వీరోచిత కార్యాల సుగంధమే కీర్తి.

virochita karyala sugandhame kirti.

Translation

Fame is the fragrance of heroic deeds.

Meaning

This expression means that a person's reputation or fame is a natural byproduct of their brave and noble actions, much like how a flower's fragrance is the result of its existence. It is used to emphasize that one should focus on performing great deeds rather than chasing after fame directly.

Related Phrases

Small in body, great in fame.

This expression is used to describe someone who may appear physically small or humble in stature, but possesses immense talent, greatness, or achievements. It is similar to the English proverb 'Great things come in small packages' and emphasizes that a person's capability or reputation should not be judged by their physical size.

Fame does not come without giving, and a woman does not gain charm without care.

This proverb emphasizes that everything has a cost or a prerequisite. Just as one cannot gain a reputation for being generous without actually giving or donating, true beauty or grace requires effort and nurturing. It is used to suggest that rewards and results are tied to specific actions and sacrifices.

Like accomplishing the Lord's work and one's own work together.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one action or journey serves two purposes simultaneously—typically a duty or service (the Lord's work) and a personal task (one's own work). It is similar to the English idiom 'killing two birds with one stone.'

Predestined events will be accomplished by Gandharvas. In allusion to the death of Kichaka whom Draupadí declared to have been killed by her husbands the Gandharvas. (See Virâta Parva of the Mahâbhârata.) Gandharvas are celestial musicians. The judgments of God are fulfilled by unseen instruments. The feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool. (Latn.)

This expression is used to suggest that certain inevitable events or difficult tasks will be resolved by external forces or divine intervention without one's direct involvement. It is often cited when a problem seems to solve itself through unexpected circumstances or third parties, similar to the concept of 'destiny taking its course'.

If you fail to keep your word, you will end up with infamy.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity and keeping promises. It suggests that if a person goes back on their word or fails to fulfill a commitment, they will ultimately suffer a loss of reputation and be remembered poorly. It is used to advise someone to be truthful and reliable.

There is no counting the deeds of a king, nor the deeds of Lord Rama.

This expression is used to describe an overwhelming number of actions or events that are beyond measurement or questioning. It suggests that just as one cannot possibly list every act of a powerful ruler or the divine interventions of Lord Rama, certain situations involve so many details or consequences that they are impossible to fully account for or critique.

There is no questioning the actions of a king or of Râma.

This expression is used to highlight that ordinary greatness cannot be compared to divine or absolute righteousness. It implies that while a king acts based on power or politics, Rama's actions were governed by 'Dharma' (morality). It is used when comparing two things where one is clearly superior in quality or character.

In his own business a great worker, in his master's business a great cheat.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely diligent and efficient when working for their own personal gain, but lazy, dishonest, or negligent when performing duties for their employer or others. It is used to criticize someone's selfishness and lack of professional integrity.

The battlefield (or field of action) for good deeds is the conscience.

This expression emphasizes that the motivation and validation for performing good deeds should come from within one's own soul or conscience, rather than for external praise or societal recognition. It suggests that true morality is an internal commitment.

The form may be small, but the fame is great.

This proverb is used to describe a person who might be small in physical stature or humble in appearance but possesses immense talent, wisdom, or achievements. It signifies that one's value should be measured by their character and reputation rather than their physical size. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Small in size, but big in fame'.