Kural #822
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Tamil text
இனம்போன்று இனமல்லார் கேண்மை
மகளிர் மனம்போல வேறு படும்
Iṉampōṉṟu iṉamallār kēṇmai
Makaḷir maṉampōla vēṟu paṭum
English translation
The friendship of those who appear to be of the same mind but are not, will change like the fickle heart of women.
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Explanation
Those who pretend kinship (இனம் போன்று) without truly being kindred (இனம் அல்லார்) will change their disposition. Thiruvalluvar uses the simile of a fickle heart that shifts like wind. Such friendships lack stability and genuine foundation.
விளக்கம்
கூடா நட்பு அதிகாரத்தில் வள்ளுவர் இதைச் சொல்கிறார். உண்மையான நண்பர்கள் போல் நடிப்பவர்களின் நட்பு, பெண்களின் மனம் மாறிக்கொண்டே இருப்பது போல மாறும். நிலையற்ற நட்பைத் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும். உள்ளொன்று வைத்துப் புறமொன்று பேசும் உறவு கூடாது.
Word meanings
- இனம்iṉamkin/kind
- போன்றுpōṉṟuappearing like
- அல்லார்allārthose who are not
- கேண்மைkēṇmaifriendship
- மகளிர்makaḷirwomen
- மனம்maṉammind/heart
- போலpōlalike
- வேறுபடும்vēṟupaṭumwill change/differ
Story behind this kural
In a bustling village lived two merchants, Arun and Bala, who seemed inseparable. They shared a stall in the marketplace, their goods displayed side-by-side. Arun, known for his generosity, often offered discounts, while Bala, though appearing friendly, always sought the highest profit. One year, a terrible drought struck. Arun, struggling, confided in Bala, hoping for a loan. Bala, feigning sympathy, promised help but never delivered. Soon after, a wealthy caravan arrived, offering Bala a partnership. He accepted, abandoning his stall and Arun. Bala's success grew. He built a grand house and hosted lavish parties, but Arun was never invited. When the drought finally ended, Arun’s business slowly recovered. One day, at the marketplace, their paths crossed. Bala, now surrounded by new “friends,” merely nodded as he passed by.