Kural #964
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Tamil text
தலையின் இழிந்த மயிரனையர்
மாந்தர் நிலையின் இழிந்தக் கடை
Talaiyiṉ iḻinta mayiraṉaiyar
Māntar nilaiyiṉ iḻintak kaṭai
English translation
People who fall from their position of honor are like hair fallen from the head.
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Explanation
A striking simile: those who lose their honorable position (நிலையின் இழிந்த) become like hair fallen from the head (தலையின் இழிந்த மயிர்) - once separated, they lose all value.
விளக்கம்
தலைக்கு மேலானது முடி. அது விழுந்தா மதிப்பில்லை. அதுபோல, மானம் போனா மனிதருக்கு மதிப்பில்லை. "மானம்" அதிகாரத்தில் இது முக்கியம். ஒழுக்கமா இருந்தா மதிப்பு கூடும்.
Word meanings
- தலையின்talaiyiṉfrom the head
- இழிந்தiḻintafallen
- மயிர்mayirhair
- அனையர்aṉaiyarlike
- மாந்தர்māntarpeople
- நிலையின்nilaiyiṉfrom position
- கடைkaṭaiwhen/end
Story behind this kural
In a prosperous village nestled beside a shimmering river, lived a respected weaver named Arul. His tapestries, vibrant with color and intricate design, were sought after by the King himself. Arul, known for his honesty and skill, enjoyed a life of comfort and esteem. One day, a wealthy merchant offered Arul a large sum for a tapestry, demanding it be completed in a week. Tempted by the wealth, Arul agreed, neglecting his other orders and cutting corners on quality. The finished tapestry, though delivered on time, was flawed. The colors bled, and the weave was uneven. The King, upon seeing the poor quality, was deeply disappointed. He removed Arul from his favored position and commissioned a new weaver. Shunned by his former customers, Arul found himself alone, his reputation in tatters. He was left with nothing but the memory of his former glory, a faded reflection of what once was.