తాను చేసిన పాపం తనువుతో, తల్లి చేసిన పాపం ధరణితో.

tanu chesina papam tanuvuto, talli chesina papam dharanito.

Translation

The sin committed by oneself stays with the body, the sin committed by the mother stays with the earth.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the gravity and consequences of actions. It suggests that while an individual's personal mistakes or sins affect their own physical being or life journey, a mother's actions have a much broader, foundational impact on the lineage or the environment. It is often used to emphasize accountability and the lasting legacy of one's deeds.

Related Phrases

The sin which a man commits goes with his body, the sin which his mother commits goes with the earth. This is interpreted to mean that if a man commits the sin of adultery, his crime may be expiated by a punishment equal to loss of life, but if a woman is guilty of the same offence, it clings to her descendants as long as the world endures.

This proverb highlights the depth of maternal influence and consequences. It suggests that while an individual's misdeeds might only affect their own physical being or lifespan, a mother's actions have far-reaching, generational effects that impact the lineage or the land itself. It is used to emphasize the heavy responsibility of a mother's conduct.

A committed sin goes away if it is told.

This expression suggests that confessing one's mistakes or sins relieves the burden of guilt and leads to forgiveness. It is used to encourage honesty and transparency after making a mistake, implying that keeping a secret only worsens the moral weight of the action.

What the body does and what the mind does will result in good.

This expression reflects a philosophical or fatalistic outlook, suggesting that whatever happens—whether driven by physical actions or mental intentions—is ultimately for the best or part of a larger destiny. It is often used to provide consolation during unexpected outcomes or to emphasize that things work out for the better in the long run.

Sin is removed by confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends. A sin confessed is half forgiven. (Italian.)

This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability. It suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes or wrongdoings openly helps in reducing the burden of guilt and paves the way for forgiveness or self-correction. It is used to encourage people to be honest about their faults rather than hiding them.

The sin of killing a dog cannot be expiated even by building a temple.

This expression is used to emphasize that certain misdeeds or cruel acts are so grave that no amount of subsequent good deeds, charity, or religious penance can atone for them. It highlights that the consequences of a fundamental wrong cannot be easily erased by superficial acts of virtue.

A sin committed is cleared if confessed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and honesty. It suggests that the burden of a mistake or wrongdoing is relieved once it is admitted openly, similar to the English expression 'A fault confessed is half redressed'.

Carrying the sin committed in his loincloth, he went to Kashi and cried 'Hara Hara'.

This proverb describes hypocrisy and the futility of seeking external purification when one is unwilling to let go of their wrongdoings. It is used to mock people who commit sins or crimes and expect divine forgiveness through pilgrimage or rituals while still holding onto the benefits of their bad deeds or without genuine repentance.

There is no sin in times of danger/adversity.

This proverb suggests that in life-threatening or extreme crisis situations, standard moral rules or rigid religious restrictions may be overlooked for survival. It is similar to the concept of 'Necessity knows no law.' It is used to justify an unconventional action taken during an emergency that would otherwise be considered wrong.

The good that an onion does, even a mother cannot do.

This is a popular Telugu proverb highlighting the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the most selfless caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the human body that they provide benefits even a mother's care cannot replicate.

If you carry the sins you committed tied to your own hand, will going to Kashi provide salvation?

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their bad deeds simply by visiting holy places or performing rituals. It suggests that true redemption comes from character and actions, rather than superficial religious journeys. It is used to criticize hypocrisy in people who commit wrongs and expect divine forgiveness through travel or rituals.