వినాయకుడి మీద భక్తా? ఉండ్రాళ్ల మీద భక్తా?

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.

Sometimes, one’s place of work or stay elsewhere is better than living in one’s own house, especially when domestic harmony is absent.

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.

This expression refers to a situation where there is a lot of effort or activity, but no real progress is made because one is confined to a limited space. It describes futile efforts or a 'running in circles' scenario where the movement doesn't lead to a destination.

This proverb highlights the punctuality and inevitability of certain actions. Just as a devout Brahmin will never miss his evening prayers (Sandhyavandanam), a shrewd merchant (Komati) will never let a debt go uncollected or unpaid for long. It is used to describe things that are certain to happen or must be settled promptly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.