దూపం వేస్తే పాపం పోతుంది

dupam veste papam potundi

Translation

Offering incense washes away sins.

Meaning

This expression suggests that performing a simple ritual or act of devotion can lead to spiritual cleansing or the forgiveness of mistakes. It is often used to emphasize the importance of religious or traditional practices in finding peace or redemption.

Related Phrases

Anger is a cause of sin.

This expression highlights that anger often leads people to commit wrongful or sinful acts that they might later regret. It is used as a piece of advice to encourage self-control and emotional regulation, suggesting that one should stay calm to avoid negative consequences.

Anger is a sworn enemy. Anger is the fever and frenzy of the soul.

Anger is a partner to sin

This proverb suggests that anger is the root cause or a close companion of sinful actions. It implies that when a person is angry, they lose their sense of judgment and are more likely to commit wrongdoings or harmful acts.

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.

Will your sins vanish if you go to a neighboring village?

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions or their internal guilt simply by changing their location. Physical movement doesn't provide moral absolution. It is used to point out that a person's problems or character flaws follow them wherever they go.

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'.

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.

Anger toward the mother is taken out on the child.

This proverb describes a situation where a person redirects their frustration or anger from its original source toward someone else who is vulnerable or associated with that source. It is used to point out unfair treatment where an innocent party suffers for someone else's mistake or due to a displaced grudge.

Saying 'Alas!' (showing pity) brings six months of sin.

This expression is used to advise against showing misplaced sympathy or fake pity for someone who has committed a wrong or is facing the consequences of their own actions. It suggests that by pitying a wrongdoer, one might share a portion of their negative karma or burden.

If you offer incense, sin will be removed.

This expression is used to highlight hypocrisy or the futility of performing outward religious rituals while harboring bad intentions or having committed serious wrongs. It suggests that a small ritual cannot wash away the consequences of one's misdeeds.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.