ఉత్తర కుమార ప్రజ్ఞలు

uttara kumara prajnyalu

Translation

The boastings of Uttara Kumâra.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who boasts or brags excessively about their courage and abilities but proves to be a coward or fails miserably when it comes to actual action. It originates from the Mahabharata, where Prince Uttara Kumara made grand claims of bravery before fleeing the battlefield upon seeing the Kuru army.

Notes

Uttara, the son of king Virâṭa, volunteered to attack the Kurus, but his courage failed him and he turned tail at the sight of the enemy ( see Virâṭaparva of the Mahâbhârata ). Bragging. Bombast.

Related Phrases

Don't leave your home seeing Vishakha; pack your basket seeing Uttara.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon season and lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that one shouldn't lose hope or abandon their home if it doesn't rain during the Vishakha season, but if it rains during the Uttara season, it is a sign of a bountiful harvest, and one should get their baskets ready to collect the produce. It is used to advise patience and readiness based on seasonal changes.

An order for mangoes, but is there an order for swallowing?

This proverb is used to point out the absurdity of trying to control or restrict something that is natural, involuntary, or beyond one's authority. While one might have control over the distribution of fruits (mangoes), they cannot control the basic bodily function or the urge of the person eating (swallowing). It highlights that certain things happen naturally and cannot be governed by rules or commands.

Valor without wisdom is like a sword without sharpness.

This proverb emphasizes that courage or bravery is useless, or even dangerous, if it is not guided by intelligence and wisdom. Just as a blunt sword cannot serve its purpose in battle despite its appearance, raw strength or courage without a strategic mind is ineffective in achieving goals.

Uttara Kumara for boasting

This expression is used to describe a person who boasts grandly or makes tall claims about their bravery and skills but fails to perform or flees when it comes to actual action. It originates from the character Uttara Kumara in the Mahabharata, who bragged about his prowess but was terrified upon seeing the Kaurava army.

There may be a command (restriction) on tamarinds, but is there a command on swallowing (saliva)?

This proverb is used to point out that while one can restrict or control access to physical resources or external actions, one cannot control a person's natural reactions, thoughts, or internal desires. It is often used when someone tries to impose impossible or overreaching restrictions on others.

If it stings it is a scorpion, if it does not sting it is a mole cricket. A man's character is known by his acts.

This proverb describes someone whose character or intent is judged solely by their actions in the moment. It is used to describe unpredictable people who can be harmful or harmless depending on the situation, or to highlight that a person's reputation depends on their behavior.

Look at Uttara and lift the basket

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the 'Uttara' Nakshatra (monsoon rain period). It implies that once the Uttara rains begin, the harvest season is ending or the rains will be so heavy that one should pack up their tools and prepare for the next stage. In a broader sense, it means to act promptly according to the signs of the environment or timing.

Take up your basket [of seed ] when you see [the sun in] Uttara. Uttara is one of the twenty-seven lunar mansions. When the sun is in Uttara there is invariably rain, and seed is then sown. Make hay while the sun shines. Know your opportunity. (Latin.)

Uttara is a specific Vedic rain star (Nakshatra). This proverb is used in an agricultural context, suggesting that when the Uttara rain arrives, it is time to harvest and pack the produce in baskets. It signifies being ready to reap the rewards of one's hard work at the right moment.

One who knows everything. Jack of all trades and master of none.

This expression is used to describe a person who has profound, exhaustive, and comprehensive knowledge or genius in multiple fields or a specific subject. It refers to someone whose wisdom is thorough and touches every aspect of the matter at hand.

A mantra without Omkara, wisdom without authority

This expression refers to things that are incomplete or ineffective despite their inherent quality. Just as a mantra is considered spiritually powerless without the 'Om' sound, wisdom or talent is often seen as ineffective or useless in a social or professional context if the person possessing it lacks the authority or position to implement it.