సంతానానికి కుచేలుడు సత్యానికి హరిశ్చంద్రుడు.

santananiki kucheludu satyaniki harishchandrudu.

Translation

Like Kuchela in progeny and like Harishchandra in truth.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who has a very large number of children (referencing Kuchela's 27 children) and who is exceptionally honest or sticks to their word at any cost (referencing King Harishchandra's legendary commitment to truth). It is often used in a descriptive or sometimes slightly hyperbolic manner to highlight these two specific traits in a person.

Related Phrases

He slapped ( i. e. overcame ) Hariśchandra and was born. Said jokingly of a great liar.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who is a compulsive or habitual liar. King Harishchandra is a legendary figure known for his absolute truthfulness; therefore, claiming someone 'slapped him' upon birth implies they are the polar opposite of him and started their life by defying truth.

The mouth is a nest of lies, but the name is Harishchandra.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite who claims to be virtuous but acts dishonestly. It refers to King Harishchandra, a symbol of truthfulness in mythology, contrasting it with someone who constantly lies. It is used when a person's behavior is the exact opposite of the noble image or name they project.

As if he was born the very next day after Satya Harishchandra was born.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who pretends to be exceptionally honest or truthful, implying that they are just as righteous as the legendary King Harishchandra. It is typically aimed at people who are actually being dishonest or hypocritical.

The progeny of Kuchela

This expression is used to describe a very large number of children in a single family. It refers to the mythological figure Kuchela (Sudama), a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, who was famously poor and lived with his wife and twenty-seven children.

As truthful as Hariśchandra.

This expression is used to refer to someone who is exceptionally honest and never tells a lie. It is often used sarcastically or ironically to mock someone who is pretending to be virtuous or truthful when they are actually lying.

Used ironically.

Like the moon rising for the mother-in-law's wedding

This expression is used to describe an event or an action that is completely unnecessary, redundant, or occurs at a highly inappropriate and absurd time. Since the 'mother-in-law' is already married (otherwise she wouldn't be a mother-in-law), having a wedding for her is nonsensical, and the moon rising for it adds an extra layer of mock-grandeur to something useless.

A lie never comes from Harishchandra's mouth, and a truth never comes from mine

This is a humorous and self-deprecating expression used by someone to admit that they are a chronic liar. It references King Harishchandra, a legendary figure in Indian mythology known for his unwavering commitment to the truth, and contrasts his integrity with the speaker's own habit of constant lying.

A lie never came out of the mouth of Hariśchandra, truth never comes out of my mouth.

This is a humorous and self-deprecating expression used when someone is being brutally honest about their own habit of lying or exaggeration. It contrasts the legendary King Harishchandra, who was famous for never speaking a lie, with the speaker's own character. It is often used sarcastically to admit that one is not as virtuous as they should be.

Said of an audacious liar.

If suggested to fast, they settle for a strict diet.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to negotiate or compromise when they are asked to do something difficult or extreme. It refers to a person who, when told to fast completely (Lankanam) for health reasons, tries to negotiate down to a restricted diet (Pathyam) instead of following the full instruction.

Wealth requires secrecy, farming requires publicity.

This proverb advises that financial matters and wealth should be kept private or hidden to avoid envy or theft, whereas agricultural activities and farming techniques should be shared openly and discussed with others to gain knowledge, help, and ensure a better yield.