తీర్థయాత్రతోడ దివ్యుండు కాడయా

tirthayatratoda divyundu kadaya

Translation

One does not become a divine being just by going on a pilgrimage.

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that spiritual growth or holiness comes from inner purity and character rather than the mere physical act of visiting sacred places. It is often used to remind people that external rituals are meaningless without internal transformation.

Related Phrases

One who does not give charity is not a blessed person

This expression emphasizes the virtue of generosity. It suggests that wealth alone does not bring fulfillment or spiritual merit; rather, it is the act of sharing or giving to others that makes a person truly honorable or 'blessed'. It is often used to encourage philanthropy or to critique stinginess.

One who simply sings hymns is not necessarily a devotee.

This expression is used to highlight that true devotion or loyalty lies in one's character and actions, rather than outward displays, rituals, or constant flattery. In modern contexts, it is often used to criticize sycophants or 'yes-men' who praise superiors purely for personal gain rather than out of genuine respect.

A pill from Ananthayya's hand leads to a journey to Vaikuntha.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who is incompetent or dangerous in their profession, particularly a bad doctor. 'Vaikuntha' is the abode of Lord Vishnu, implying that the patient dies immediately after taking the medicine prescribed by such a person.

The doctor said, 'A pill from my hand is a journey to Vaikuntha (heaven)'.

This is a sarcastic proverb used to describe an incompetent professional whose actions lead to disastrous results rather than a cure. It specifically mocks a doctor whose treatment is so poor that it kills the patient instead of healing them, sending them straight to the afterlife.

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

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.

One's own good and evil stay with them only.

This expression emphasizes personal responsibility and the law of karma. It means that the consequences of a person's actions—whether positive (good) or negative (evil)—will ultimately follow them and affect their own life. It is often used to advise someone to act righteously, as they alone will reap the results of their deeds.

If there is no mantra, give me another mouthful of holy water.

This expression is used to mock someone who ignores the spiritual or qualitative essence of an activity and instead focuses solely on the material quantity or physical greed. It satirizes people who prioritize substance over significance, or who take advantage of a lack of formal rules to indulge themselves.

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.

Learning to apply the sacred mark is like completing all the holy pilgrimages.

This proverb suggests that mastering a fundamental skill or the core discipline of a task is equivalent to achieving the end result. In a satirical sense, it can also refer to people who focus heavily on outward appearances or rituals, implying that once the 'show' is mastered, they feel they have achieved everything.

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.