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Kural #232

Virtue· அறம்Renown· புகழ்

Last reviewed:

Tamil text

உரைப்பார் உரைப்பவை எல்லாம்

இரப்பார்க்கு ஒன்றுஈவார் மேல் நிற்கும் புகழ்

Uraippār uraippavai ellām

Irappārkku oṉṟuīvār mēl niṟkum pukaḻ

English translation

All that the eloquent praise rests on the fame of those who give to the needy.

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Explanation

The praise of poets and scholars ultimately celebrates those who give. Generosity is the foundation of all true fame.

விளக்கம்

இரப்பவர்களுக்கு ஏதேனும் கொடுப்பவரின் புகழையே மற்றவர் புகழ்ந்துரைப்பர். புகழ் என்னும் அதிகாரத்தில், வள்ளுவர் ஈகையின் சிறப்பை சொல்கிறார். பிறருக்கு உதவும் குணமே உண்மையான புகழைத் தரும்.

Word meanings

  • உரைப்பார்uraippārthose who speak
  • உரைப்பவைuraippavaiwhat they say
  • எல்லாம்ellāmall
  • இரப்பார்க்குirappārkkuto the begging
  • ஒன்றுoṉṟusomething
  • ஈவார்īvārthose who give
  • மேல்mēlupon
  • நிற்கும்niṟkumstands
  • புகழ்pukaḻfame

Story behind this kural

In a humble village nestled beside a whispering river, lived two farmers, Arun and Bala. Both tilled the fertile land, yet their lives diverged. Arun, known for his bountiful harvests, kept his granaries locked tight. His name was whispered with envy. Bala, though his yields were modest, shared his surplus with those in need. He always offered a helping hand. A traveling bard arrived, seeking shelter. Arun, busy counting his coins, turned him away. Bala welcomed the bard, sharing his meager meal. The bard, touched by Bala's kindness, composed a song. It wasn't about the size of the harvest, but about the warmth of the giver's heart. The song spread through the land. Merchants, hearing the bard's praise of Bala, sought him out to trade, offering him the best prices. Soon, even Arun's children would repeat the bard's song, wishing they could be like Bala.