Kural #888
Last reviewed:
Tamil text
அரம்பொருத பொன்போலத் தேயும்
உரம்பொருது உட்பகை உற்ற குடி
Aramporuta poṉpōlat tēyum
Uramporutu uṭpakai uṟṟa kuṭi
English translation
A family harboring internal enemies will waste away like gold worn down by a file.
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Explanation
Just as a file (அரம்) gradually wears away gold, internal enmity slowly destroys a family's strength (உரம்). The erosion is gradual but relentless and devastating.
விளக்கம்
உட்பகை உள்ள குடும்பம், அரத்தால் தேயும் தங்கம் போல வலிமை இழக்கும். ஒற்றுமையின்மை மெல்ல அழிக்கும். உட்பகை அதிகாரத்தில், குடும்ப ஒற்றுமையே பலம் என வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார்.
Word meanings
- அரம்aramfile (tool)
- பொருதporutarubbed/filed
- பொன்poṉgold
- போலpōlalike
- தேயும்tēyumwill wear away
- உரம்uramstrength
- பொருதுporutuwearing against
- உட்பகைuṭpakaiinternal enmity
- உற்றuṟṟahaving
- குடிkuṭifamily
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village nestled beside a whispering river, lived a wealthy merchant named Arul. His home was a haven of abundance, filled with silks, spices, and jewels. However, within his own household, a silent discord festered. His two sons, though outwardly respectful, secretly envied each other. The elder, prone to lavish spending, felt resentful of his brother's cautious nature. The younger, frugal and diligent, scorned his brother’s carelessness with their father's hard-earned wealth. Their mother, caught between her sons, could not quell the simmering rivalry. Over time, their petty disagreements and covert schemes began to take a toll. Business deals soured, opportunities were missed, and their father's fortune dwindled. The merchant watched, his heart heavy, as the splendor of his home slowly faded, much like the gleam of fine gold rubbed against a rough stone. The river continued to flow, but the joy in Arul's home was carried away by the undercurrents of their own making.