మురికి ముఖము గరుడసేవా?
muriki mukhamu garudaseva?
Is your sweet face like Garuḍasēva? Garuḍasēva is the name of a feast held at Conjeveram in honor of Vara- darázulu ( Vishṇu ) whose vehicle is the man bird ( Garuḍa ). Said ironically to an ugly fellow.
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).
Related Phrases
ఈ మొద్దు మొహానికా ఆ గరుడ సేవ?
i moddu mohanika a garuda seva?
Does this dull face deserve that Garuda Seva?
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.
ఊరంతా ఒక దారి, ఉలకపావనిది ఒక దారి (ఊరంతా ఊరిముఖం, దాసరి తాళ్ళముఖము)
uranta oka dari, ulakapavanidi oka dari (uranta urimukham, dasari tallamukhamu)
The whole village faces one way, while the Dasari faces the palm trees.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is eccentric or stubborn and refuses to conform to the group. When everyone is heading in one direction or agreeing on a common path, this person intentionally chooses a different, often illogical, direction or opinion.
గాడిద గుడ్డు గరుడ భంగం
gadida guddu garuda bhangam
Donkey's egg and Garuda's humiliation
This expression refers to chasing after something non-existent or impossible (since donkeys don't lay eggs). It is used to mock someone who is boasting about something that is actually worthless or a complete hoax, often implying that great efforts are being wasted on a ridiculous lie.
గాడిద గుడ్డు, గరుడ స్తంభం
gadida guddu, garuda stambham
A donkey's egg and a Garuda pillar.
This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete lie. Since donkeys do not lay eggs, it refers to an absurdity or a tall tale told to deceive someone.
చెంబు కంచం పోతే, ముఖం మీద కొట్టినట్టు ముంతా మూకుడు తెచ్చుకోలేనా?
chembu kancham pote, mukham mida kottinattu munta mukudu techchukolena?
If I lose my brass pot and bell metal dish, can I not beat you by getting others made of earth ? A determined man will not be discouraged by difficulties.
This expression is used to show defiance, resilience, or self-sufficiency in the face of loss or insult. It implies that if one loses expensive or sophisticated things (represented by the brass vessel and plate), they can still survive and maintain their dignity using simpler, humbler alternatives (the clay pot and lid) just to prove a point to those who look down on them.
ముఖము తేట, ముడ్డి తీట
mukhamu teta, muddi tita
The face is clear, but the bottom is itchy.
This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who appears calm, innocent, or polite on the outside (face), but possesses a mischievous, restless, or troublesome nature internally. It highlights the hypocrisy or hidden behavioral issues of an individual who looks decent but constantly looks for trouble.
తలా తోకా లేని కథ, ముక్కూ ముఖము లేని పిల్ల
tala toka leni katha, mukku mukhamu leni pilla
A story without head or tail, a child without nose or face.
This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or clarity. It refers to a situation or a story that is incoherent and makes no sense, much like a body without a head/tail or a face without features.
A story without a head. (Greek.)*
తల్లి ముఖం చూడని బిడ్డ, వాన ముఖం చూడని పైరు.
talli mukham chudani bidda, vana mukham chudani pairu.
A child who doesn't see their mother's face is like a crop that doesn't see the rain.
This proverb highlights the essential nature of a mother's care and rain for survival and growth. Just as a crop cannot flourish or survive without rain, a child suffers and cannot thrive without the nurturing presence and affection of a mother. It is used to describe situations of extreme deprivation or the lack of a fundamental life-sustaining element.
కంచి గరుడ సేవ
kanchi garuda seva
Garuda service in Kanchi
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.
ముడ్డి ముఖము లేని బిడ్డ, మొదలు లేని పాట.
muddi mukhamu leni bidda, modalu leni pata.
A child without face or posteriors, a song without beginning.
This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or a clear purpose. It refers to a situation, story, or task that is disorganized, incoherent, and makes no sense from the start to the end.