స్వర్గారోహణపర్వం చదువుతున్నాడు

svargarohanaparvam chaduvutunnadu

Translation

He is reading the Svargârohaṇaparva. Svargârohaṇaparva is the last or 18th Chapter of the Mahâbhârata which contains the story of the Pândavas ascending to the heavens. The saying is applied to a person on his death-bed.

Meaning

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who is nodding off or falling asleep while sitting, especially during a boring lecture or conversation. The 'Svargarohana Parvam' is the final chapter of the Mahabharata where the heroes depart the earth, and here it metaphorically refers to someone 'leaving' the current conversation for sleep.

Related Phrases

Everything is dependent on one's actions (Karma).

This expression is used to signify that the results in life are governed by the actions a person performs. It is often used to emphasize accountability or to provide consolation that destiny is a result of previous deeds.

I have become acquainted with all the secret mysteries of learning. The allusion is to the story of Prahlâda son of Hiranyakaśipa. The words of the Proverb are found in the Telugu translation of the Bhâgavata Purâṇa, (but not in the Sanscrit original,) as having been used by Prahlâda to his father.—(See Vishnu Purâṇa Book I, Chapters 17—20.) Said of a man who pretends to be learned.

This expression is used to mock someone who boasts about having complete knowledge or mastery over a subject, often used in a sarcastic context when the person's actions or actual knowledge suggest otherwise. It highlights overconfidence and pretentious behavior regarding one's learning.

One must live to see the city and die to see heaven

This proverb emphasizes that experiencing the world (represented by the city) and achieving spiritual salvation (represented by heaven) are the two ultimate goals of human existence. It is often used to encourage someone to travel, experience prosperity, or enjoy life's opportunities while they are still alive.

Trishanku's Heaven

Refers to a state of being stuck in a middle ground or a dilemma where one is neither here nor there. It originates from the mythological story of King Trishanku who was suspended between Earth and Heaven. It is used to describe situations involving uncertainty, being caught between two choices, or being in a state of limbo.

There is only a span between you and heaven. Said ironically to a hypocrite.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme pride, arrogance, or overwhelming joy where a person feels superior or 'on top of the world'. It implies that the person is so conceited or elated that they feel they have almost reached heaven.

The one without a class is the enemy

This phrase is often used in political or sociological contexts, particularly in Marxist or class-struggle ideologies. It suggests that individuals who do not belong to a defined social or economic class, or who ignore the existence of class distinctions, are seen as obstacles or enemies to the progress of a specific group's movement.

Do experts in elephant science necessarily know how to ride an elephant?

This expression is used to highlight the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical skill. Just because someone has studied a subject extensively or understands the theory (Gajashastra), it doesn't mean they possess the practical ability to perform the task (Gajarohanam). It is often used to critique those who give advice without having any real-world experience.

Everything is Jagannatha (Lord of the Universe)

This expression is used to describe a state of complete disorder, chaos, or a situation where things are messy and unregulated. It can also refer to a scenario where distinctions (like caste or status) are ignored, similar to the egalitarian traditions at the Puri Jagannath temple, but in common parlance, it most often describes a 'free-for-all' or a total mess.

A hand-span distance from heaven

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme joy, pride, or elation where someone feels like they are on top of the world. It is often used to describe someone who is acting overly arrogant or is so happy that they feel they have almost reached heaven.

Though you cheat your priest you should not cheat your own life. Take good care of yourself, even though you treat your priest badly. Said by a selfish, greedy man.

This is a humorous or satirical Telugu saying. While teachers are traditionally held in the highest regard in Indian culture, this expression jokingly emphasizes that the domestic consequences of upsetting one's mother-in-law are much more immediate and severe than the spiritual or intellectual consequences of betraying a teacher. It is used to highlight the importance of maintaining harmony with powerful figures in one's personal life.