రాత్రంతా భజన చేసినా భక్తి పూజ్యమేనట
ratranta bhajana chesina bhakti pujyamenata
Even after singing hymns all night, the devotion is zero.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of effort or goes through the motions of a task, but the actual result or the core intent behind it is missing. It highlights hypocrisy or performing actions superficially without genuine commitment or output.
Related Phrases
దొంగ మగని భక్తిమీర భజించగానే మంచి త్రోవ చూపగలడా?
donga magani bhaktimira bhajinchagane manchi trova chupagalada?
If one worships a thief with great devotion, can he show the right path?
This proverb is used to convey that one's inherent nature or character does not change simply because they are treated with respect or devotion. It highlights that expecting guidance or virtuous results from an inherently dishonest or wicked person is futile, regardless of how much loyalty or faith you place in them.
ఉండ్రాళ్ళమీద భక్తా, విఘ్నేశ్వరుడిమీద భక్తా?
undrallamida bhakta, vighneshvarudimida bhakta?
Is the devotion for the steamed rice balls (offering) or for Lord Ganesha?
This expression is used to question someone's true intentions when they appear to be doing something for a noble cause or deity, but are actually interested in the personal benefits or material gains associated with it.
స్తంభం లేచినంత మాత్రాన భవనం అవుతుందా?
stambham lechinanta matrana bhavanam avutunda?
Does erecting a pillar alone make a building?
This expression is used to highlight that starting a project or having one component of a larger task does not mean the task is complete. It emphasizes that a single effort or a superficial beginning is not equivalent to a finished achievement, often used to humble someone who is overconfident after only making a small start.
భజన చేయువాడు భక్తుండు కాడయా
bhajana cheyuvadu bhaktundu kadaya
One who simply sings hymns is not necessarily a devotee.
This expression is used to highlight that true devotion or loyalty lies in one's character and actions, rather than outward displays, rituals, or constant flattery. In modern contexts, it is often used to criticize sycophants or 'yes-men' who praise superiors purely for personal gain rather than out of genuine respect.
భక్తి లేని పూజ పత్రి చేటు.
bhakti leni puja patri chetu.
Worship without devotion is a waste of leaves,
For a true worship of gods, it is not the external paraphernalia that is as important as devotion.
ఉడత భక్తి
udata bhakti
A squirrel's devotion
This expression refers to contributing one's small or humble part towards a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used to describe a modest contribution made with sincere dedication.
ఉడత భక్తి
udata bhakti
A squirrel performs a squirrel's service. The squirrels are said to have assisted Râma in building the bridge at Râméśvaram by dipping themselves into the water and then rolling in sand, which they brought for the mortar. Willingly doing what one can.
This expression is used to describe a small contribution or help offered towards a larger cause or project. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying small grains of sand. It signifies that even a tiny effort, when done with sincerity and devotion, is valuable and significant.
చేట భారతం
cheta bharatam
A Mahabharata as large as a winnowing basket.
This expression is used to describe a story, explanation, or document that is unnecessarily long, tedious, or excessively detailed. It compares a small or simple matter to the epic Mahabharata, implying that someone is stretching a simple point into a never-ending saga.
ఉడతా భక్తి
udata bhakti
Squirrel's devotion
This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.
వినాయకుడి మీద భక్తా? ఉండ్రాళ్ళ మీద భక్తా?
vinayakudi mida bhakta? undralla mida bhakta?
Is it devotion to Lord Ganesha or devotion to the steam-cooked dumplings?
This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or showing devotion not out of genuine interest or sincerity, but because of the personal benefits or rewards (like the offerings/undrallu) associated with it. It is similar to the English concept of 'ulterior motives'.