నిధి సుఖమా, రాముని సన్నిధి సుఖమా?

nidhi sukhama, ramuni sannidhi sukhama?

Translation

Is material wealth happiness, or is being in the presence of Rama happiness?

Meaning

This expression is used to question the true source of contentment, contrasting temporary material riches with spiritual peace or divine proximity. It originated from a famous kirtana by the saint-composer Tyagaraja, who refused royal gifts in favor of his devotion.

Related Phrases

The pleasure felt in a mother-in-law's house is like a blow on the elbow.

This proverb highlights that the comforts or happiness one experiences at their in-laws' house are often fleeting and sharp-lived. Just as a hit to the elbow causes a sudden, intense pain that subsides quickly, the joy there is considered temporary or accompanied by unexpected stings of criticism or discomfort. It is used to caution against relying too much on the hospitality of in-laws.

Happy is the wife who is married to a motherless son.

One day's pleasure is a year's hardship

This proverb is used to warn someone that a brief moment of indulgence or a short-term reckless decision can lead to long-term suffering and difficulties. It emphasizes the importance of thinking about future consequences before acting.

There is no sorrow like losing a calf, and no happiness like the yield of milk.

This proverb is used to describe the highs and lows of a livelihood or profession. Just as a farmer feels deep grief when a calf dies (a loss of future potential) but feels immense satisfaction when the cow gives milk (immediate reward), it signifies that every gain comes with its own set of risks and emotional burdens.

Living in unity gives happiness. Joint families are comfortable.

Work hard and then enjoy the happiness.

This expression emphasizes the importance of hard work as a prerequisite for success or comfort. It is used to advise someone that genuine satisfaction and prosperity come only after putting in dedicated effort and struggle.

No happiness in the face, no strength in the knees

This expression describes a state of total exhaustion, aging, or complete lack of vitality. It is used when a person is both mentally dejected (no glow/happiness on the face) and physically weak (knees failing), indicating they are no longer fit for strenuous work or are feeling the heavy toll of hardship.

Even the celestial nymph Rambha finds no pleasure in the mere squeezing of breasts.

This expression is used to signify that doing things roughly, superficially, or focusing only on physical force without emotional depth or proper context leads to no real satisfaction or result. It emphasizes that quality, subtlety, and genuine engagement are more important than mere physical effort or mechanical action.

A family man is sorrowful, a monk is happy

This proverb suggests that worldly attachments and family responsibilities bring constant worries and emotional pain, whereas a person who has renounced worldly life (a sanyasi) is free from such burdens and finds true peace. It is used to describe the complexities of domestic life versus the simplicity of detachment.

One day's pleasure is six months' hardship.

This proverb is used to warn someone against momentary indulgence or short-term gratification that leads to long-term suffering, debt, or negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of foresight and self-control.

They said to work hard and then enjoy the happiness

This expression emphasizes the value of hard work as a prerequisite for success and comfort. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort now so they can reap the rewards and live peacefully later in life. It reflects the philosophy that true happiness is earned through diligence.