మృగశిరలో పెట్టిన పైరు, మీసకట్టున పుట్టిన కొడుకు మేలు.

mrigashiralo pettina pairu, misakattuna puttina koduku melu.

Translation

A crop planted during the Mrigashira season and a son born when the father is at the prime of his youth (growing a mustache) are the best.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of timing. Just as the Mrigashira rain is considered the most auspicious for starting agriculture, a son born when the father is young and capable is considered beneficial for the family's strength and continuity.

Related Phrases

The crop depends on the quality and quantity of the seeds sown.

This proverb is equivalent to 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It signifies that the results or outcomes of any endeavor are directly proportional to the effort, quality, and preparation invested in it. It is used to remind someone that their success is a reflection of their own hard work.

A crop sown late, a son born in old age.

This proverb highlights things that come too late to be fully beneficial or reliable. A crop sown late in the season often fails to yield well due to weather changes, and a son born when parents are very old may not be able to support them in their prime or may be left orphaned early. It is used to describe situations that are ill-timed or occur past the ideal stage of life.

A son who doesn't bend even if beaten, and a mustache that doesn't turn even if twisted.

This expression refers to things that are useless or ineffective because they lack their essential quality. It describes a son who is stubborn or lacks character despite discipline, and a mustache (a symbol of pride or virility) that lacks the stiffness or shape it is supposed to have. It is used to mock things that fail to live up to their expected purpose or dignity.

A crop sown during the Uttara Nakshatra is like wood cut with scissors.

This is an agricultural proverb implying that crops sown during the Uttara rain (Karti) grow very strong, sturdy, and yield high results, comparing their strength to hard timber. It highlights the importance of seasonal timing in farming.

The money tied in one's own garment and the child born from one's own womb.

This expression highlights things that one can truly rely on and call their own. Just as a child is one's own blood, money kept securely with oneself is the only wealth that is guaranteed to be available in times of need. It emphasizes self-reliance and the importance of having personal resources rather than depending on others.

If it rains during the Mrigashira kante, the early crops will yield.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the Mrigashira Kante (a specific period in the lunar calendar usually occurring in June). It signifies that if the monsoon begins with rains during this period, it ensures a successful and prosperous harvest for the early sowing season (Mungari).

A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

Like placing butter on the head and tying a waistband made of prawns.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is being extremely foolish or setting themselves up for a loss. Placing butter on the head (which melts in the sun) and using prawns (which are scavenged by crows and dogs) as a waistband implies that the person's assets or efforts will quickly vanish or be snatched away due to poor planning.

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 building a dam after the water has already flowed away

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.