Kural #982
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Tamil text
குணநலம் சான்றோர் நலனே
பிறநலம் எந்நலத்து உள்ளதூஉம் அன்று
Kuṇanalam cāṉṟōr nalaṉē
Piṟanalam ennalattū uḷḷatūum aṉṟu
English translation
Virtue of character is the true beauty of the noble; other forms of beauty have no place among true excellences.
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Explanation
For the noble-minded, inner virtue (குணநலம்) is the only true beauty. Physical attractiveness, wealth, or status - none of these constitute real excellence. Character alone defines worth.
விளக்கம்
குணநலமே சான்றோரின் அழகு. சான்றாண்மை அதிகாரத்தில், நல்ல குணங்களே சிறந்த செல்வம் என்கிறது குறள். பிற அழகுகள் நிலை இல்லாதவை; குணமே நீடித்த பெருமை தரும். நல்ல பண்புகளே ஒருவரை உயர்த்தும்.
Word meanings
- குணம்kuṇamcharacter/virtue
- நலம்nalambeauty/goodness
- சான்றோர்cāṉṟōrthe noble
- நலனேnalaṉēis the only beauty
- பிறpiṟaother
- எந்நலத்தும்eṉnalattumamong any excellences
- உள்ளதுuḷḷatuis included
- அன்றுaṉṟuis not
Story behind this kural
In a village nestled beside a shimmering lake lived two sisters, Maya and Priya. Maya was renowned for her beauty; her long, silken hair and radiant smile captivated all. Priya, however, possessed no striking features. Yet, she was known throughout the village for her kindness and unwavering honesty. One day, a wealthy merchant arrived, seeking a bride. He showered Maya with jewels and fine silks, but found her conversations shallow and her heart cold. He then spoke with Priya, offering no gifts, only his words. He found her wisdom insightful, her compassion genuine. He learned she cared for the sick and helped those in need, even at her own expense. The merchant chose Priya. The villagers were astonished. Maya, adorned in finery, could not understand. As Priya walked toward her new life, a gentle light seemed to emanate from her, a beauty that outshone all else.