మూలవిగ్రహాలు ముష్టిఎత్తుకుంటూ ఉంటే, ఉత్సవ విగ్రహాలకు దధ్యోదనమట.

mulavigrahalu mushtiettukuntu unte, utsava vigrahalaku dadhyodanamata.

Translation

While the main deities are begging for alms, the processional idols are being offered curd rice.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary or most important people are suffering from lack of basic needs, while subordinates or secondary entities are enjoying luxuries. It highlights irony in the distribution of resources or attention, where the foundation is neglected in favor of the superficial.

Related Phrases

If the idol is knee-high, the food offered is waist-deep.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the maintenance or overhead costs significantly exceed the actual value or size of the core object. It suggests that even for a small task or entity, the requirements or expenses involved can be disproportionately large.

Planet Saturn

In a literal sense, it refers to the planet Saturn. Figuratively, it is used to describe a person who brings bad luck, constant trouble, or unwanted persistence. It is often used as a slang term for someone who is annoying or whose presence seems to cause obstacles and misery in one's life.

When there is no worship for the main deity, why offer ritual lamps to the festive idols?

This expression is used to highlight that when the core person or primary cause is neglected, performing elaborate rituals or paying attention to secondary or minor entities is meaningless. It signifies that honor should first go to the most important person in a situation rather than those who represent them.

When the main deity is begging for alms, the processional idols are demanding curd rice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the primary person or the main source of resources is in a dire state of poverty or struggle, yet the subordinates or dependents are making high demands or expecting luxuries. It highlights the irony of demanding extras when the core itself is failing.

When the great idols were begging for alms, the little idols asked for rice and curds.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the primary or most important people are suffering from lack of basic necessities, while those who are secondary or dependent on them are enjoying luxuries. It highlights an irony in the distribution of resources or attention, where the foundation is neglected in favor of the outward display.

Mūlavigrahās are the large idols made of stone which always remain in the temple; the Utsavigrahās are, as the name denotes, the smaller images that are carried in procession. Forwardness. Impertinent demands.

While the main deity is begging for alms, the processional idols are demanding a boat festival.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the main authority or the person responsible for everyone's welfare is struggling for basic survival, yet their subordinates or dependents are demanding luxuries and celebrations. It highlights the irony of people being oblivious to a crisis and making unreasonable demands.

The gaze of Saturn and the grace of Mercury.

This expression is used to describe a situation or a person's temperament where they appear harsh, stern, or critical on the outside (like the perceived malefic influence of Saturn), but possess a kind, helpful, and intellectual heart (like the benefic nature of Mercury). It refers to tough love or a strict mentor who ultimately wishes for one's well-being.

Stoutness of body, consumption of food. The only advantage of obesity is expensive living.

This proverb is used to describe someone who looks physically strong, healthy, or imposing but is actually incompetent, lazy, or useless when it comes to performing work. It implies that despite their grand appearance (like a large idol), they are a 'waste of food' (the offering) because they don't contribute anything productive.

Like making a vow in a fit of rage.

This expression refers to decisions made or actions taken in anger that one eventually regrets. It is used when someone impulsively commits to something difficult or harmful to themselves while being emotional, only to realize the burden of that commitment later when they have calmed down.

Like the nine planets turning against you

This expression is used to describe a situation where everything that can go wrong is going wrong at once. In astrology, 'Vakra' refers to retrograde or unfavorable positioning of planets. It describes a period of extreme bad luck or a series of unfortunate events where one feels like the entire universe is conspiring against them.