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Kural #917

Wealth· பொருள்Courtesans· வரைவின் மகளிர்

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Tamil text

நிறைநெஞ்சம் இல்லவர் தோய்வார்

பிறநெஞ்சிற் பேணிப் புணர்பவர் தோள்

Niṟaineñcam illavar tōyvār

Piṟaneñciṟ pēṇip puṇarpavar tōḷ

English translation

Only those without a steadfast heart will embrace the shoulders of those who, while thinking of others, pretend to love.

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Explanation

Men lacking inner strength (நிறை நெஞ்சம் இல்லவர்) fall for courtesans who embrace them while thinking of other clients. Only the weak are deceived by such feigned affection.

விளக்கம்

மன உறுதி இல்லாதவரே, விலைமாதரின் பொய்யான அன்பில் மயங்குவர். அவர்கள் பிறரை நினைத்துக்கொண்டு, நம்மைத் தழுவுவதை அறிவில்லாதவர் நம்புவர். வரைவின் மகளிர் அதிகாரத்தில் இது போன்ற உறவுகளின் தவறுகளை வள்ளுவர் கூறுகிறார்.

Word meanings

  • நிறைniṟaifullness/steadfastness
  • நெஞ்சம்neñcamheart
  • இல்லவர்illavarthose without
  • தோய்வார்tōyvārwill embrace
  • பிறpiṟaother
  • நெஞ்சில்neñcilin heart
  • பேணிpēṇicherishing
  • புணர்பவர்puṇarpavarthose who unite
  • தோள்tōḷshoulders

Story behind this kural

In a bustling marketplace, lived a weaver named Arul. He was known for his kind heart and beautiful silks. One day, a charming woman named Maya began to frequent his stall, showering him with compliments and promises of love. Arul, flattered and lonely, found himself captivated. He poured his earnings into gifts for Maya, neglecting his work and his loyal friends. Meanwhile, a shrewd merchant named Varun, known for his sharp eyes, observed Maya's behavior. He saw her charming other men, accepting their gifts with the same practiced affection. Varun, though wealthy, kept his heart guarded, understanding the true nature of fleeting pleasures. He noticed Maya's eyes constantly scanning the crowd, always searching for the next generous admirer. One day, Arul, having spent his last coin, confessed his plight to Maya. Her smile faltered, her eyes flickered with a hint of impatience, and she quickly moved on, searching for a new patron. Arul was left with an empty purse and a broken heart. Varun, watching from afar, simply shook his head and continued his business.