విష్ణువు పేరుతో గంగిరెద్దు, శివుడు పేరుతో ఆంబోతు.

vishnuvu peruto gangireddu, shivudu peruto ambotu.

Translation

A decorated ox in the name of Vishnu, a sacred bull in the name of Shiva.

Meaning

This expression refers to individuals who use the names of influential people or powerful institutions to lead a comfortable life without doing much work. Just as the 'Gangireddu' and 'Ambothu' are revered and fed because of their association with deities, some people thrive solely on their affiliations or inherited reputation rather than their own merit.

Related Phrases

Does putting a blanket on a dog make it a sacred bull?

A person's character or inherent nature doesn't change simply by changing their appearance or attire. True identity is internal and cannot be masked by external decorations or pretenses. It is often used to criticize someone trying to appear more noble or capable than they actually are.

If you tie a decorated bull to a cart it goes through the street; if you tie Gangiraavu to a cart it goes through every house.

This proverb contrasts performance and outcomes based on the nature of the subject. It refers to the idea that a trained, decorated bull (Gangireddu) follows a broad path through the streets, whereas a common or untrained one (Gangiraavu) might wander erratically into every doorway. In a broader sense, it is used to describe how a person's behavior or a specific method determines the extent or quality of the result, often highlighting inefficiency or unnecessary persistence.

One who fears neither Yama nor Shiva.

This expression describes an exceptionally bold, fearless, or reckless individual. Yama is the god of death and Shiva is the god of destruction; by saying someone doesn't fear either, it implies they are not afraid of death, divine consequences, or any supreme power. It is often used to describe someone who takes extreme risks or acts with total defiance.

Lord Shiva gave the monkey as much as it asked for.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets exactly what they desired or even more than they expected, often through divine grace or unexpected generosity. It highlights the fulfillment of a wish or reaching a state of abundance.

The name is God's, but the mouth is one's own.

This proverb is used to describe a person who uses a noble cause, a deity's name, or a reputable person's authority as a cover to speak rudely, lie, or serve their own selfish interests. It highlights the hypocrisy of appearing religious or virtuous while having a foul or dishonest way of speaking.

May a man fight with his Guru ?

This expression is used when someone challenges, argues with, or tries to outsmart their own mentor, expert, or the person who taught them everything they know. It implies that such a conflict is disrespectful, foolish, or a losing battle for the student.

To dance around like a decorated bull possessed by a deity.

This expression is used to describe someone who is acting in an uncontrollably aggressive, chaotic, or agitated manner. It likens a person's wild behavior or angry outburst to the frenzied movements of a 'Gangireddu' (sacred decorated bull) when it is perceived to be possessed or extremely restless.

If in Himagiri (the Himalayas), it is Nandi; if in Gangaram (a common village), it is a Gangireddu (a street bull).

This proverb describes how the value and respect an individual receives depend heavily on their environment, position, and the company they keep. Even a divine bull like Nandi is seen as a common street bull when removed from its sacred context. It is used to emphasize that status is often a reflection of one's surroundings.

Like plowing with a male buffalo and an ox together.

This expression describes an incompatible pairing or an ill-suited combination of people or things. Since a buffalo and an ox have different temperaments, strengths, and speeds, trying to make them work together in a single plow is inefficient and results in chaos. It is used when two people who are fundamentally different or mismatched are forced to cooperate.

Can a ploughing ox be compared to a breeding bull?

This proverb is used to say that it is unfair or impossible to compare someone who works hard and follows rules with someone who is free, unruly, or enjoys special privileges. It highlights the vast difference in roles, lifestyle, or status between two individuals.