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Thirukural (திருக்குறள் in Tamil) is an important work of Tamil literature by Thiruvalluvar written in a poetic form called Kural or couplets expounding various aspects of life. While most scholars place him during 100-300 AD, there are a few who consider him to have lived during 600 A.D. Thirukural contains 1330 couplets divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each. Each couplet consists of seven words, with four words on the first line and three on the second. It is sometimes claimed that Thiruvalluvar wrote more than 1330 couplets, and that the rest of the work has gone missing and also that some of the verses were later included in the compilation. However, this is unlikely since several different writers of later years in different areas of India all alluded to the standard 1330 verses, merely choosing to group them in different ways. Moreover, unlike some works in Tamil like Thirumandiram or works of Sarvajna in Kannada, Vemana in Telugu and Kabir in Hindi, not a single couplet outside this compact work of 1330 verses has been attributed to Thiruvalluvar!

Etymology

Curiously, the word 'Kural' too has a generic meaning. Roughly translated, it means a pithy couplet (compare sutra). 'Thirukural' is thus a honorific reference to the collection of couplets. Essentially, the 'Kural' is really a vast assortment of interlinking 'kurals.' By most, it is understood that the 1330 couplets conform well to subdivisions of 133 kural adhikarams or 'chapters,' each on specific themes ranging anywhere from righteous living to proper governance of a kingdom.

Sections

  1. Arathuppaal (or moral/morality division) contains lessons on man's duties and morals.
  2. Porutpaal (or material division) contains teachings on the right way of leading one's material life.
  3. Inbathuppaal (or the division of love) teaches love and the right kind of sexual relationships.

Classical status

Though the Tirukural was written nearly two millennia ago, it is easily comprehended by any modern Tamil scholar. This fact underlines the surmise of many scholars that Tamil has undergone very little corruption, over the years and also gives an insight into the long standing heritage of the Tamils. It is mandatory for school children in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu to study Thirukkural right from their inception into the curriculum. This may make Tirukural seem dogmatic but it is seldom thought of so. Thirukkural has taken the place of a gospel among the educated Tamil intelligensia, but without any intensive religious leanings. Thus, it finds a widespread acceptance as the Gospel of the Tamils, among followers of all religions, creed and castes.

Thirukural and religion

Thiruvalluvar had not stated his religion and his work portrays a universal outlook. However, some speculate about his religious affliations in spite of the fact that he has not revealed in any manner any religious affliations. Every major religion in India, Hindu, Saivism, Vaishnavism,Jainism, Buddhism,Christianity, Islam try to advance arguments that Thiruvalluvar is one who belongs to their own religion. In any case, Tamil people consider Thiruvalluvar to be a holy saint; and his work is often called poy-ā—mozhi (false-never—speech or language)and common holy book (pothu maRai பொது மறை). It is generally believed that his work was singularly neutral towards religions. One of the hallmarks of The Kural is that it was composed in a deftly non-sectarian fashion. Thiruvalluvar upheld universal human virtues which are also embraced and cherished by many religions.

The first couplet

அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு

Agara mudala ezhuthellam adhi
bagavan mudatrae ulagu.

As the alphabet begins with the letter ‘A’,
So does the world with the primordial ‘God’.

Other famous couplets

TheeyiNaal suttaPun Ullaarum arathae
navinal sutta vadu.'' - couplet 129

The wound caused by fire will heal within,
But not the scar left by the tongue. (Translator: PS Sundaram)

SeiThakka alla seyaKedum seiThakka
seiAammai yanum kedum. - couplet 466

It is ruinous to do what should not be done,
And ruinous to leave undone what should be done. (Tr: PS Sundaram)

Naerunal UllanOruvan inDirillai Annum
Paerummai udaithu ivvulagu

The one who existed yesterday is no more today,
That is the glory of earthly life. (Tr: S. Maharajan).

Udukkai izhandhavan kai polae aangae
idukkan kalaivadham natpu - couplet 788

As swiftly as the hand moves to seize a slipping garment,
Friendship acts to assuage a friend's distress. (Tr: Subramaniaswamy)

EEndrall PasiKanpall Ayeenum Cheyyarkka
Chandror Pallikkum Vinai - couplet 656

Do not do what the wise condemn
Even to save your starving mother. (Tr: PS Sundaram)

Epporul YaarYaarVai Ketpinum Apporul
MeiPorul Kanpdhu Arivu - couplet 423

The mark of wisdom is to discern the truth
From whatever source it is heard. (Tr: NVK Ashraf)

kaRka kasadaRa kaRpavai kaRRappin
niRka athaRkuth thaga - couplet 391

[ kaRka - Learn - read, listen, do and know.

kasadaRa (kasadu + aRa) - So that we are cleansed of our defilements - of desire, anger, fear, ego (assumed identities)..., in short any habit of mind that imprisons us in the cause-effect loop.

kaRpavai - Those which are 'knowable' or worthy of knowing, understood as anything that throws light on truth, thereby clearing all delusions.

kaRRappin niRka athaRkuth thaga - Knowledge (knowing) must reflect in words and deeds. Mere erudition is not learning. Knowing must result in a transformation of self.''' ]

Kaalathi nalSeitha Nandri Siritheninum
Ghyalanthin Manap Perithu - couplet 102

A timely help, though small,
Is of greater value than all the earth. (Tr: SM Diaz)

Kaamak kanichi udaikkum niraiyendrum
Naanuthaazh veezhtha kadavu - couplet 1251

The axe of love can break open the door of chastity
Secured by the bolt of modesty. (Tr: Drew, Lazarus, J. Narayanaswamy)

References

External links

Online English translations

Book edition

Tamil literature

Tirukkural | Tirukkural | திருக்குறள்

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Tirukural".

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