శిలాభోగం, స్థలభోగం, నరభోగం, కానరావు.

shilabhogam, sthalabhogam, narabhogam, kanaravu.

Translation

The fortune of a stone, a place, and a man cannot be foreseen. The first may be formed into an idol and be worshipped ; the second may be cultivated and made fruitful, or adorned with a beautiful edifice ; and the third may become wealthy and be raised to a position of influence.

Meaning

This proverb is used to convey that the ultimate fate or hidden potential of a piece of land, a stone, or a human being is unpredictable. Just as an ordinary stone might be carved into a deity and worshipped (Shila Bhogam), or an empty plot might become a palace (Sthala Bhogam), a person's future fortune or destiny is invisible and can change unexpectedly.

Related Phrases

The valiant king of the spring season who enjoys heroic pleasures.

This expression refers to a prophesied legendary ruler or savior in Telugu culture (associated with Kalagnanam) who is expected to establish an era of righteousness. In common usage, it is often used to describe someone who lives life with great luxury, authority, and grandeur, or to refer to a person who is awaited as a powerful leader.

Half a moment's pleasure, six months of illness.

This proverb serves as a warning against seeking short-term or momentary gratification without considering the long-term consequences. It is often used to advise people to avoid reckless behavior, such as unhealthy habits or impulsive actions, that could lead to prolonged suffering or negative repercussions later on.

Enjoyment without passion, charity without sacrifice.

This proverb highlights that certain actions are hollow without the right spirit. Enjoyment (bhogam) is meaningless without true passion or interest (ragam), and giving (eevi) carries no moral value if it doesn't involve some form of personal sacrifice (tyagam).

One day's pleasure, six months of illness.

This expression serves as a warning against temporary or momentary pleasures that lead to long-term suffering or consequences. It is often used to advise people to think about the future repercussions of their current actions, especially regarding health or reckless behavior.

The King's whim is a luxury for the courtesan.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's passion, interest, or fancy for something results in an unexpected benefit or luxury for another. It highlights how the personal desires of those in power or wealth can become a source of livelihood or gain for others.

One day's indulgence, six months of illness.

This proverb warns against short-term pleasures or momentary lapses in discipline that lead to long-term suffering or consequences. It is commonly used to advise someone against risky behavior, unhealthy habits, or poor financial decisions that provide instant gratification but result in prolonged hardship.

If everything goes well, there is no luxury like an illness.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a minor ailment allows a person to enjoy undivided attention, rest, and care from others without having to fulfill daily responsibilities. It implies that being sick can be a 'luxury' only when one has the resources, help, and comfort to manage it comfortably.

Enjoyment in a dream.

This expression refers to temporary or illusory happiness that has no reality or lasting value. It is used to describe a situation where someone imagines great success or luxury, but in reality, they possess nothing. Similar to the English concept of 'castles in the air' or a fleeting pleasure.

Is it possible in yoga (self-restraint) what exists in bhoga (sensual enjoyment)?

This expression is used to highlight the contrast between a life of asceticism or discipline (Yoga) and a life of indulgence or pleasure (Bhoga). It suggests that the comforts and pleasures found in a luxurious lifestyle are not present in a disciplined, spiritual path, or vice versa, emphasizing that one must choose their path based on their priorities.

Veeramma's luxury and Raagamma's melody.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people are in their own separate worlds, each preoccupied with their own specific habits, luxuries, or problems without any coordination. It is often applied to a household or a group where there is a lack of unity and everyone acts according to their own whims.