మఘలో మానెడు, పుబ్బలో పుట్టెడు

maghalo manedu, pubbalo puttedu

Translation

A measure in Magha, a basketful in Pubba.

Meaning

This is an agricultural proverb related to rainfall during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that even a small amount of rain during the 'Magha' season is valuable, but heavy rain during the 'Pubba' season is extremely beneficial and results in a bountiful harvest.

Related Phrases

Born in Magha and scorched in Pubba

This proverb describes a very short-lived existence or a situation that ends prematurely right after it begins. It refers to the lunar mansions (nakshatras); if rain or a crop starts in the Magha season but fails by the very next season (Pubba), it signifies a total loss. It is used to describe efforts, lives, or projects that perish shortly after their inception.

If it is a measure in the field, it is a heap at home.

This proverb highlights the importance of hard work and investment at the source. It implies that a small, diligent effort or investment during the cultivation/working phase leads to a manifold increase in results and prosperity at home. It is used to encourage people to be generous or hardworking in their primary endeavors to reap greater rewards later.

Better to sow half a measure in Ashlesha than a full measure in Magha.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to timing and the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It emphasizes that performing a task at the right time (Ashlesha karti) with fewer resources is far more productive than doing it late (Magha karti) with more resources. It highlights the importance of seasonal timing in farming for a better yield.

Born in Makha and gone by Pubba.

This expression refers to something that has an incredibly short lifespan or a transient nature. It is based on the sequence of lunar mansions (Nakshatras) in the Telugu calendar; Makha and Pubba are consecutive. It is used to describe situations, trends, or lives that end almost as soon as they begin.

A basketful of merit, but a basketful of worms.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.

Born in Makha, he died in Pubba.

This expression describes something that was extremely short-lived or a situation where a person enjoyed a very brief period of success or life. It refers to the consecutive lunar mansions (Nakshatras) in the Hindu calendar; since Pubba follows Makha immediately, it signifies a very small window of time between the beginning and the end.

Do not build a house during the Vishakha star, and do not sow seeds during the Pubba star.

This is a traditional agricultural and astrological proverb based on the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It advises against building houses during Vishakha due to heavy rainfall risks, and warns that seeds sown during Pubba will likely rot or be destroyed by excessive rains, emphasizing the importance of timing in farming and construction.

At first one Mânika, after the calf's death a potful [ of milk ].

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone exaggerates the value or quantity of something only after it is lost or gone. It mocks people who claim a great loss but didn't value the object much when it was actually available.

A measure in the mud, a heap in the house.

This is a traditional agricultural saying referring to the high yield of crops. It means that even a small amount of seed sown in the soil (mud) can result in a massive harvest stored at home. It is used to describe investments or efforts that yield exponentially great results.

A bushelful of good works, and a dishful of worms. A great show of piety, but the prospect of future punishment for evil deeds.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs a supposedly good deed or religious act, but the unintended negative consequences, sins, or flaws associated with it far outweigh the benefits. It highlights hypocrisy or the futility of an action that brings more harm than good.