నారిగాడు—నారడు—నారాయడు—నారాయ—నారయ్య—నారాయణయ్య—నారాయణరావు—నారాయణరావు పంతులు—నారాయణరావు పంతులవారు

narigadu—naradu—narayadu—naraya—narayya—narayanayya—narayanaravu—narayanaravu pantulu—narayanaravu pantulavaru

Translation

Nârigâḍu—Nâraḍu—Nârâyaḍu—Nârâya—Nârayya—Nâraya- ṇayya—Nârayaṇa Râu—Nârâyaṇa Râu Pantulu—Nârâ- yaṇa Râu Pantulavâru. When a person is in a very indigent state he is called by the first name ( Nârigâḍu ) and he receives the other names—each form being more res- pectful than the last—as he advances in social position. The highest position he could possibly attain to would give him the last and most honorific form ( Nârâyaṇa Râu Pantulavâru ).

Meaning

This expression illustrates how a person's social status, wealth, or power changes the level of respect they receive. It traces the evolution of a single name (Narayana) from a disrespectful or casual form (Narigadu) to a highly formal and esteemed title (Pantulavaru) as the individual climbs the social or economic ladder.

Related Phrases

Should not hear, should not see, should not say.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of the 'Three Wise Monkeys' principle (See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil). It serves as a moral guideline advising people to avoid listening to gossip or negativity, refrain from witnessing bad deeds, and avoid speaking ill of others or using harsh language.

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.

Black is Narayanamurthy (Lord Vishnu).

This expression is used to remark that dark skin or the color black is auspicious and divine, referring to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) who is traditionally depicted with a dark complexion. It is often said to challenge colorism or to compliment someone with a dark skin tone.

The mother Nasty-Narayana (Mrs. No-Giver)

This expression is used to describe a person who habitually says 'no' or 'nothing' whenever they are asked for something. It is a sarcastic way to refer to a stingy or uncooperative person who refuses to help or share by claiming they have nothing to give.

Badarayana relationship

This expression is used to describe a forced, far-fetched, or imaginary connection between two unrelated things or people. It refers to an illogical attempt to establish a relationship where none naturally exists.

The right belongs to Hanumantharayudu, but the enjoyment belongs to Chennarayudu.

This proverb describes a situation where one person holds the legal right or title to something, while another person actually enjoys the benefits or fruits of it. It is used to point out discrepancies between ownership and actual possession or usage.

As long as there is a need, he is Adinarayana (God); once the need is fulfilled, he is Guda Narayana (worthless).

This proverb is used to describe opportunistic or selfish people who show great respect and devotion to someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their objective is achieved, they treat the same person with contempt or indifference.

Wherever Fox-Narayana is, Tail-Narayana is right there.

This expression is used to describe two people who are inseparable or constantly found together. It often implies a relationship where one person (the 'tail') follows the other everywhere, or where two cunning individuals are always seen in each other's company.

A fox would even apply a religious mark (con) on Lord Narayana's forehead

This proverb is used to describe an extremely cunning or deceitful person. It suggests that a person is so crafty and manipulative that they would try to cheat or trick even the highest authority or God Himself. 'Naamam pettadam' is a common Telugu idiom for cheating or swindling someone.

Like saying 'Narayana' while following the tail

This expression describes a situation where someone blindly follows or agrees with someone else without thinking for themselves. It refers to a person who lacks an original opinion and simply mimics or supports whatever a more dominant person says or does, often in a submissive or sycophantic manner.