శంఖంలో పోస్తేగాని తీర్థం కాదు

shankhamlo postegani tirtham kadu

Translation

The water is not holy, unless it be poured into the shell.

Meaning

This proverb signifies that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or recognition only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. It is often used to describe situations where a valid point is ignored until an important person validates it.

Related Phrases

If poured in a conch it is holy water, if poured in a shard it is just water

This proverb emphasizes that the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel, context, or association it has. It is used to describe how a person's status or the importance of a message changes based on the platform or the company they keep.

The acidity (biliousness) won't leave unless one is subjected to fasting

This expression suggests that certain stubborn problems or bad behaviors cannot be corrected through gentle means; they require strict discipline, harsh measures, or a period of deprivation to be resolved. Just as fasting is a traditional remedy for digestive issues, some situations require a 'tough love' approach.

The one who blows the conch is the one who bears the conch holder.

This expression refers to a person who has to handle multiple responsibilities or perform all the tasks in a specific process by themselves. It is used to describe a situation where there is no one else to assist, and a single individual must manage both the main action and the supporting duties.

If you pour it into the conch shell it is holy water, if you pour it into a potsherd it is common water.

This proverb emphasizes that the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel, context, or association it holds. It is used to describe how a person's status or a thing's importance changes based on the environment or the company they keep.

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If poured in a conch, it is holy water; if poured in a shard, it is just water

This expression highlights how the value or respect given to something (or someone) often depends on the vessel or context it is associated with. It is used to describe how the status of an individual is elevated by their association with noble people or institutions, or how the same advice carries different weight depending on who delivers it.

Like blowing a conch in front of a deaf person.

This expression is used to describe a situation where advice, information, or efforts are completely wasted on someone who is unwilling or unable to listen or understand. It signifies a futile action that yields no response or impact.

The sacred water in which the man was going to bathe came to meet him.

This proverb describes a situation where something you were seeking or planning to travel for becomes available to you unexpectedly and effortlessly. It is used when a desired opportunity presents itself right at your doorstep just as you were about to put in effort to attain it.

A thing sought for to come to hand without trouble.

It does not become holy water unless it is poured through a conch shell.

This expression is used to signify that certain actions or words gain value, legitimacy, or official status only when they come from an authoritative source or a person of high stature. Just as ordinary water is considered 'Teertham' (sacred) only after being sanctified through a conch, an idea or task is often only respected when endorsed by the right person.

Like a holy pilgrimage and a personal interest coming together.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one trip or action serves two purposes: a spiritual or selfless duty and a personal or selfish gain. It is similar to the English expression 'killing two birds with one stone,' but specifically refers to achieving a personal benefit while performing a righteous or necessary task.

Like pouring spindles into a corn measure. A noiseless operation.

This expression is used to describe an extremely noisy, chaotic, or restless situation. Just as putting metal spindles into a measuring vessel causes them to rattle and create constant noise/movement, it refers to people or things that cannot stay still or quiet.