పండితమ్మన్యునకు పాదుకాభిషేకం

panditammanyunaku padukabhishekam

Translation

Anointing a self-proclaimed scholar with footwear.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person who falsely claims to be a great scholar or intellectual is publicly humiliated or insulted rather than honored. It sarcastically replaces the traditional 'Abhishekam' (honorary anointing) with 'Paduka' (footwear), signifying that their arrogance deserves a blow to their ego.

Related Phrases

If you tie a halter to a young buffalo or a young girl, they will follow you.

This is a traditional saying used to describe how certain people or animals can be easily led or controlled if given the right incentive or restraint at the right time. It suggests that once a connection or bond (symbolized by the 'palupu' or halter) is established, they will follow along. It is often used in a humorous or colloquial context regarding the behavior of youth.

One who does not give charity is not a blessed person

This expression emphasizes the virtue of generosity. It suggests that wealth alone does not bring fulfillment or spiritual merit; rather, it is the act of sharing or giving to others that makes a person truly honorable or 'blessed'. It is often used to encourage philanthropy or to critique stinginess.

Will an unfortunate person obtain the fruit?

This expression suggests that no matter how much effort is put in, a person with bad luck or one who is not destined for success may not reap the rewards. It is often used to describe situations where circumstances or fate seem to prevent a person from succeeding despite their hard work.

Rama's story for the world's pleasure / Worldly gossip

While literally referring to the story of Rama that delights the world, in common usage it refers to casual conversation, idle talk, or endless gossip about worldly matters and people's lives. It is often used to describe social chitchat or passing time by talking about various random topics.

Like a sacrificial fire on which water has been poured.

This expression is used to describe a person who was once very powerful, fierce, or angry, but has suddenly become subdued, calm, or powerless. Just as pouring water (Abhishekam) on a ritual fire extinguishes its intensity, it refers to the cooling down of a heated situation or personality.

If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.

This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.

For a clay god, the ritual bath is the ultimate test.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a trial or specific action reveals the true nature or quality of a person or object. Just as a clay idol (like the Saikata Lingam) would dissolve during an 'Abhishekam' (ritual bath), a person's weaknesses or hidden truths are exposed when they are put to the test. It signifies that certain things cannot withstand specific pressures or scrutiny.

When asked 'Teetamma, what happened to your forehead?', she replied that it blistered because of the sacred vermilion.

Used to describe a person who makes lame or deceptive excuses to hide their own faults or bad habits. 'Teetamma' implies someone with a restless or troublesome nature who likely injured herself through her own mischief but blames a harmless, sacred mark (Tirumani) to gain sympathy or avoid blame.

A luckless person sleeps more, and an unfortunate person hungers more.

This proverb is used to describe people who are stuck in a cycle of poverty or misfortune. It suggests that those with no luck tend to waste time in sleep, while those who are destitute are constantly preoccupied with hunger, implying that their basic needs and poor habits prevent them from progressing in life.

Like fire inaugurated with water.

This expression is used to describe a person who looks extremely radiant, calm, yet powerfully glowing after a bath or a spiritual practice. It describes a state where someone appears purified and exceptionally bright or handsome.

Abhisheka is the term used for bathing or anointing an idol.