Kural #492
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Tamil text
முரண்சேர்ந்த மொய்ம்பி னவர்க்கும்
அரண்சேர்ந்தாம் ஆக்கம் பலவுந் தரும்
Muraṇcērnta moympi ṉavarkkum
Araṇcērntām ākkam palavun tarum
English translation
Even for those with great opposing strength, a fortified position brings many advantages.
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Explanation
Position multiplies power. Even those who face superior force can gain many advantages through favorable terrain and fortification. Where you stand matters as much as how strong you are.
விளக்கம்
பகை வலிமையானாலும், நல்ல இடத்தில் இருந்தால் வெற்றி பெறலாம். அரண் அமைத்துக்கொண்டால், பல நன்மைகள் உண்டாகும். இடம் அறிந்து செயல்பட்டால், வலிமை இல்லாவிட்டாலும் வெல்லலாம். இது இடனறிதல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- முரண்muraṇopposition/conflict
- சேர்ந்தcērntajoined with
- மொய்ம்புmoympustrength
- இனவர்க்கும்iṉavarkkumeven for those with
- அரண்araṇfortress/position
- சேர்ந்தால்cērntālif joined
- ஆக்கம்ākkamadvantage
- பலவும்palavummany
- தரும்tarumgives
Story behind this kural
The bandit, known for his brute strength, led his men to plunder the village. They roared with confidence, eager for easy spoils. The villagers, though fewer, knew the forest well. They led the bandits deep into the woods, towards the treacherous cliffs. The bandits, expecting a fight, found only empty trails. But as they emerged onto a narrow ledge, the villagers appeared above, raining down rocks and arrows. The bandit, despite his might, was trapped. He and his men, caught in a deadly bottleneck, were easily overwhelmed. The villagers, using the terrain to their advantage, defended their homes. Though they were less powerful, their knowledge of the place had turned the tables, securing their safety and driving away the threat. The bandits, strong as they were, learned a hard lesson that day.