పత్రి లేని పూజ, పత్రం లేని అప్పు

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that lack stability, safety, or proper structure. Just as a well without a protective wall (ledge) is dangerous to fetch water from, a house without a proper foundation or defined premises is insecure and lacks dignity. It is often used to refer to families or ventures that lack a strong leader or a solid base.

This proverb highlights the uselessness or danger of things that lack essential qualities. A well without a protective ledge is dangerous and incomplete, just as an act of giving (charity) that lacks a true spirit of generosity or kindness is considered hollow and meaningless.

This proverb highlights the importance of honor and dignity. Just as a mustache was traditionally seen as a symbol of authority for a king, self-respect (rosham) is essential for a soldier. If they lack these qualities, they have nothing left to lose because they have already lost their status and dignity in the eyes of society.

This expression is used to describe a situation that lacks its essential characteristic or spark. Just as a festival feels incomplete without joy and crowds, and music is chaotic without a beat, an event or person lacking their core quality is considered dull and meaningless.

For a true worship of gods, it is not the external paraphernalia that is as important as devotion.

This proverb highlights that character matters more than documentation. A person with integrity will repay their debt regardless of whether there is a written agreement, while a dishonest person will find ways to evade or steal regardless of what is signed on paper. It is used to emphasize that trust is based on a person's nature rather than just formalities.

This expression is used to describe something that lacks sense, logic, or harmony. Just as a song without a proper scale (shruti) is unpleasant to hear, words spoken without thought or intelligence are useless and irritating. It is often used to dismiss nonsensical arguments or irrelevant chatter.

This proverb suggests that performing rituals or tasks without genuine intent or sincerity is a waste of resources and effort. Just as offering leaves (patri) during worship is useless if one lacks devotion (bhakti), any action done mechanically without heart is unproductive.

This proverb is used to describe something that does not fulfill its primary purpose or lacks the essential quality that makes it valuable or complete in a traditional context. It highlights the sense of incompleteness or futility in a situation.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that lacks the essential quality or skill required for its nature or purpose. Just as a shepherd must be able to whistle to herd animals and sugarcane is useless if not sweet, an object or person without its defining characteristic is considered ineffective or worthless.