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Kural #84

Virtue· அறம்Hospitality· விருந்தோம்பல்

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Tamil text

அகனமர்ந்து செய்யாள் உறையும்

முகனமர்ந்து நல்விருந்து ஓம்புவான் இல்

Akaṉamarntu ceyyāḷ uṟaiyum

Mukaṉamarntu nalviruntu ōmpuvāṉ il

English translation

Goddess Lakshmi will joyfully dwell in the home of one who cheerfully welcomes and honors good guests.

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Explanation

செய்யாள் (Ceyyāḷ - the red/golden one) is a name for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This kural beautifully states that when a host welcomes guests with a cheerful face (முகனமர்ந்து), divine blessings of prosperity will naturally reside in that home. The emphasis on facial expression shows that hospitality must come from the heart, shown through a warm, welcoming countenance.

விளக்கம்

விருந்தினரை முகமலர்ச்சியோடு உபசரிப்பவர் வீட்டில் திருமகள் மகிழ்ந்து வாசம் செய்வாள். இது விருந்தோம்பல் அதிகாரத்தில் முக்கியமானது. நல்ல மனதோடு விருந்தினரை வரவேற்பதே அறம்.

Word meanings

  • அகன்akaṉheart/mind/inside
  • அமர்ந்துamarntudelightfully/joyfully seated
  • செய்யாள்ceyyāḷLakshmi (the golden/red one)
  • உறையும்uṟaiyumwill dwell/reside
  • முகன்mukaṉface
  • அமர்ந்துamarntucheerfully/pleasantly
  • நல்nalgood/virtuous
  • விருந்துviruntuguest
  • ஓம்புவான்ōmpuvāṉone who honors/protects
  • இல்ilhome/house

Story behind this kural

In a small village nestled beside a shimmering river, lived two families. Both were farmers, toiling under the sun, yet their fortunes differed. Kannan, a man with a perpetually furrowed brow, grudgingly offered water to weary travelers. His home, though well-built, felt cold and unwelcoming. His crops, despite his hard work, often yielded meager harvests. Across the lane lived Arul. His face always held a smile. When a traveler knocked, Arul welcomed them with open arms, offering food, rest, and cheerful conversation. His home overflowed with warmth. Though his farm was no different, his harvest was always plentiful. His neighbors often wondered at his good fortune, attributing it to luck. But the villagers noticed that blessings seemed to favor those who opened their hearts and homes. The gentle kindness of Arul's home drew in an unseen abundance that was missing from Kannan's.