பாயிரவியல்

Prologue

Virtue · Paayiraviyal · chapters 1–4 · couplets 1–40

Aṟam — Virtue · பாயிரவியல்

Dharma: the praise of God, rain and ascetics, then the life of the householder and the discipline of the renunciate. 38 chapters, 380 couplets.

This section — Prologue — has 4 chapters. Open a chapter: its key couplet comes first, word by word with an insight; then all ten couplets.

Aṟam — the lamp of virtue (drawing for this page)

1கடவுள் வாழ்த்து Katavul VaazhththuThe Praise of God couplets 1–10

Valluvar opens, as every Indian classic does, with the Source: God as the first cause, and the feet of the Lord as the refuge from the sea of births.

God & devotion

1key couplet

அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு.

Akara Mudhala Ezhuththellaam Aadhi
Pakavan Mudhatre Ulaku

Pope (1886)A, as its first of letters, every speech maintains; The "Primal Deity" is first through all the world's domains

MeaningAs the letter A is the first of all letters, so the eternal God is first in the world

Word by word

அகர“a”, the first sound

முதலas the first

எழுத்தெல்லாம்all letters

ஆதிthe Primal

பகவன்Lord (Bhagavān)

முதற்றேis the first of

உலகுthe world

InsightThe first letter of the Tamil alphabet, அ (a), is present in every other letter; so God is present in, and prior to, everything. The Upaniṣads say the same of Om and of Brahman, and the Gītā (10.33) has Kṛṣṇa say: “Of letters I am the letter a.”

கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன்
நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்.

Katradhanaal Aaya Payanenkol Vaalarivan
Natraal Thozhaaar Enin

Pope (1886)No fruit have men of all their studied lore, Save they the 'Purely Wise One's' feet adore

MeaningWhat Profit have those derived from learning, who worship not the good feet of Him who is possessed of pure knowledge ?

மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார்
நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார்.

Malarmisai Ekinaan Maanati Serndhaar
Nilamisai Neetuvaazh Vaar

Pope (1886)His feet, 'Who o'er the full-blown flower hath past,' who gainIn bliss long time shall dwell above this earthly plain

MeaningThey who are united to the glorious feet of Him who passes swiftly over the flower of the mind, shall flourish long above all worlds

வேண்டுதல் வேண்டாமை இலானடி சேர்ந்தார்க்கு
யாண்டும் இடும்பை இல.

Ventudhal Ventaamai Ilaanati Serndhaarkku
Yaantum Itumpai Ila

Pope (1886)His foot, 'Whom want affects not, irks not grief,' who gainShall not, through every time, of any woes complain

MeaningTo those who meditate the feet of Him who is void of desire or aversion, evil shall never come

இருள்சேர் இருவினையும் சேரா இறைவன்
பொருள்சேர் புகழ்புரிந்தார் மாட்டு.

Irulser Iruvinaiyum Seraa Iraivan
Porulser Pukazhpurindhaar Maattu

Pope (1886)The men, who on the 'King's' true praised delight to dwell, Affects not them the fruit of deeds done ill or well

MeaningThe two-fold deeds that spring from darkness shall not adhere to those who delight in the true praise of God

பொறிவாயில் ஐந்தவித்தான் பொய்தீர் ஒழுக்க
நெறிநின்றார் நீடுவாழ் வார்.

Porivaayil Aindhaviththaan Poidheer Ozhukka
Nerinindraar Neetuvaazh Vaar

Pope (1886)Long live they blest, who 've stood in path from falsehood freed; His, 'Who quenched lusts that from the sense-gates five proceed'

MeaningThose shall long proposer who abide in the faultless way of Him who has destroyed the five desires of the senses

தனக்குவமை இல்லாதான் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால்
மனக்கவலை மாற்றல் அரிது.

Thanakkuvamai Illaadhaan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal
Manakkavalai Maatral Aridhu

Pope (1886)Unless His foot, 'to Whom none can compare,' men gain,'Tis hard for mind to find relief from anxious pain

MeaningAnxiety of mind cannot be removed, except from those who are united to the feet of Him who is incomparable

அறவாழி அந்தணன் தாள்சேர்ந்தார்க் கல்லால்
பிறவாழி நீந்தல் அரிது.

