Kural #279
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Tamil text
கணைகொடிது யாழ்கோடு செவ்விதுஆங்
கன்ன வினைபடு பாலால் கொளல்
Kaṇaikoṭitu yāḻkōṭu cevvituāṅ
Kaṉṉa viṉaipaṭu pālāl koḷal
English translation
The arrow is crooked while the harp's arm is straight; judge people not by appearance but by their actions.
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Explanation
A profound observation on appearances. The arrow looks curved but flies true to its target. The harp's arm appears straight but produces bent sounds. Similarly, people must be judged by their deeds, not their outward form.
விளக்கம்
அம்பு வளைஞ்சிருந்தாலும் குறி தவறாது. யாழ் நேரா இருந்தும் இசை வளைஞ்சு போகலாம். மனுஷங்களோட செயலைப் பார்த்துதான் அவங்கள எடை போடணும். கூடாவொழுக்கம் அதிகாரத்துல இத சொல்றாரு திருவள்ளுவர். தோற்றத்த நம்பாதீங்க!
Word meanings
- கணைkaṇaiarrow
- கொடிதுkoṭituis crooked
- யாழ்yāḻharp/lute
- கோடுkōṭuarm/neck
- செவ்விதுcevvituis straight
- ஆங்குāṅkuthus/similarly
- அன்னaṉṉasuch
- வினைviṉaiaction/deed
- படுpaṭuaccording to
- பாலால்pālālby nature/by
- கொளல்koḷaljudge/take
Story behind this kural
In a humble village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two artisans: Elara, the carpenter, and Kael, the archer. Elara crafted beautiful, ornate boxes, each one a testament to his skill. Yet, his words were often sharp, and his actions, unkind. Kael, on the other hand, was known for his clumsy appearance. His arrows were roughly hewn, and his workshop a chaotic mess. But his heart overflowed with kindness. The villagers admired Elara’s boxes, praising their flawless surfaces. But they also whispered about his arrogance and selfish deeds. They often sought Kael’s help, despite his rough edges. They knew he would always lend a hand and offer a warm smile. One day, the King needed a strong, straight arrow for a grand hunt. He summoned both artisans. Elara presented a finely crafted arrow, perfect in every detail. Kael presented a simple, sturdy arrow, slightly askew. The King chose Kael’s arrow, for it flew straight and true, while Elara’s, though beautiful, wobbled and missed the mark.