విశాఖ చూచి విడవకురా కొంప, ఉత్తర చూచి ఎత్తర గంప

vishakha chuchi vidavakura kompa, uttara chuchi ettara gampa

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

Look at Uttara (rain) and lift your basket; look at Vishakha (rain) and leave your house.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rain-bearing nakshatras (lunar mansions). It means that when it rains during the 'Uttara' nakshatra, the harvest will be so bountiful that you must pick up your baskets to collect the yield. Conversely, if it rains during 'Vishakha', the resulting floods or heavy rains might be so severe that one might have to abandon their home. It highlights the impact of specific seasonal rains on farming and livelihood.

Winnow the grain only after observing the wind direction.

This proverb advises individuals to act according to the prevailing circumstances or to seize the right opportunity. Just as a farmer waits for the wind to separate chaff from grain, one should evaluate the environment and timing before making a move to ensure success.

Sorghum says: If Chitta rains, Swati looks kindly, and Vishakha does not blow away, I will yield a Puttedu for every Visa.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the rainy season and the harvest of Jowar (Sorghum). It explains the ideal weather conditions needed during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras) for a bumper crop. 'Chitta' needs rainfall, 'Swati' should be cool/pleasant, and 'Vishakha' should not have heavy winds that knock the grain down. If these conditions are met, even a tiny amount of seed (Visa) will yield a massive harvest (Puttedu).

Applying mascara after seeing the eye; placing a seat after seeing the bird.

This expression refers to performing an action or making a decision based on the specific context, status, or capacity of the person involved. It suggests that one should offer resources, respect, or tasks in proportion to the individual's merit or needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

When the household deity was dying of hunger, the goddess of the field demanded a basket procession.

This proverb describes a situation where someone demands extravagant favors or celebrations when even the basic necessities are not being met. It is used to mock unrealistic or poorly timed demands made by people who are unaware of or indifferent to the dire financial or physical state of others.

After an abundant harvest, an earthen image of the goddess of the field is placed in a basket, and carried in procession, with musical instruments and much rejoicing. To be asked to give to others when badly off one's self.

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.

Seeing Uttara (rain), lift the basket; seeing Vishakha (rain), leave the house.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to rainfall during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It suggests that when it rains during Uttara Phalguni, the harvest is so bountiful that one must pick up their baskets to collect the yield. Conversely, if it rains during Vishakha, the rains are so heavy or persistent that one might even need to abandon their house due to flooding or the intensity of the downpour.

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.

They apply bindi by looking at the face, and place a seat by looking at the person.

This proverb describes the reality of social bias or favoritism. It means that people are often treated based on their status, appearance, or perceived importance rather than equality. Rewards or hospitality are often adjusted according to the social standing of the recipient.