Kural #902
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Tamil text
பேணாது பெண்விழைவான் ஆக்கம்
பெரியதோர் நாணாக நாணுத் தரும்
Pēṇātu peṇviḻaivāṉ ākkam
Periyatōr nāṇāka nāṇut tarum
English translation
The prosperity of one who, neglecting all else, desires only his wife, will bring great shame.
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Explanation
When a man neglects his duties (பேணாது) and is devoted only to his wife, any wealth he gains brings shame rather than honor. Such prosperity becomes embarrassment.
விளக்கம்
மனைவியின் விருப்பத்திற்கேற்ப நடப்பவன் பெறும் செல்வம், பெருத்த அவமானத்தைத் தரும். கடமைகளை மறந்து மனைவியிடம் மட்டும் விருப்பம் வைப்பது இகழ்ச்சிக்குரியது. இது பெண்வழிச் சேறல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- பேணாதுpēṇātuwithout caring/neglecting
- பெண்peṇwoman/wife
- விழைவான்viḻaivāṉone who desires
- ஆக்கம்ākkamprosperity
- பெரியperiyagreat
- ஓர்ōrone
- நாண்nāṇshame
- ஆகākaas
- நாணுnāṇushame
- தரும்tarumwill give
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village lived a merchant named Ravi. He possessed a beautiful wife, Priya, and became utterly consumed by her charms. He neglected his business, leaving his loyal assistant, Kumar, to manage the trade. Ravi showered Priya with jewels and silks, spending lavishly while Kumar struggled to maintain their wealth. Kumar warned Ravi, but Ravi only laughed, lost in Priya's presence. "What is wealth," he'd say, "compared to her smile?" Soon, the once-bustling shop was quiet. Creditors demanded payment, and the villagers whispered. Ravi, still blinded, hosted extravagant parties for Priya, the source of their riches dwindling daily. One day, the king's tax collectors arrived, seizing Ravi's remaining assets. Priya's smile faded. Ravi, stripped of his wealth and his reputation, was left with nothing but the shame of his choices.