వసిష్ఠుని వాక్కున విశ్వామిత్రుడు బ్రహ్మర్షి అనిపించుకోవలెను
vasishthuni vakkuna vishvamitrudu brahmarshi anipinchukovalenu
Viśvâmitra must have himself called a Brahmanshi from the mouth of Vasishtha. Vasishtha was a celebrated priestly sage ( Brahmanshi ). Viśvâmitra, once a king, had by penance become a royal Ṛishi ( Râjarshi ) but persisted in austerities until Vasishtha was compelled to acknowledge him as a Brahmanshi. ( See Bâlakâṇḍa of the Râmâyana.*—Also Muir’s Sanskrit Texts Part. I. )
This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it is acknowledged by one's greatest rival or a peer of the highest caliber. It originates from the mythological rivalry where King Vishwamitra performed intense penance to become a Brahmarshi, but his status was only truly validated when his adversary, Sage Vashistha, finally addressed him as one.
* चत्ववेदविदां श्रेष्ठो ब्रह्मवेदविदामपि। ब्रह्मपुत्तो वशिष्ठो मामेवं वदतु देवताः॥
Related Phrases
కూర్చుండి తింటే కొండలైనా కరిగిపోతాయి
kurchundi tinte kondalaina karigipotayi
One must sit first, and then lie down. Said to a man inclined to do a thing hastily. First creep, then go.
This proverb is used to warn that if one only consumes wealth without working to earn or replenish it, even the vastest fortunes will eventually be exhausted. It emphasizes the importance of hard work and the dangers of laziness or dependency on inheritance.
బాలవాక్కు బ్రహ్మవాక్కు
balavakku brahmavakku
The word of a child is the word of Brahma
This expression suggests that children are innocent and pure, so their words are as truthful and prophetic as the words of Lord Brahma (the creator). It is used to imply that children often speak the absolute truth without filter or malice.
అని అనిపించుకోవలెనా అత్తగారా?
ani anipinchukovalena attagara?
O mother-in-law, should you accuse me and bring a reproach on yourself in return ?
This expression is used sarcastically or ironically when someone tries to cover up their obvious mistakes or bad behavior by pretending to be concerned about their reputation. It originates from a folk story where a daughter-in-law behaves poorly and then asks if she deserves the bad name she is getting, highlighting hypocrisy.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
విన్నవి అన్నీ విశ్వసించవద్దు, విశ్వసించినవి అన్నీ వెలిబుచ్చవద్దు.
vinnavi anni vishvasinchavaddu, vishvasinchinavi anni velibuchchavaddu.
Don't believe all you hear, don't divulge all you believe. Do not all you can ; spend not all you have ; believe not all you hear ; and tell not all you know.
This proverb advises discretion and skepticism. It cautions against being gullible by trusting all rumors or information received (hearsay), and simultaneously warns to be guarded with one's own thoughts and convictions rather than sharing them indiscriminately with everyone.
వశిష్టుని వాక్కున విశ్వామిత్రుడు బ్రహ్మర్షి అనిపించుకోవలె.
vashishtuni vakkuna vishvamitrudu brahmarshi anipinchukovale.
Vishwamitra must be called a Brahmarshi by the words of Vashistha.
This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it comes from a peer or a rival who is equally or more qualified. In Hindu mythology, although Vishwamitra performed great penance, he only felt he truly achieved the status of 'Brahmarshi' when his rival, Sage Vashistha, acknowledged him as such. It is used to emphasize that self-praise is no recommendation and validation should come from an authoritative source.
విన్నవన్నీ విశ్వసించవద్దు, విశ్వసించినవన్నీ వెలిబుచ్చవద్దు.
vinnavanni vishvasinchavaddu, vishvasinchinavanni velibuchchavaddu.
Do not believe everything you hear, and do not express everything you believe.
This proverb advises caution in both processing information and sharing it. It suggests that one should exercise skepticism toward rumors or hearsay, and even when one holds a firm belief or knows a truth, it is often wise to remain silent rather than speaking out indiscriminately.
ఏడి వెంకటస్వామి అనిపించుకొన్నట్లు
edi venkatasvami anipinchukonnatlu
Like making someone say, 'Where is Venkataswamy?'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task so poorly or fails so miserably that people start questioning their very presence or competence. It implies a total failure that leads to a loss of reputation, where instead of praise, the person's absence is preferred or their existence is mocked.
వాడు చెప్పినది వసిష్ఠ వాక్యము.
vadu cheppinadi vasishtha vakyamu.
What he says is Vashishtha's dictum.
In Hindu mythology, Sage Vasistha is known for his truthfulness and wisdom. This expression is used to describe a statement that is considered absolutely true, indisputable, or final. It is used when someone's words are taken as the ultimate authority or gospel truth.
కోతి పుండు బ్రహ్మరాక్షసి
koti pundu brahmarakshasi
A sore is a she-demon to a monkey. Making a great fuss about nothing.
This expression refers to a small problem that becomes much larger and uncontrollable due to constant meddling or aggravation. Just as a monkey cannot stop scratching its wound until it becomes a severe, unhealable sore, some people make their troubles worse by obsessing over them or interfering unnecessarily.
త్రిశంకు స్వర్గం
trishanku svargam
Trishanku's Heaven
This expression refers to a state of being stuck between two goals or situations, unable to reach the desired destination while also being unable to return to the starting point. It is used to describe a dilemma or a 'limbo' state where one is suspended without progress or stability, originating from the mythological story where King Trishanku was suspended between Heaven and Earth by Vishwamitra.