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Kural #52

Virtue· அறம்The Excellence of a Wife· வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்

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Tamil text

மனைமாட்சி இல்லாள்கண் இல்லாயின்

வாழ்க்கை எனைமாட்சித் தாயினும் இல்

Maṉaimāṭci illāḷkaṇ illāyiṉ

Vāḻkkai eṉaimāṭcit tāyiṉum il

English translation

If the wife lacks the excellence of household management, then however great one's other achievements, life has no worth.

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Explanation

This kural emphasizes that without a capable wife who can manage the home well, all other accomplishments in life become meaningless. The phrase மனைமாட்சி refers to the dignity and prosperity of the household, which depends greatly on the wife's abilities.

விளக்கம்

மனைவியின் திறமையில்லாவிட்டால், வீட்டில் சிறப்பு இருக்காது. எவ்வளவு பெரிய வெற்றி பெற்றாலும், வாழ்க்கை முழுமையடையாது. இல்வாழ்க்கை நல்லறமாக விளங்க மனைவியின் பங்கு முக்கியம். இது வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம் அதிகாரத்தில் சொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது.

Word meanings

  • மனைmaṉaihome/household
  • மாட்சிmāṭciexcellence/glory
  • இல்லாள்illāḷwife (lady of the house)
  • கண்kaṇin/with
  • இல்லாயின்illāyiṉif not present
  • வாழ்க்கைvāḻkkailife
  • எனைeṉaiwhatever/however much
  • மாட்சித்துmāṭcittugreatness
  • ஆயினும்āyiṉumeven if
  • இல்ilis not/nothing

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a whispering river, lived a wealthy merchant named Thiru. He owned vast lands and traded in precious jewels, admired by all for his success. He built a grand home, adorned with fine carvings and filled with servants. Yet, Thiru was often troubled. His wife, though beautiful, cared little for the household. Meals were haphazard, debts piled up, and the servants gossiped freely. Across the village, lived a humble farmer, Arul, whose home was modest but filled with warmth. His wife, Selvi, managed their small farm with skill and care. Every evening, their simple meals were shared with laughter, and their home always felt peaceful. One day, a storm ravaged the region. Thiru's business suffered due to disorganization, and his wealth dwindled. Arul’s farm, however, weathered the storm. Selvi's foresight in preparing for the season ensured their survival, and the village looked to them for support. Thiru, despite his riches, felt a deep emptiness, while Arul, with little, possessed true contentment.