ఉడత భక్తి

udata bhakti

Translation

A squirrel's devotion

Meaning

This expression refers to contributing one's small or humble part towards a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used to describe a modest contribution made with sincere dedication.

Related Phrases

Even after singing hymns all night, the devotion is zero.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of effort or goes through the motions of a task, but the actual result or the core intent behind it is missing. It highlights hypocrisy or performing actions superficially without genuine commitment or output.

Is the devotion for the steamed rice balls (offering) or for Lord Ganesha?

This expression is used to question someone's true intentions when they appear to be doing something for a noble cause or deity, but are actually interested in the personal benefits or material gains associated with it.

The new devotee applied hot holy ash and cried out, 'Oh Mother, my forehead is burning!'

This proverb is used to mock people who show excessive, misplaced, or immature enthusiasm when starting something new. It highlights how newcomers often overdo rituals or tasks without understanding the practicalities, leading to self-inflicted trouble or embarrassment.

Is it devotedness to Vinâyaka or to the cakes ? Vinâyaka is one of the names of Gaṇeśa ( No. 1974. ) Cupboard love.

This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or participating in an activity not out of genuine interest or devotion, but for the secondary benefits or rewards (like food or money) associated with it.

A squirrel performs a squirrel's service. The squirrels are said to have assisted Râma in building the bridge at Râméśvaram by dipping themselves into the water and then rolling in sand, which they brought for the mortar. Willingly doing what one can.

This expression is used to describe a small contribution or help offered towards a larger cause or project. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying small grains of sand. It signifies that even a tiny effort, when done with sincerity and devotion, is valuable and significant.

A prayer without devotion is a waste of leaves.

This proverb suggests that performing rituals or tasks without genuine intent or sincerity is a waste of resources and effort. Just as offering leaves (patri) during worship is useless if one lacks devotion (bhakti), any action done mechanically without heart is unproductive.

Squirrel's devotion

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.

Food for Madhvas, devotion for Vaishnavas, and logic for Advaitins.

This is a popular saying in South India that characterizes the three main schools of Hindu philosophy based on their perceived primary focus. It suggests that Madhvas (followers of Dvaita) give importance to ritualistic offerings and food, Vaishnavas (followers of Vishishtadvaita) are known for their intense emotional devotion, and Advaitins (followers of Monism) are recognized for their intellectual reasoning and logical discourse.

Is it devotion to Lord Ganesha or devotion to the steam-cooked dumplings?

This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or showing devotion not out of genuine interest or sincerity, but because of the personal benefits or rewards (like the offerings/undrallu) associated with it. It is similar to the English concept of 'ulterior motives'.

Why would a wicked person have devotion towards teachers or gods?

This expression suggests that a person with a mean or narrow-minded nature is incapable of true respect or spiritual devotion. It is used to point out that genuine reverence and character go hand-in-hand, and one cannot expect noble qualities like 'Guru Bhakti' (devotion to a teacher) from someone with a corrupt heart.