand reasons for Karna's death.

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.

Full pot

A 'Purnakumbham' is a traditional Indian vessel (usually copper or brass) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and spiritual perfection. In Telugu culture, it is used to formally welcome honored guests, deities, or during auspicious ceremonies like housewarmings and weddings as a sign of respect and good fortune.

Scam or Fraud

While literally referring to a famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, in common Telugu parlance, this term is used to describe a large-scale financial scandal, conspiracy, or fraudulent scheme involving high-stakes deception.

Karna the giver

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.

As the river sleeps. Smooth waters run deep. There is no worse water than that which sleeps. ( French. )

This expression is used to describe a person who appears very calm, innocent, or silent on the surface but possesses great depth, hidden strength, or potential danger. Just as a river looks still while having a powerful current underneath, it refers to someone whose true intentions or capabilities are not immediately visible.