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Kural #147

Virtue· அறம்Not Coveting Another's Wife· பிறனில் விழையாமை

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Tamil text

அறனியலான் இல்வாழ்வான் என்பான்

பிறனியலாள் பெண்மை நயவா தவன்

Aṟaṉiyalāṉ ilvāḻvāṉ eṉpāṉ

Piṟaṉiyalāḷ peṇmai nayavā tavaṉ

English translation

He is truly a virtuous householder who does not desire the womanhood of her who belongs to another.

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Explanation

True virtuous family life (அறனியலான் இல்வாழ்வான்) means complete fidelity. A genuine householder never desires (நயவாதவன்) a woman who belongs to another man. This is the foundation of dharmic household life.

விளக்கம்

பிறன் மனைவியை விரும்பாதவனே அறம் சார்ந்த இல்வாழ்வில் சிறந்தவன். பிறர் மனைவி மீது ஆசை கொள்வது அறம் ஆகாது. பிறனில் விழையாமை அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம். ஒழுக்கமே இல்வாழ்க்கையின் அடிப்படை.

Word meanings

  • அறன்aṟaṉvirtue
  • இயலான்iyalāṉone who follows
  • இல்வாழ்வான்ilvāḻvāṉhouseholder
  • என்பான்eṉpāṉis called
  • பிறன்piṟaṉanother
  • இயலாள்iyalāḷshe who belongs to
  • பெண்மைpeṇmaiwomanhood
  • நயவாதவன்nayavātavaṉone who does not desire

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived a respected farmer named Arul. He had a kind wife, Meena, and a flourishing field. Across the way lived Kumar, a merchant known for his quick tongue and charming ways. Kumar, though wealthy, often cast envious glances at Arul’s peaceful life. He especially admired Meena's gentle nature. One day, Kumar offered Arul a business deal, but it was a trick. While Arul was away, Kumar began to lavish Meena with gifts, hoping to win her favor. Meena, though tempted by the fine silks and jewels, remembered her vows. She politely refused Kumar's advances and informed her husband. Arul, returning home, was saddened by Kumar's deceit. He confronted the merchant, not with anger, but with a quiet dignity. Kumar, ashamed, apologized. Soon, his business began to decline. Arul, however, continued to thrive, his harvest bountiful, his heart at peace, his home filled with love.