సాతాని జుట్టుకూ సన్న్యాసి జంద్యానికూ ముడిపెట్టినట్టు.

satani juttuku sannyasi jandyaniku mudipettinattu.

Translation

Like tying a Sātāni's top-lock and a Sannyāsi's sacerdotal thread in a knot. A joke—Sātāni ( Rāmānujas ) do not wear the lock of hair common to other castes,* and Sannyāsi wear no thread. Said of a ridiculous scheme.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe an attempt to connect or relate two completely unrelated, incompatible, or mismatched things. A 'Satani' is traditionally known for having a clean-shaven head, while a 'Sanyasi' (monk) has renounced the 'Jandyam' (sacred thread). Tying them together is impossible and nonsensical, representing a logical fallacy or a forced connection.

Notes

* निष्कच्छो मुंडितश्चैव शंखचक्रांकितस्तथा । ऊर्द्धपुङ्गसमायुक्तो वैष्णवः परिकीर्त्यते ॥ Without a top-lock, with shaven head, marked with the shell and discus, and having the upright streak [ on the forehead ]—he is called a Vaishnava. ( cf. note 1 p. 41 Wilson's Essays and Lectures vol. 1. )

Related Phrases

Like naming a child who is not yet born

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes plans or takes actions prematurely for something that hasn't happened yet or may never happen. It is similar to the English proverb 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch.'

Like tying bald heads and knees in a knot. Said of a very cunning person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link two completely unrelated things or logic. It highlights an absurd comparison or a forced connection that makes no sense, as both a bald head and a knee are smooth and impossible to 'tie' together.

When two monks rub against each other, only ash falls off.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing to offer or no resources interact with each other. It signifies that the outcome of a collaboration between two needy or empty-handed individuals will result in nothing of value. It is often used to mock a partnership that lacks substance or potential for profit.

A Sannyâsi's alms in Mussulman street. Not the place for him to go to.

This proverb describes a futile or misplaced effort. It refers to asking for something in a place where it is impossible or highly unlikely to be found due to fundamental differences in customs or beliefs. It is used when someone seeks help or resources from an incompatible source.

When two ascetics rub against each other, only ash falls.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing or no resources interact, resulting in no gain for either party. It implies that a conflict or collaboration between two poor or unproductive individuals is a waste of time as neither has anything of value to offer the other.

Money stays in the bag on the bank, while the morsel stays hidden in the mouth.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of keeping one's financial status and personal habits private. Just as money is kept secure in a bag and food is concealed while chewing, one's wealth and personal affairs should not be displayed or discussed openly to avoid unnecessary trouble or envy.

Does the wretched harlot know [the virtues of] the Sannyâsi?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person of low character, limited exposure, or base habits fails to recognize or appreciate the greatness, sanctity, or virtue of an evolved soul or a person of high character. It highlights how one's own limitations can prevent them from understanding something noble.

At a Sannyâsi's wedding every thing is on loan from his top-lock downwards.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something they are completely unprepared for, resulting in a total reliance on others for every single resource. Just as a monk (who has a shaved head) would need to borrow hair/a wig to look like a groom, some people try to execute projects with zero personal means.

Like tying a bald head and the knee in a knot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to link or compare two completely unrelated or illogical things. It highlights a lack of common sense or the absurdity of making a connection where none exists.

The helpless Sannyâsî and the jade are a match.

This expression is used to describe two people who are equally mismatched, eccentric, or poorly behaved, making them a perfect pair in their own odd way. It highlights that like attracts like, or that two individuals are well-suited for each other due to their shared flaws or peculiar traits.