పురుషులందు పుణ్యపురుషులు వేరయా

purushulandu punyapurushulu veraya

Translation

Among men, virtuous men are distinct.

Meaning

This expression is a famous line from Yogi Vemana's poems. It signifies that while all humans may look alike on the outside, virtuous or noble people stand apart due to their character and actions, just as a swan is distinguished from a crow or a gemstone from common pebbles.

Related Phrases

A husband is obtained based on one's merit (punyam), and a child is obtained based on one's charity (danam).

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of their past good deeds and character. It is often used to imply that one's fortune in family life is reflections of their own virtues or to counsel patience and acceptance of one's destiny.

Women shine through their beauty, while men shine through their valor.

This proverb highlights traditional perceptions of excellence where a woman's grace or beauty and a man's courage or strength are considered their defining qualities. It is used to describe how different virtues bring recognition and success to individuals depending on their nature.

Husband according to past virtuous deeds and children according to one’s charity.

The advice is that one should lead a virtuous life, so that in the next life, a lady will be blessed with a noble (good) husband. And if she performs acts of charity, she will be blessed additionally with well-behaved (good) children. It calls upon women to lead a life of virtue. By extension, what applies to women applies equally to men.

Copper moustaches for a beautiful man.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone who is already flawed or unattractive has an additional peculiar or weird feature that makes them look even worse. It is often applied to a person or a situation that is already problematic and then acquires another ridiculous defect.

A husband is obtained based on past merit; grandeur is obtained based on wealth.

This proverb suggests that life's outcomes are proportional to what one possesses or has earned. Just as a good husband is traditionally seen as a result of one's good deeds (karma), the level of luxury one enjoys is directly limited by their financial resources. It is used to explain that one's status or results are commensurate with their efforts or assets.

A man is judged by his appearance, a son is obtained by one's merit.

This proverb suggests that while a man's worth is often superficially judged by his looks or conduct, having a virtuous son is considered a result of one's past good deeds or spiritual merit (Punya). It is used to emphasize that some blessings in life are rewards for one's character and actions.

If Shiva is a man, would he be caught by women?

This expression is often used to highlight that even the most powerful or disciplined individuals (like Lord Shiva) have weaknesses or can be influenced by certain forces. In a broader context, it implies that certain outcomes are inevitable or that no one is entirely immune to nature or destiny.

A husband according to the worship [ of the wife ], a son according to the good works [ of the father ].

This proverb suggests that the quality of one's life partners and children is a result of one's past deeds, character, and spiritual merit. It is used to imply that the rewards or the caliber of people in one's life are proportionate to the effort and virtue one has cultivated.

Only two are good men - the one who is not yet born and the one who is dead.

This cynical proverb suggests that human nature is inherently flawed or prone to vice. It implies that a person can only be considered truly 'perfect' or 'good' if they have either not yet entered the world of temptation or have already passed away, leaving no room for further mistakes.

Women shine through beauty; men shine through valor.

This proverb describes traditional societal attributes associated with excellence in genders, suggesting that a woman's grace or beauty and a man's courage or bravery are their defining strengths.