Kural #45
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Tamil text
அன்பும் அறனும் உடைத்தாயின்
இல்வாழ்க்கை பண்பும் பயனும் அது
Aṉpum aṟaṉum uṭaittāyiṉ
Ilvāḻkkai paṇpum payaṉum atu
English translation
If domestic life possesses love and virtue, that itself is both its beauty and its reward.
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Explanation
Thiruvalluvar identifies the two pillars of a successful household: அன்பு (love) and அறன் (virtue/righteousness). When these are present, the household has achieved its purpose. Love binds the family together emotionally, while virtue guides their conduct. Together, they are both the character (பண்பு) and the fruit (பயன்) of domestic life.
விளக்கம்
இல்வாழ்க்கை அன்பும் அறமும் கொண்டிருந்தால், அதுவே அதன் சிறப்பும் நன்மையும் ஆகும். அன்பு குடும்பத்தை இணைக்கிறது; அறம் நல்வழியில் நடத்துகிறது. இதுவே இல்வாழ்க்கையின் பண்பும் பயனும்.
Word meanings
- அன்பும்aṉpumlove and
- அறனும்aṟaṉumvirtue/righteousness and
- உடைத்தாயின்uṭaittāyiṉif it possesses
- இல்வாழ்க்கைilvāḻkkaidomestic life
- பண்பும்paṇpumcharacter/quality and
- பயனும்payaṉumbenefit/fruit and
- அதுatuthat (itself)
Story behind this kural
In a small village nestled beside a whispering river lived two families. The first, the Kovils, were known for their lavish feasts and beautiful home. Yet, whispers followed them of unkind words and selfish deeds. Arguments often echoed from their courtyard, and the children rarely smiled. Across the lane lived the Kumars. Their house was simple, their meals modest. But their days were filled with laughter and shared tasks. The Kumars spoke kindly, helped their neighbors, and always welcomed travelers with open arms. When a storm flooded the village, the Kovils hoarded their supplies, while the Kumars shared everything they had. The Kovils' house crumbled, but the Kumars' home stood strong, a beacon of warmth and light. The villagers, though battered by the storm, found solace in the Kumars' company. They knew where true wealth lay.