పంట పెంటలో ఉన్నది, పాడి పూరిలో ఉన్నది

panta pentalo unnadi, padi purilo unnadi

Translation

The crop is in the manure, and the dairy is in the grass.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the fundamental secrets of agriculture and animal husbandry. It means that a good harvest depends on the quality of fertilizer (manure), and good milk production depends on providing quality fodder (grass) to the livestock. It highlights that inputs determine the quality of outputs.

Related Phrases

Subtlety lies within the zero; liberation lies within the subtle.

This spiritual proverb suggests that the entire universe (or truth) is contained within 'Sunna' (Nothingness/Zero/The Void). By understanding the micro-details or the subtle essence of existence, one can achieve spiritual liberation (Moksha). It is used to explain that profound truths are often found in the simplest or smallest things.

If one's lifespan is strong, it is the same whether they are in a forest or in Ayodhya.

This expression means that if a person is destined to live, they will survive regardless of their surroundings or the dangers they face. It highlights the belief in destiny and longevity, suggesting that safety (Ayodhya) or danger (the forest) does not matter if it is not yet one's time to die. It is used to express that fate governs life and death.

If it is in hand, it is money; if she is nearby, she is a wife.

This expression highlights that things only serve their purpose or provide value when they are accessible or present. 'Artham' (money/wealth) is only useful if you have it in your possession, and a relationship (like a spouse) only provides companionship and support when the person is physically near or available.

A dog's behavior remains calm only as long as it is in the fireplace ash pit.

This proverb is used to describe a person whose nature or bad habits are only temporarily suppressed due to their current circumstances or surroundings. Just as a dog stays quiet and still while enjoying the warmth of the warm ashes in a fireplace (dalikunta) but returns to its restless or barking nature the moment it leaves, some people only behave well when it is convenient or comfortable for them.

My useless husband being in the village or being in the army is one and the same.

This proverb describes a person who is so incompetent or lazy that their presence or absence makes no difference. It is used to mock someone whose contribution to a task or society is nil, regardless of the situation they are in.

If in Himagiri (the Himalayas), it is Nandi; if in Gangaram (a common village), it is a Gangireddu (a street bull).

This proverb describes how the value and respect an individual receives depend heavily on their environment, position, and the company they keep. Even a divine bull like Nandi is seen as a common street bull when removed from its sacred context. It is used to emphasize that status is often a reflection of one's surroundings.

Whether an old cow's dung is still inside it or in the shed, it is all the same.

This proverb refers to someone or something that has become so old or useless that their actions, presence, or contributions no longer make any practical difference to the situation. It is used to describe a state of total insignificance or irrelevance.

In the zero lies the subtle, and in the subtle lies liberation.

This philosophical expression suggests that the entire universe and the path to spiritual liberation (Moksha) are contained within the 'Sunya' (zero/nothingness). It implies that by understanding the smallest, most subtle essence of existence, one can achieve ultimate enlightenment. It is often used to describe the profound nature of simplicity and the inner self.

It is the same whether it is in the udder or in the pot.

This expression refers to a state of complacency or lack of urgency regarding a resource that is already secured or 'at hand'. It is used to describe a situation where one feels there is no difference between a resource being in its source (like milk in an udder) or collected (like milk in a pot), implying that since it belongs to them, they can access it whenever they want, often leading to laziness or delayed action.

Guntur tobacco is the same whether it is in the niche or in the mouth.

This proverb highlights the extremely strong and pungent nature of Guntur tobacco. It suggests that its presence is so powerful that its smell or effect is felt regardless of whether it is stored away or being consumed. In a broader sense, it refers to something or someone whose influence or reputation is so pervasive that it cannot be ignored, regardless of its position.