Kural #59
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Tamil text
புகழ்புரிந்த இல்லிலோர்க்கு இல்லை
இகழ்வார்முன் ஏறுபோல் பீடு நடை
Pukaḻpurinta illilōrkku illai
Ikaḻvārmuṉ ēṟupōl pīṭu naṭai
English translation
Those who lack a glory-bringing wife cannot walk with lion-like dignity before their critics.
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Explanation
A man's public confidence comes from his home stability. Thiruvalluvar uses the powerful image of a lion (ஏறு) walking with pride. Without a virtuous wife bringing glory to the home, a man cannot face his critics with such dignity.
விளக்கம்
மனைவி புகழோடு இருந்தால், கணவன் நிமிர்ந்து நடக்கலாம். மனைவியின் நற்குணங்களால் வீட்டில் பெருமை சேர்ந்தால், மற்றவர் குறை சொல்லும்போதும் கணவன் சிங்கத்தைப் போல் கம்பீரமாக இருப்பான். இல்லற வாழ்வில் மனைவி முக்கியம் என்பதை இது காட்டுகிறது.
Word meanings
- புகழ்pukaḻfame/glory
- புரிந்தpurintabringing/creating
- இல்ilhome/wife
- இலோர்க்குilōrkkufor those without
- இல்லைillainot possible
- இகழ்வார்ikaḻvārcritics/those who despise
- முன்muṉbefore
- ஏறுēṟulion/bull
- போல்pōllike
- பீடுpīṭudignity/majesty
- நடைnaṭaiwalk/gait
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a whispering forest, lived two merchants, Arun and Bala. Both were known for their trade, but their fortunes differed greatly. Arun, a man of booming voice and confident stride, often faced criticism for his bold business ventures. Yet, he always met his detractors with a lion's gaze, his head held high. His home was a haven of peace, his wife, Priya, a woman of gentle wisdom and unwavering support. Bala, on the other hand, was hesitant and unsure of himself. Though he possessed similar talents, he crumbled under the slightest disapproval. His home was filled with discord, his wife, Maya, consumed by worry and complaint. When faced with criticism, Bala would shrink, his shoulders slumping, his voice barely a whisper. One day, both merchants presented their goods at the market. Arun's goods sold quickly, his success undeniable. Bala's wares remained unsold, and the villagers whispered their doubts. Arun, with Priya's support echoing in his heart, stood tall. Bala, burdened by Maya's anxieties, could only look down at his feet.