Kural #1003
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
ஈட்டம் இவறி இசைவேண்டா ஆடவர்
தோற்றம் நிலக்குப் பொறை
Īṭṭam ivaṟi icaivēṇṭā āṭavar
Tōṟṟam nilakkup poṟai
English translation
Men who hoard wealth without seeking good reputation are a mere burden upon the earth.
Listen
Explanation
Those who accumulate riches without caring for their good name (இசை) serve no purpose. Their very existence is a burden on the earth that supports them. Reputation through good deeds gives meaning to wealth.
விளக்கம்
செல்வத்தை சேர்த்து, புகழ் பெற விரும்பாதவர், பூமிக்கு பாரமே. நற்பெயரே செல்வத்துக்கு அர்த்தம் தரும். "நன்றியில் செல்வம்" அதிகாரத்தில், பிறருக்கு உதவாத செல்வம் பயனற்றது என்கிறது குறள்.
Word meanings
- ஈட்டம்īṭṭamaccumulation
- இவறிivaṟihoarding
- இசைicaifame/reputation
- வேண்டாvēṇṭānot wanting
- ஆடவர்āṭavarmen
- தோற்றம்tōṟṟamappearance/existence
- நிலக்குnilakkufor the earth
- பொறைpoṟaiburden
Story behind this kural
In a bustling village, lived a wealthy merchant named Silas. His warehouses overflowed with silks and spices, yet his heart remained closed. Silas cared only for profit, ignoring the needs of his neighbors. He built a towering mansion, its walls cold and unwelcoming. Across the village square, lived Elara, a humble weaver. Though her loom produced simple cloth, her generosity was legendary. She shared her meager earnings, mending clothes for the poor and offering comfort to the grieving. Her small cottage was always filled with laughter and kindness. A great drought struck the land. Silas, with his overflowing granaries, refused to help, fearing a loss of his wealth. Elara, however, opened her doors, sharing her food and water, even as her own stores dwindled. When the rains finally returned, the villagers celebrated. Silas, still hoarding his riches, found himself shunned. Elara, though poorer in possessions, stood tall, surrounded by friends, her spirit brighter than the sun.