నక్షత్రాలు శాశ్వత జ్యోతులైనా చీకటి పడినప్పుడే వెలిగేది.

nakshatralu shashvata jyotulaina chikati padinappude veligedi.

Translation

Even though stars are eternal lamps, they shine only when it gets dark.

Meaning

This expression means that true talent, wisdom, or the value of a person is often only recognized during difficult or challenging times (the 'darkness'). It suggests that greatness is inherent but becomes visible and useful when there is a specific need or adversity.

Related Phrases

He followed like Nakshatraka.

This expression is used to describe someone who relentlessly pursues or pester others for something (usually a debt or a task) without giving them any peace. It originates from the story of King Harishchandra, where the disciple Nakshatraka relentlessly follows the king to collect a promised debt.

Will the meat and drink last for ever? Can one expect to live always on the bounty of others ?

This expression is used to remind someone that material offerings, gifts, or acts of formal hospitality are temporary and do not define a lasting relationship. It emphasizes that while one might receive favors or items now, they are not a substitute for permanent support or genuine long-term bonds.

Even a hundred thousand stars cannot equal one moon.

This proverb highlights that quality is superior to quantity. In a practical sense, it means that one highly capable or virtuous person is more valuable than a vast number of mediocre or ineffective people. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having one strong leader or a single brilliant idea over many insignificant ones.

Grandfather's wedding is whenever it is thought of

This expression is used to mock someone who wants something to happen instantly or impulsively without considering the necessary preparation, time, or feasibility. It highlights the absurdity of expecting major events to occur just because one suddenly had the idea.

A lakh of stars won't make one moon. " Better one virtuous son than even a hundred fools; the one moon dispels darkness and not hosts of stars." ( Hitopadeśa Book I. 17. )

Quality is far superior to quantity. This expression is used to emphasize that one exceptionally capable or brilliant person is more valuable than a vast number of mediocre ones. It is often used to describe a great leader, a talented child, or a single effective solution compared to many ineffective alternatives.

Will the stars disappear just because the almanac is lost?

This proverb is used to emphasize that objective reality or natural truths do not change just because the records, tools, or individuals documenting them are gone. It is often used to tell someone that their presence or a specific book/guide isn't the reason a system functions; the world continues to operate regardless of whether we have the documentation for it.

The weight is only felt when the burden falls upon oneself

This proverb implies that one can only truly understand the difficulty or responsibility of a task when they have to handle it personally. It is often used to describe situations where people criticize others' struggles without experiencing them, or when someone finally realizes the gravity of a situation once they are held accountable for it.

If the almanacs are lost, will the stars disappear?

This proverb is used to convey that even if the records, tools, or books describing a truth are lost, the truth itself remains unchanged. It implies that fundamental realities do not depend on the documentation or the people who track them.

If the almanacs are lost, will the stars disappear?

This proverb is used to convey that truth or reality does not depend on documentation or records. Even if the books (panchangams) containing astronomical data are lost, the stars in the sky remain. It suggests that fundamental facts remain unchanged regardless of whether we have the means to track or prove them at a given moment.

Beauty alone is eternal happiness.

This expression is the Telugu translation of John Keats' famous line, 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.' It is used to describe how true beauty—whether in nature, art, or character—provides a sense of pleasure and joy that never fades and remains timeless.