Kural #106
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Tamil text
மறவற்க மாசற்றார் கேண்மை
துறவற்க துன்பத்துள் துப்பாயார் நட்பு
Maṟavaṟka māsaṟṟār kēṇmai
Tuṟavaṟka tuṉpattuḷ tuppāyār naṭpu
English translation
Never forget the friendship of the pure-hearted; never forsake the friendship of those who stood by you in times of distress.
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Explanation
This kural identifies two types of precious friendships: those with people of pure character, and those who helped during difficult times. Such bonds must be cherished forever. The word துப்பு here means support/strength, referring to those who became your pillar during hardship.
விளக்கம்
மாசில்லாத நண்பரின் உறவை மறக்காதே. துன்பத்தில் உதவிய நண்பரை விலக்காதே. நன்றியறிதல் அதிகாரத்தில், நல்ல நண்பர்களைப் போற்ற வேண்டும் என்று வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார். அவர்கள் நட்பை எப்போதும் மதி.
Word meanings
- மறவற்கmaṟavaṟkado not forget
- மாசற்றார்māsaṟṟārthose without blemish/pure
- கேண்மைkēṇmaifriendship
- துறவற்கtuṟavaṟkado not forsake
- துன்பத்துள்tuṉpattuḷin times of distress
- துப்பாயார்tuppāyārthose who were support
- நட்புnaṭpufriendship
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived a woodcutter named Arul. He was known for his kindness and honesty. One harsh winter, a terrible blizzard struck, burying the village in snow. Food became scarce, and despair filled the air. Only the village elder, a wise woman named Selvi, and the baker, Kumar, offered Arul their meager stores. When spring finally arrived, and the snow melted, a wealthy merchant arrived in the village. He sought to buy the forest for its valuable timber. He offered Arul a great sum for his small plot. Arul, tempted by the riches, hesitated. He remembered Selvi’s gentle advice and Kumar's selfless act during the winter. He declined the merchant's offer, knowing the forest was vital for everyone. The merchant, angered, left. Arul then helped Kumar and Selvi by cutting firewood and sharing his harvest, ensuring they were always taken care of.