Kural #81
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
இருந்தோம்பி இல்வாழ்வ தெல்லாம்
விருந்தோம்பி வேளாண்மை செய்தற் பொருட்டு
Iruntōmpi ilvāḻva tellām
Viruntōmpi vēḷāṇmai ceytaṟ poruṭṭu
English translation
The purpose of earning and saving while leading a domestic life is to serve and honor guests with hospitality.
Listen
Explanation
This opening kural of the chapter sets the tone magnificently. Thiruvalluvar declares that the very purpose of accumulating wealth through righteous living is not for selfish enjoyment, but to practice hospitality. The householder's duty (இல்வாழ்வான்) finds its highest expression in welcoming and serving guests. In Tamil culture, "விருந்தினர்" (guests) were considered sacred, and hosting them was a noble duty.
விளக்கம்
வீட்டில் இருந்து பொருள் சேர்த்து வாழ்வதே, விருந்தினரை உபசரித்து உதவுவதற்கே. விருந்தோம்பலே இல்வாழ்க்கையின் முக்கிய நோக்கம். பிறருக்கு உதவி செய்வதே சிறந்த அறம் என்பதை குறள் உணர்த்துகிறது.
Word meanings
- இருந்துiruntustaying/being at home
- ஓம்பிōmpiprotecting/saving/accumulating
- இல்ilhouse/home
- வாழ்வதுvāḻvatuliving/domestic life
- எல்லாம்ellāmall/everything
- விருந்துviruntuguest
- ஓம்பிōmpiprotecting/honoring/serving
- வேளாண்மைvēḷāṇmaihospitality/benevolence/service
- செய்தற்ceytaṟdoing/performing
- பொருட்டுporuṭṭufor the sake of/purpose of
Story behind this kural
In a humble village nestled beside a whispering river lived a potter named Kumar. He worked diligently, shaping clay into sturdy pots and vessels, selling them at the market. Kumar saved every coin, dreaming of a larger workshop. One day, a weary traveler arrived, seeking shelter from a sudden storm. Kumar, though his home was small, welcomed the stranger, offering him warm food and a dry bed. He shared his meager provisions, even though it meant postponing his plans for expansion. The storm raged all night. The next morning, the traveler, refreshed, revealed himself to be a wise sage. He gifted Kumar a single, unassuming seed. “Plant this,” the sage instructed, “and you shall never want for anything.” Kumar planted the seed. Soon, a magnificent tree grew, its branches laden with fruits that never depleted, providing food and shade for all. Kumar never built his bigger workshop, but his home was always open. His life overflowed with abundance, shared generously with every traveler who passed his door.