వినాయకుడి మీద భక్తా? ఉండ్రాళ్ళ మీద భక్తా?
vinayakudi mida bhakta? undralla mida bhakta?
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'.
Related Phrases
చిత్తం శివుని మీద, భక్తి చెప్పుల మీద
chittam shivuni mida, bhakti cheppula mida
The mind is on Lord Shiva, but the devotion is on the sandals.
This proverb is used to describe a person who pretends to be focused on a spiritual or serious task while their actual interest or worry lies elsewhere (usually on materialistic or trivial things). It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of true concentration.
ఉండ్రాళ్ళమీద భక్తా, విఘ్నేశ్వరుడిమీద భక్తా?
undrallamida bhakta, vighneshvarudimida bhakta?
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.
వినాయకుడి మీద భక్తా? ఉండ్రాళ్ల మీద భక్తా?
vinayakudi mida bhakta? undralla mida bhakta?
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.
చిత్తము శివునిమీద, భక్తి చెప్పులమీద.
chittamu shivunimida, bhakti cheppulamida.
He has a mind to worship Siva, but his thoughts are on his shoes ( left outside the temple ).
This proverb is used to describe a person who appears to be focused on a spiritual or serious task but is actually distracted by trivial or worldly concerns. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of true concentration, similar to someone praying in a temple while worrying about their footwear being stolen outside.
ఉడత భక్తి
udata bhakti
A squirrel's devotion
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.
ఉడత భక్తి
udata bhakti
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.
పత్రి దేవుని మీద, భక్తి చెప్పుల మీద
patri devuni mida, bhakti cheppula mida
The leaves (offerings) are on the God, but the devotion is on the sandals.
This expression is used to describe a person who is physically performing a task or ritual but is mentally distracted by something else, often material or worldly concerns. It highlights hypocrisy or a lack of focus, similar to the English idea of 'going through the motions' while your mind is elsewhere.
చిత్తం శివుడి మీద, భక్తి చెప్పుల మీద
chittam shivudi mida, bhakti cheppula mida
Mind on Lord Shiva, but devotion on the sandals.
This proverb describes a person who pretends to be focused on something noble or spiritual while their mind is actually preoccupied with worldly or trivial distractions. It is used to point out hypocrisy or a lack of true concentration during a task or prayer.
ఉడతా భక్తి
udata bhakti
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.
భయమైనా ఉండాలి, భక్తి అయినా ఉండాలి
bhayamaina undali, bhakti ayina undali
There should be either fear or devotion
This expression is used to emphasize that a person should be governed by some form of discipline. It implies that if one does not have genuine respect (devotion) for authority or rules, they should at least have a fear of the consequences of breaking them. It is often used in contexts of parenting, workplace management, or social conduct to suggest that a complete lack of both leads to chaos or irresponsible behavior.