విశ్వమేలే నకులుడు అశ్వశిక్షకుడు అయినాడు.

vishvamele nakuludu ashvashikshakudu ayinadu.

Translation

The world-governing Nakula became a horsebreaker. ( See Virâṭaparva of the Mahâbhârata. ) The will of Providence.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where a highly capable or noble person is forced by fate or circumstances to perform menial tasks or occupy a position far below their true stature. It originates from the Mahabharata, referring to the period when the Pandavas lived in exile (Agnathavasam).

Related Phrases

The faith of a Kômaṭi. Faithlessness.

This expression refers to a double-edged or unreliable trust. It is used to describe a situation where someone's loyalty or commitment is solely dependent on their own profit or benefit, suggesting that their allegiance may shift as soon as the circumstances are no longer advantageous to them.

As long as there is breath, there is hope.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose heart as long as life continues. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'While there's life, there's hope.' It is often used to encourage someone facing difficult circumstances or a seemingly hopeless situation.

From the time of Ikshvaku

This expression is used to describe something that is extremely old, ancient, or outdated. Ikshvaku was a legendary king and the founder of the Ikshvaku dynasty in Hindu mythology; hence, referring to his 'time' implies an era from the distant past.

As long as there is breath, there will be hope

This expression signifies that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It is used to encourage perseverance and optimism even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that possibilities for change or success exist until the very end.

Don't believe all you hear, don't divulge all you believe. Do not all you can ; spend not all you have ; believe not all you hear ; and tell not all you know.

This proverb advises discretion and skepticism. It cautions against being gullible by trusting all rumors or information received (hearsay), and simultaneously warns to be guarded with one's own thoughts and convictions rather than sharing them indiscriminately with everyone.

Vishwamitra must be called a Brahmarshi by the words of Vashistha.

This expression highlights that true recognition or a title is only valid when it comes from a peer or a rival who is equally or more qualified. In Hindu mythology, although Vishwamitra performed great penance, he only felt he truly achieved the status of 'Brahmarshi' when his rival, Sage Vashistha, acknowledged him as such. It is used to emphasize that self-praise is no recommendation and validation should come from an authoritative source.

As long as there is breath there is hope.

This expression is used to signify that one should never give up or lose hope as long as they are alive. It emphasizes resilience and the possibility of change or success even in the most difficult circumstances, suggesting that life and hope are inseparable.

Do not believe everything you hear, and do not express everything you believe.

This proverb advises caution in both processing information and sharing it. It suggests that one should exercise skepticism toward rumors or hearsay, and even when one holds a firm belief or knows a truth, it is often wise to remain silent rather than speaking out indiscriminately.

Like a horse and a donkey combining to become a 'Gushwam'.

This expression describes a situation where two incompatible or disparate things are mixed together, resulting in something nonsensical, chaotic, or ineffective. It is used to mock an absurd combination or a compromise that makes no sense. (Note: 'Gushwam' is a portmanteau word created from 'Gurram' (horse) and 'Ashwam' (another word for horse/donkey context) to highlight the absurdity.)

Even after going to Kashi, the influence of Saturn did not leave.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's bad luck or problems follow them no matter where they go or what remedies they seek. It suggests that certain consequences of fate or persistent troubles cannot be escaped simply by changing one's location or visiting holy places.