లంకా దహనం

lanka dahanam

Translation

The burning of Lanka

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation of massive destruction, a major uproar, or a heated argument that results in chaos. It originates from the Ramayana, where Hanuman sets the city of Lanka on fire.

Related Phrases

Will the thirst of an elephant [ be quenched ] by the water which drops from the eaves ?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a very small or insufficient resource is provided for a massive requirement. It highlights the inadequacy of a solution relative to the scale of the problem.

When asked 'What is that in your armpit?', he replied 'It's my armpit, sir'.

This expression describes a situation where someone gives a redundant, evasive, or foolishly obvious answer to avoid revealing what they are hiding. It is used to mock people who try to hide something by stating the obvious or using circular reasoning.

The more salt you eat, the more thirst you feel.

This expression is used to describe how certain actions or desires lead to proportional consequences or further cravings. It implies that the more one indulges in a particular habit or greed, the more intense the subsequent need or consequence becomes. It is often used to warn against over-indulgence or to explain the natural outcome of a specific behavior.

Gold is the release from karma (or debts).

This proverb suggests that money or wealth has the power to solve many problems, settle obligations, and free one from various worldly troubles or sins. It is often used to highlight the influence and necessity of money in resolving difficult situations.

Grazing on the island, swimming in the Godavari.

This expression refers to a situation where the reward is high but requires significant effort or risk to achieve. It originates from the practice of cattle swimming across the Godavari river to reach fertile island pastures (Lanka) for grazing. It is used to describe jobs or tasks where one must work extremely hard or face dangers to reap the benefits.

When someone kindly gave water for thirst, they complained that the village's water-trough was boiling.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone shows kindness or helps another person, but the recipient, instead of being grateful, finds faults or makes unreasonable demands. It highlights extreme ingratitude and the habit of complaining even when receiving help.

Is it a burning of Lanka without Hanuman?

This expression is used to describe a situation where the most essential person or the main protagonist is missing from an event or project. Just as the burning of Lanka is impossible without Hanuman, certain tasks cannot be completed or are meaningless without the key individual responsible for them.

Like bowing to the stick held under the arm.

This expression refers to a situation where someone shows respect or obeys another person not out of genuine regard, but out of fear of the weapon or power they possess. It is used when a person's submission is forced by an immediate threat of violence or authority.

Character is more important than caste

This proverb emphasizes that a person's character, virtues, and behavior are far more significant than their social status, lineage, or the community they were born into. It is used to advocate for meritocracy and moral integrity over inherited identity.

If Lakshanam is neglected it becomes Avalakshanam.

This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.

There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'