రోహిణి కార్తెలో విత్తు రోకలితో వేస్తారు, మృగశిరలో ముంచి పోస్తారు.

rohini kartelo vittu rokalito vestaru, mrigashiralo munchi postaru.

Translation

In Rohini Karthe, seeds are sown with a pestle; in Mrigasira, they are poured while submerged.

Meaning

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting seasonal rainfall patterns. During 'Rohini Karthe' (late May), the ground is so hard and dry that one might need a pestle (heavy tool) to make a hole for seeds. However, during the following 'Mrigasira Karthe' (early June), the monsoon rains are so heavy that the seeds are practically submerged in water. It emphasizes the drastic shift from extreme heat to the onset of the rainy season.

Related Phrases

If it rains during the Mrigashira karthi, even an old ox will bellow with joy.

This is a popular agricultural proverb related to the Mrigashira Karthi (a specific astronomical period in June). It signifies that the first monsoon rains during this period are so rejuvenating and cooling for the parched earth that they bring life and energy back to everyone, including old and tired cattle. It highlights the importance of timely rainfall for a fresh start to the farming season.

Like a dog in the Chitta rain season (Chitta Karthe).

This expression is used to describe someone who is wandering aimlessly, behaving restlessly, or is extremely agitated. In Telugu culture, it is observed that dogs often become very active, loud, or roam excessively during the specific lunar mansion period known as Chitta Karthe, which usually coincides with the breeding season.

A crop planted during the Mrigashira season and a son born when the father is at the prime of his youth (growing a mustache) are the best.

This proverb highlights the importance of timing. Just as the Mrigashira rain is considered the most auspicious for starting agriculture, a son born when the father is young and capable is considered beneficial for the family's strength and continuity.

If it rains during the Mrigashira karthi, the subsequent two seasons will roar.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that if there is good rainfall during the Mrigashira Karthi (usually in June), it sets a positive cycle for the following two monsoon periods (Karthies), ensuring abundant water for crops and a prosperous harvest.

If it rains during the Mrigashira kante, the early crops will yield.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the Mrigashira Kante (a specific period in the lunar calendar usually occurring in June). It signifies that if the monsoon begins with rains during this period, it ensures a successful and prosperous harvest for the early sowing season (Mungari).

A seed sown in Rohini (karti) results in a harvest that won't even fill the grinding stones.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansion Rohini Karti, which usually occurs during the peak of summer (late May). It warns that sowing seeds during this intense heat is futile because the lack of moisture and extreme temperature will lead to poor crop yields that are insufficient for even basic processing.

Sowing during the Rohini season is like sowing in a mortar.

This agricultural proverb signifies that sowing seeds during the Rohini Karthi (a period of intense summer heat) is futile. Just as seeds sown in a stone mortar cannot grow, seeds sown in the parched, scorched earth during this time will fail to germinate or will wither away due to the extreme heat.

In the season of Mrigashira Karthe, the courtyards will become cool.

This is a traditional saying related to the Indian astronomical calendar (Karthe). Mrigashira Karthe usually marks the onset of the monsoon season in June. It signifies that after the intense heat of summer, the first rains of this season will finally cool down the earth and the front yards of houses.

They apply bindi by looking at the face, and place a seat by looking at the person.

This proverb describes the reality of social bias or favoritism. It means that people are often treated based on their status, appearance, or perceived importance rather than equality. Rewards or hospitality are often adjusted according to the social standing of the recipient.

If it rains during the Moola Karthi period, the early crops are ruined.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon cycle. 'Moola' is one of the lunar mansions (Karthulu). It suggests that heavy rains during this specific period are detrimental to the 'Mungaru' (Kharif/early season) harvest, often causing damage to crops that are ready for harvest or in a critical growth stage.