రాత రాసింది బ్రహ్మ, గీత గీసింది లక్ష్మణుడు

rata rasindi brahma, gita gisindi lakshmanudu

Translation

Brahma wrote the fate, Lakshmana drew the line.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's destiny is fixed by a higher power (Brahma) and strict boundaries or rules are set by an authority figure (Lakshmana). It implies that a person is bound by both their predetermined fate and the rigid constraints of their current circumstances, leaving no room for change or escape.

Related Phrases

Cots for Pariahs, stools for Brahmans. Caste customs.

This proverb highlights the irony of social status versus necessity, or situations where resources are allocated based on tradition rather than practical need. It refers to a scenario where those who work hard and need rest (like laborers) are given comfort, while those of high spiritual status are given simple traditional seating, often used to describe misplaced priorities or unexpected role reversals.

What the body does and what the mind does will result in good.

This expression reflects a philosophical or fatalistic outlook, suggesting that whatever happens—whether driven by physical actions or mental intentions—is ultimately for the best or part of a larger destiny. It is often used to provide consolation during unexpected outcomes or to emphasize that things work out for the better in the long run.

Kill a cat, kill a Brahman. Doing harm to a cat is considered as sinful as injuring a Brahman.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used to emphasize the gravity of hurting or killing a cat, suggesting it is equivalent to the sin of killing a Brahmin (Brahmahatya Patakam). It is often used to discourage animal cruelty or to mock superstitious beliefs regarding the consequences of accidentally harming a cat.

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

Ramayana was written by a Boya, Mahabharata was written by a Koya.

This proverb is used to highlight that greatness and knowledge are not the birthright of any specific caste or social status. Valmiki (who wrote the Ramayana) was from the Boya community, and Vyasa (who wrote the Mahabharata) was the son of a fisherwoman. It serves as an example of social equality in spiritual and intellectual achievement.

A cat [is as sacred as ] a Brahman, and the stool ( used for prayers, &c. ) is as sacred as his wife.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where completely unqualified or deceptive people are pretending to be virtuous or play roles they are naturally unfit for. It highlights hypocrisy or a ridiculous mismatch of character, often used when villains act like saints.

Oh Brahmin who brought your own cold rice, please have your meal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is invited or offered something that they have already prepared or provided for themselves. It highlights a redundant or insincere gesture of hospitality where the host isn't actually providing anything new or helpful.

Râmo, Lakshmaṇa, Mabra, and—his tail ! The interpretation of an ignoramus of the sentence Râmo Lakshmaṇam- abravît ( "Râma said to Lakshmaṇa." )

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone states the obvious or something that everyone already knows. In Telugu culture, it refers to the beginning of a story where the teller states a basic fact as if it were a great revelation, often used humorously to point out redundant or unnecessary statements.

A sore is a she-demon to a monkey. Making a great fuss about nothing.

This expression refers to a small problem that becomes much larger and uncontrollable due to constant meddling or aggravation. Just as a monkey cannot stop scratching its wound until it becomes a severe, unhealable sore, some people make their troubles worse by obsessing over them or interfering unnecessarily.

The cat is a Brahmin, and the low wooden stool is a married woman.

This expression is used to mock someone who puts on a false show of extreme piety, innocence, or virtue. It describes a hypocrite who pretends to be saintly while harboring deceitful intentions or having a questionable character.