మఖలో పుట్టి పుబ్బలో పోయినాడు

makhalo putti pubbalo poyinadu

Translation

Born in Makha, he died in Pubba.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

A measure in Magha, a basketful in Pubba.

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.

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.

Machakamma reaching puberty is the same whether it is in Makha or Pubba stars.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or a person's involvement that is completely inconsequential or makes no difference to the outcome. It suggests that certain events are so trivial that the timing or specific circumstances surrounding them do not matter at all.

When there's a drought in Makha or Pubba, a great famine will follow. Makh and Pubba are the 10th and 11th lunar mansions.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the 'Karti' or solar mansions. Makha and Pubba are crucial periods for rainfall in the Telugu calendar. If it doesn't rain during these specific periods, it signifies a severe drought and a total failure of crops for the season.

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.

Born in Pubba, withered in Makha... Oh lady giving for free! Serve me as much as you serve your husband!

This expression describes the height of audacity or greed. It refers to a beggar who, instead of being grateful for a free meal, demands to be served the same portion or quality as the head of the household. It is used when someone receiving a favor starts making unreasonable or entitled demands.

A piece of sandal wood born of beauty, and the dregs of castor oil.

This expression is used to highlight a stark contrast between two people or things, usually siblings or items from the same source. It compares one that is virtuous, high-quality, or beautiful (sandalwood) to another that is useless, inferior, or unpleasant (castor oil residue).

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.

A plant sprouted in the month of Mithuna and a son born when the father has a full mustache will come to use.

This proverb highlights the importance of timing and maturity. It suggests that crops planted during the favorable Mithuna season (early monsoon) yield well, and a son born when the father is at his prime/mature age (symbolized by a thick mustache) will grow up to be supportive and responsible when the father needs him most.

Like the wealth of a fort being swept away in a heavy stream of water.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of wealth or resources is being wasted or lost rapidly and uncontrollably. It signifies that even a vast treasure (like that found in a fort) can disappear if there is a continuous, unchecked drain or leakage.