లంజలు లేకపోతే గుడీ రంజిల్లదు ప్రజల మనసూ రంజిల్లదు.
lanjalu lekapote gudi ranjilladu prajala manasu ranjilladu.
If there were no harlots the temple would not shine and men's minds would not be fascinated. An apology for the impure accompaniments of the Hindu's religion!
This is a historical observation or proverb reflecting an era where 'Devadasis' (temple dancers/courtesans) played a central role in religious and cultural life. It suggests that without their presence, art, and performance, the spiritual and social atmosphere of the community lacks vibrancy and joy. In a broader sense, it highlights that aesthetic beauty and entertainment are essential for societal satisfaction.
Related Phrases
మొగుడు లేకపోతే అప్ప మొగుడు, కూర లేకపోతే పప్పకూర.
mogudu lekapote appa mogudu, kura lekapote pappakura.
If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.
మనసు లేని మనుము
manasu leni manumu
An unhappy match.
This expression refers to a union or marriage entered into without the consent or emotional willingness of the individuals involved. It is used to describe a forced relationship or a task undertaken without any genuine interest or passion.
రాజు ఎంతో, ప్రజలూ అంతే
raju ento, prajalu ante
As the king is, so are the people
This proverb suggests that the character, behavior, and values of a leader are reflected in their subjects or followers. It is used to emphasize that the quality of a community or organization depends on its leadership.
అన్నము లేకపోతే వరి అన్నము, బట్ట లేకపోతే పట్టుబట్ట.
annamu lekapote vari annamu, batta lekapote pattubatta.
If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.
Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.
తాగను గంజి లేదు కానీ, తలకి అటికలట
taganu ganji ledu kani, talaki atikalata
Not even gruel to drink, but asks for flowers/decorations for the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or means of survival, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or shows off beyond their status. It highlights the irony of being poor but maintaining a false sense of vanity or pride.
ప్రజల మాటే ప్రభువు కోట
prajala mate prabhuvu kota
The word of the people is the ruler's fortress.
This proverb highlights the power of democracy and public opinion. It means that a leader's true strength and security lie in the support and will of the people they govern, rather than in physical walls or weapons. It is used to emphasize that a ruler must listen to their subjects to remain successful.
రాజుల సొమ్మ రాళ్ల పాలూ, లంజల పాలూ
rajula somma ralla palu, lanjala palu
The wealth of kings goes to stones and harlots. Kings addicted to debauchery spent their wealth in constructing houses, temples, &c. and also lavished much on their concubines instead of spend- ing their Revenue for the good of people they governed.
This proverb highlights how ill-managed or excessive wealth is often squandered on unproductive vanity projects (like grand stone monuments/forts) or hedonistic pleasures. It is used to caution against the misuse of resources and the inevitable waste that occurs when power and money are not directed toward the welfare of the people.
బజారు రంకుకు పంచాయితీ చెప్ప పాతలంజలు వీరమాతలైరి.
bajaru rankuku panchayiti cheppa patalanjalu viramatalairi.
To judge a public illicit affair, former harlots have become heroic mothers.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy. It describes a situation where people who have committed the same or worse sins in the past suddenly act like moral authorities or paragons of virtue when judging others. It is similar to the English saying 'the pot calling the kettle black' but with a more cynical tone regarding moral posturing.
చెల్లని కాసు ఎన్నడూ చెల్లదు, వల్లని మొగుడు ఎన్నడూ వల్లడు
chellani kasu ennadu chelladu, vallani mogudu ennadu valladu
Non-current cash will never pass [in currency ]; an unloving husband will never love [his wife ].
This proverb suggests that certain things are inherently flawed or incompatible and cannot be changed or fixed. Just as a fake coin will always be rejected in trade, a person or relationship for which there is deep-seated aversion or fundamental incompatibility will never truly be accepted or successful.
గంజి తాగినా, లంజ కావాలి
ganji tagina, lanja kavali
Even if one only drinks porridge, they still want a concubine.
This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks basic necessities or lives in poverty but still harbors expensive, immoral, or luxury-seeking desires. It highlights the irony of having high demands or vices without having the means to fulfill basic needs like food.