నరకంలో కరుణలేదు, నాకంలో మరణం లేదు.

narakamlo karunaledu, nakamlo maranam ledu.

Translation

There is no mercy in Hell; there is no death in Heaven.

Meaning

This expression highlights the fundamental characteristics of the afterlife realms in Hindu mythology: Hell (Naraka) is a place of absolute punishment where no sympathy is shown, while Heaven (Nakalu/Swarga) is a place of eternal life where the concept of mortality does not exist. It is used to describe situations of extremes or the inevitable nature of certain environments.

Related Phrases

Would Narayana (Lord Vishnu) reside in hell?

This expression is used to indicate that one cannot find goodness, peace, or noble people in a place filled with evil or chaos. It suggests that a person's environment dictates what one can expect to find there, or that a divine/pure soul would not be found in a sinful or wretched situation.

There is no light like the eye, and there is no support like the earth.

This proverb highlights the fundamental necessities of life. It signifies that our eyes are the primary source of vision (enlightenment) and that the earth/soil is the ultimate foundation for all living beings, providing food and stability.

A king has no limit (to his authority), and God has no famine (shortage).

This proverb is used to describe the absolute power of a ruler and the infinite abundance of the divine. Just as a king is not bound by ordinary rules or numbers in his domain, God's grace and resources are never-ending and unaffected by worldly scarcity.

There is no famine with time, and no poverty with a husband.

This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of life and traditional social security. It means that just as seasons change and rain eventually brings relief to a drought, a hardworking husband provides stability and ensures that his family does not suffer from extreme poverty. It suggests that patience and a supportive partner are key to overcoming difficult times.

Ghosts have no intellect, and humans have no fear.

This proverb describes a state of total chaos or lawlessness. It is used when neither the supernatural forces (or those in power) act with wisdom, nor do the common people show any discipline or restraint, leading to a situation where there is no order.

Like a splinter in the panakam (sweet drink).

This expression is used to describe a person or a thing that acts as a nuisance or an obstacle in an otherwise pleasant or smooth situation. Just as a small piece of wood or a splinter ruins the experience of drinking a delicious sweet beverage, this refers to an unwelcome interruption.

Neither a string nor a top.

This expression is used to describe someone who lacks any ties, responsibilities, or assets. It often refers to a person who is roaming aimlessly without any sense of direction or accountability, or to a situation that is completely disorganized and lacks a proper basis.

A small stick in the sweet syrup

This expression is used to describe a person or an obstacle that disrupts a smooth or pleasant situation. Similar to the English idiom 'a fly in the ointment', it refers to a minor but annoying interference that spoils the enjoyment of something good.

Like a splinter in a sweet drink (Panakam)

This expression is used to describe a person or an event that acts as an unnecessary interruption or a minor annoyance in an otherwise pleasant or smooth situation. Just as a small stick or splinter ruins the experience of drinking a delicious beverage, this refers to a 'spoilsport' or a 'fly in the ointment.'

A little stick in a sweet drink.

An interfering hindrance or a nuisance can be irritating. One who pokes one’s nose in a business not one’s own is disliked by all. It is wise for one to keep off other people’s affairs and mind one’s own business.