Kural #233
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
ஒன்றா உலகத்து உயர்ந்த புகழ்அல்லால்
பொன்றாது நிற்பது ஒன்றில்
Oṉṟā ulakattu uyarnta pukaḻallāl
Poṉṟātu niṟpatu oṉṟil
English translation
In this world, nothing endures except exalted fame; all else perishes.
Listen
Explanation
Wealth, power, and beauty all fade. Only the fame born of virtue survives death and time.
விளக்கம்
உலகில் அழியாமல் நிலைப்பது உயர்ந்த புகழே. செல்வம், அதிகாரம் எல்லாம் மாறும்; நற்பண்பால் வரும் புகழே நிலைக்கும். புகழ் அதிகாரத்தில், இது அறத்தின் முக்கியத்துவத்தை உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- ஒன்றாoṉṟāuniquely
- உலகத்துulakattuin the world
- உயர்ந்தuyarntaexalted
- புகழ்pukaḻfame
- அல்லால்allālexcept
- பொன்றாதுpoṉṟātuwithout perishing
- நிற்பதுniṟpatuthat which stands
- ஒன்றுoṉṟuone thing
- இல்ilnot
Story behind this kural
In a valley nestled between towering mountains lived two brothers, Karthi and Arul. Karthi, the elder, inherited a vast rice field. He toiled tirelessly, accumulating great wealth, building a grand house, and hosting lavish feasts. He was admired for his prosperity. Arul, the younger, was a humble potter. His days were spent shaping clay, crafting simple pots and vessels. He gave generously to the poor and always spoke kindly. Though he owned little, his presence brought comfort. Years passed. Karthi’s wealth dwindled with changing fortunes; his grand house crumbled. His name was whispered only in the context of past extravagance. Arul, however, continued to live in the hearts of the villagers. When they spoke of him, it was with warmth and gratitude. Even generations later, stories of his compassion echoed through the valley, inspiring others to live a life of kindness.