ప్రియం మహాలక్ష్మి, చౌక శనేశ్వరం

priyam mahalakshmi, chauka shaneshvaram

Translation

Dearness is Goddess Mahalakshmi, cheapness is Lord Shaneshwara.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that quality items are expensive (representing prosperity/Lakshmi) while cheap items are often of poor quality or bring trouble (representing misfortune/Shani). It is used to advise someone that paying a higher price for quality is better than buying something cheap that won't last or will cause problems.

Related Phrases

When he went to Râmeśvaram, Śaneśvaram followed him.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's bad luck follows them no matter where they go or what remedies they seek. It is used to express that changing locations or seeking divine intervention sometimes does not solve problems if one's misfortune is persistent.

His bad luck followed him.—Śaneśvaram is an incorrect name given to the planet Saturn ; it appears to be a corruption of Sanaischar.

By the festival of Mahalakshmi, the cold rises to the crown of the head.

This traditional Telugu saying describes the seasonal transition of weather. It indicates that by the time of the Mahalakshmi festival (usually occurring in late October or November during the Kartika month), the winter chill becomes significant enough to be felt intensely, specifically referring to the sensation of cold hitting the 'madu' (crown of the head). It is used to remark on the arrival of peak winter.

Loose change is the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of small denominations of money or loose change. It suggests that one should not underestimate the value of small coins, as they collectively represent wealth and are essential for daily transactions and financial discipline.

A barren buffalo is the emblem of Mahâ Lakshmî, in a village where there are no cows.

This expression is used to describe a situation where, in the absence of something truly superior or qualified, even a mediocre or inferior alternative is highly valued. It is similar to the English proverb 'In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.'

Mahâ Lakshmî is the goddess of fortune. The one-eyed is a king in the land of the blind.

Like buying and bringing home the misfortune that was passing by on the road.

This expression is used when someone unnecessarily involves themselves in a problem that has nothing to do with them, or when they invite trouble into their lives through their own voluntary actions. It highlights the foolishness of taking on burdens or conflicts that could have been easily avoided.

Saturn prevented the [ eating of ] food got by begging.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone experiences obstacles or bad luck even in the most humble or desperate circumstances. It refers to extreme misfortune where even the bare minimum needed for survival is hindered by fate.

Goddess Lakshmi has many incarnations.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who is extremely moody, unpredictable, or puts on many different 'acts' and pretenses. It suggests that a person changes their behavior or temperament frequently, much like a deity taking on different forms.

Like buying the misfortune that was just passing by on the road.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or a nuisance into their life when it was not their concern. It is equivalent to the English concept of 'looking for trouble' or 'inviting a headache.'

Monday is Shuba Lakshmi, Tuesday is Maha Lakshmi

This phrase is typically used by street vendors, beggars, or traditional performers to praise potential donors or customers on specific days of the week. It suggests that since the day is auspicious (Monday or Tuesday), the person giving charity or making a purchase will be blessed with prosperity and wealth. It is a form of rhythmic flattery used to encourage generosity.

who brings misfortune to people

When one is dogged by misfortune, one will not escape misfortune, even if one goes to a holy place to ward off the evil influence.