మహాలక్ష్మి పరదేశము పోయినట్టు

mahalakshmi paradeshamu poyinattu

Translation

Like the goddess of fortune emigrating. Said of an avaricious person going to seek for some small gains.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a sudden and significant loss of wealth, prosperity, or grace from a household or a person. Just as the departure of the Goddess of Wealth implies the onset of poverty or misfortune, it signifies a complete reversal of fortune where a once-flourishing situation turns bleak.

Related Phrases

By the festival of Mahalakshmi, the cold rises to the crown of the head.

This traditional Telugu saying describes the seasonal transition of weather. It indicates that by the time of the Mahalakshmi festival (usually occurring in late October or November during the Kartika month), the winter chill becomes significant enough to be felt intensely, specifically referring to the sensation of cold hitting the 'madu' (crown of the head). It is used to remark on the arrival of peak winter.

Like attempting to teach Ghatṭākarṇa the Ashtākshari. Ghaṇṭākarṇa ( Bell-eared ) is the name of an attendant on Śiva.

This expression refers to a futile effort or an attempt to teach something to someone who is fundamentally opposed to it or unwilling to listen. Ghantakarna was a mythological character who wore bells on his ears to avoid hearing the name of Vishnu. Trying to teach him a Vishnu-related mantra (Ashtakshari) is a metaphor for a wasted effort or a mismatch of audience and message.

Ashṭākshari is a sacred formula used in the worship of Viṣṇu, composed, as the word denotes, of eight syllables ( ఓం నమోనారాయణాయ. ) చ.

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.

After the whole of the cattle had been stolen from the shed, the barren buffalo became as valuable as Mahâ Lakshmi ( the goddess of fortune ).

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to hide a loss or find false consolation by valuing something worthless only after their valuable assets are gone. It is used when someone suddenly appreciates a useless item or person simply because they have nothing better left, or when making excuses for a failure.

Close (your mouth) and sit

This is a blunt and often rude expression used to tell someone to shut up or stay quiet. It is commonly used when someone is talking unnecessarily, annoying others, or meddling in affairs that do not concern them. It literally instructs the person to 'shut it' and remain still.

Fortune favors the brave

This expression means that wealth and prosperity (Lakshmi) reside with those who possess courage and the willingness to take risks. It is used to encourage someone to be brave in the face of challenges, suggesting that success follows those who act boldly.

Loose change is the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of small denominations of money or loose change. It suggests that one should not underestimate the value of small coins, as they collectively represent wealth and are essential for daily transactions and financial discipline.

A shed is not a house, and a traveler is not a husband.

This proverb describes temporary or unreliable situations. Just as a temporary thatched shed (pandiri) cannot provide the permanence and security of a real home, a stranger or traveler who is just passing through cannot fulfill the long-term responsibilities of a life partner. It is used to caution against relying on things or people that lack stability or commitment.

Goddess Lakshmi has many incarnations.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who is extremely moody, unpredictable, or puts on many different 'acts' and pretenses. It suggests that a person changes their behavior or temperament frequently, much like a deity taking on different forms.

Monday is Shuba Lakshmi, Tuesday is Maha Lakshmi

This phrase is typically used by street vendors, beggars, or traditional performers to praise potential donors or customers on specific days of the week. It suggests that since the day is auspicious (Monday or Tuesday), the person giving charity or making a purchase will be blessed with prosperity and wealth. It is a form of rhythmic flattery used to encourage generosity.