పెన్న దాటితే, పెరుమాళ్ల సేవ.

penna datite, perumalla seva.

Translation

When we have crossed the Penna we can visit Perumâl. The meaning is " Let us get over the river first and talk of visiting Perumâl! (Vishnu) afterwards.—The Penna (Pennar) falls into the sea near Nellore. It is rapid and deep during the monsoon, though its bed is nearly dry for 5 or 6 months of the year.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one must overcome a significant, difficult hurdle before they can achieve their goal or find peace. Historically, crossing the Penna river was a treacherous task; only after surviving the crossing could pilgrims reach the temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati. It signifies that hard work or a major challenge precedes a spiritual or successful outcome.

Related Phrases

If it crosses the lips, it crosses the Penna river; if it crosses the Penna, it crosses the world.

This proverb highlights the speed at which secrets or rumors spread. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it quickly reaches far-off places (the Penna river) and eventually becomes known to the entire world (the earth). It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words and keep secrets to themselves.

The hardships of the priest are known only to the Lord.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the struggle or hard work an individual undergoes is only truly understood by God or the person for whom the work is being done. It is similar to saying 'Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.'

If it passes your lips it will go over the Penna river. A secret revealed spreads quickly abroad. Three may keep counsel if two be away. Two eyes, two ears, only one mouth. (GERMAN.)

This proverb is used to warn someone about the speed at which a secret or a piece of gossip spreads. Once a word is spoken aloud (crosses the lips), it becomes public knowledge and travels far and wide very quickly, making it impossible to take back.

* Sledet der Torp, so blühet die Freundschaft. † Zwei Augen, zwei Ohren, nur ein Mund.

The secrets of the heart are known to Perumâl (Vishnu). '[ God] knoweth the very secrets of the heart.' Psalm xliv. 21. (Psalter.)

This proverb is used to indicate that the internal truth, hidden secrets, or the real depth of a situation is known only to the person involved (or to God). It is often used when someone's outward appearance or claims contrast with their private reality, implying that only those 'on the inside' know the actual mess or mystery.

The name is God's, but the mouth is one's own.

This proverb is used to describe a person who uses a noble cause, a deity's name, or a reputable person's authority as a cover to speak rudely, lie, or serve their own selfish interests. It highlights the hypocrisy of appearing religious or virtuous while having a foul or dishonest way of speaking.

The secrets of the house are known only to God.

This proverb is used to say that the internal matters, struggles, or hidden secrets of a family are known only to the family members and the Almighty. It is often used when someone tries to hide their domestic problems from the outside world, or when implying that one cannot truly know what goes on inside another person's home.

Big sword Perumallu

A sarcastic expression used to describe a person who boasts about their bravery or status but is actually incompetent or useless in reality. It refers to someone who carries a large weapon for show but doesn't know how to use it or lacks the courage to do so.

Your name is Maallu

This is a humorous and sarcastic expression used to shut down someone who is being overly inquisitive or asking repetitive, annoying questions about one's identity or business. It is a play on the word 'Perumallu' (a name for Lord Vishnu) turned into a witty retort to imply 'None of your business'.

The internal secrets are known only to God (Perumalla)

This proverb is used to indicate that the inner secrets, hidden flaws, or true nature of a situation or a person are known only to God or those very closely involved. It is often used when someone maintains a respectable outward appearance despite having hidden troubles or secrets.

God knows the hidden secret.

When one does not know the inside (secret) story or the real truth behind something, one tends to shrug one's shoulders and say, 'God knows'.