మానవ సేవే మాధవ సేవ

This is a satirical expression used to humble someone who has high ambitions or desires something grand despite lacking the basic qualifications, status, or preparation. It compares a person with an unwashed face wanting to participate in or lead the 'Garuda Seva' (a grand, sacred procession in Hindu temples).

This proverb highlights that personal relationships do not automatically extend to third parties or transfer ownership/loyalty. It is used to caution against over-relying on someone just because they are related to a close person of yours, emphasizing that their interests or loyalties might still remain separate.

This expression is used to criticize or mock someone who is unworthy, incompetent, or unattractive yet aspires for or receives a high honor or luxury. 'Garuda Seva' refers to a grand, prestigious temple ritual, and comparing it to a 'moddu moham' (dull/ugly face) highlights the mismatch between the person's merit and the reward.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two unfortunate or difficult events occur simultaneously. Since Ekadashi is a day of fasting and Tuesday is often considered an inauspicious or 'harsh' day in certain traditional contexts, the combination implies a state of double trouble or a completely ruined situation.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must overcome a significant, difficult hurdle before they can achieve their goal or find peace. Historically, crossing the Penna river was a treacherous task; only after surviving the crossing could pilgrims reach the temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. It signifies that hard work or a major challenge precedes a spiritual or successful outcome.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person works extremely hard or performs menial, taxing labor but receives no meaningful reward or even basic sustenance in return. It highlights the plight of unrewarding or exploitative toil.

This traditional proverb suggests caution when dealing with people in certain professions due to their ability to manipulate facts or situations. It refers to a writer's potential to alter records (the pen), a butcher's ease with violence (the knife), and a toddy tapper's deceptive practices or risky nature. It is generally used to advise someone to be wary of those who hold power through documentation or sharp tools.

This proverb emphasizes that health is the greatest wealth. It means that a person who can eat well (is healthy and has sufficient resources) is the one who can endure or live long, and such a healthy person is as happy and powerful as a king. It is often used to highlight the importance of nutrition and physical well-being over material riches.

This traditional proverb suggests caution when dealing with three specific professions: the writer (clerk/accountant who can manipulate records), the cutter (butcher/barber who handles sharp tools), and the drawer (toddy tapper who climbs trees). It implies that their work involves inherent deceit or physical risk, making absolute trust dangerous.

This expression refers to a task that involves immense effort or travel but results in a very brief or momentary reward. It originates from the Kanchi temple festival where the deity's procession on the Garuda mount moves so swiftly that devotees only get a fleeting glimpse despite waiting for hours.