Tirukural (திருக்குறள் in Tamil) is an important work of Tamil literature by Tiruvalluvar written in the form of 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. Tirukural 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 Tiruvalluvar wrote more than 1330 couplets, and that the rest of the work has gone missing. 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 Tirumandiram or works of Sarvajna in Kannada and Vemana in Telugu, not a single couplet outside this compact work of 1330 verses has been attributed to Tiruvalluvar!

Etymology

Curiously, the word 'Kural' too has a generic meaning. Roughly translated, it means a pithy couplet (compare sutra). 'Tirukural' is thus a honorific reference to the collection of couplets. Essentially, the 'Kural' is

Sections

1. Arathuppal (or justice division) contains lessons on man's duties (alluded to as dharma in Indian languages) and morals.
2. Porutpal (or material division) contains teachings on the right way of leading one's material life.
3. Inbathuppal (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 the modern speakers of this ancient language. 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.

Tirukural and religion

Tiruvalluvar's faith is disputed. There are accounts that he was a Jain but others portray him as a Hindu who had a modern and secular outlook to the world. In any case, Tamil people consider Tiruvalluvar to be

However, Jain influence on ancient and classical Tamil culture is deep. Tiruvalluvar's seminal moral scripture is revered by Tamils of all creeds including Hindus, Jains, and Christians. The Kural offers many clear indications of its author's Jain identity. Among other things, Tiruvalluvar's (1) introductory reverence for an "Adi Bhagavan" (a common Jain reference to Lord Rishabha) having specifically eight spiritual attributes (in Jainism, God, or the pure soul, has eight major attributes); (2) insistence upon complete vegetarianism and not eating even already killed/dead animals (in stark contrast to Buddhism); (3) praise for ascetics who "control the five senses"; (4) rejection of ritual sacrifices (contrary to common Vedic Hindu practices); (5) insistence upon eschewing violence even against one's enemies; and (6) other frequent allusions to Jain moral attitudes, each indicate a devoutly Jain moral thinker. However, The Kural was composed in a deftly non-sectarian fashion. Thiruvalluvar upheld universal human virtues which are also embraced and cherished by the Christians and Muslims of Tamil Nadu.

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 suttaPunnum Aarum 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)

References

• Subramaniyam, Ka Naa, Tiruvalluvar and his Tirukkural. Bharatiya Jnanpith: New Delhi 1987.

Online English translations

• - Translations by Rev.Dr.G.U. Pope, Rev W H Drew, Rev John Lazarus, and Mr F W Ellis.
• - Translation by the Himalayan Academy
• - Tirukural translation oversighted by Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, student of the Sri Lankan sage Yogaswami and the founder of the Himalayan Academy.

Book edition

• Thirukkural (Original in Tamil with English Translation) by W.H. Drew (Translator), John Lazarus (Translator), W. H. Drew - ISBN 8120604008 Tirukkural

Tirukkuralta:திருக்குறள்