Aravaazhi Andhanan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal
Piravaazhi Neendhal Aridhu

Pope (1886)Unless His feet 'the Sea of Good, the Fair and Bountiful,' men gain,'Tis hard the further bank of being's changeful sea to attain

MeaningNone can swim the sea of vice, but those who are united to the feet of that gracious Being who is a sea of virtue

கோளில் பொறியின் குணமிலவே எண்குணத்தான்
தாளை வணங்காத் தலை.

Kolil Poriyin Kunamilave Enkunaththaan
Thaalai Vanangaath Thalai

Pope (1886)Before His foot, 'the Eight-fold Excellence,' with unbent head, Who stands, like palsied sense, is to all living functions dead

MeaningThe head that worships not the feet of Him who is possessed of eight attributes, is as useless as a sense without the power of sensation

பிறவிப் பெருங்கடல் நீந்துவர் நீந்தார்
இறைவன் அடிசேரா தார்.

Piravip Perungatal Neendhuvar Neendhaar
Iraivan Atiseraa Thaar

Pope (1886)They swim the sea of births, the 'Monarch's' foot who gain; None others reach the shore of being's mighty main

MeaningNone can swim the great sea of births but those who are united to the feet of God

2வான்சிறப்பு VaansirappuThe Blessing of Rain couplets 11–20

Rain sustains life, virtue and worship alike; without it, even the gods would go unworshipped and the sea itself would shrink.

Nature & rain God & devotion

11key couplet

வான்நின்று உலகம் வழங்கி வருதலால்
தான்அமிழ்தம் என்றுணரற் பாற்று.

Vaannindru Ulakam Vazhangi Varudhalaal
Thaanamizhdham Endrunarar Paatru

Pope (1886)The world its course maintains through life that rain unfailing gives; Thus rain is known the true ambrosial food of all that lives

MeaningBy the continuance of rain the world is preserved in existence; it is therefore worthy to be called ambrosia

Word by word

வான்நின்றுfrom the sky, continuing

உலகம்the world

வழங்கிsustaining

வருதலால்because it keeps coming

தான்அமிழ்தம்it, ambrosia

என்றுணரற்that it is (to be) known

பாற்றுis fit

InsightRain is called amiḻtam, amṛta — the nectar of immortality — because it keeps the world alive. Valluvar places nature immediately after God: dharma rests on the order of the cosmos (ṛta), and gratitude to nature is the first ethics.

துப்பார்க்குத் துப்பாய துப்பாக்கித் துப்பார்க்குத்
துப்பாய தூஉம் மழை.

Thuppaarkkuth Thuppaaya Thuppaakkith Thuppaarkkuth
Thuppaaya Thooum Mazhai

Pope (1886)The rain makes pleasant food for eaters rise; As food itself, thirst-quenching draught supplies

MeaningRain produces good food, and is itself food

விண்இன்று பொய்ப்பின் விரிநீர் வியனுலகத்து
உள்நின்று உடற்றும் பசி.

Vinindru Poippin Virineer Viyanulakaththu
Ulnindru Utatrum Pasi

Pope (1886)If clouds, that promised rain, deceive, and in the sky remain, Famine, sore torment, stalks o'er earth's vast ocean-girdled plain

MeaningIf the cloud, withholding rain, deceive (our hopes) hunger will long distress the sea-girt spacious world

ஏரின் உழாஅர் உழவர் புயல்என்னும்
வாரி வளங்குன்றிக் கால்.

Erin Uzhaaar Uzhavar Puyalennum
Vaari Valangundrik Kaal

Pope (1886)If clouds their wealth of waters fail on earth to pour, The ploughers plough with oxen's sturdy team no more

MeaningIf the abundance of wealth imparting rain diminish, the labour of the plough must cease

கெடுப்பதூஉம் கெட்டார்க்குச் சார்வாய்மற் றாங்கே
எடுப்பதூஉம் எல்லாம் மழை.

Ketuppadhooum Kettaarkkuch Chaarvaaimar Raange
Etuppadhooum Ellaam Mazhai

Pope (1886)'Tis rain works all: it ruin spreads, then timely aid supplies; As, in the happy days before, it bids the ruined rise

MeaningRain by its absence ruins men; and by its existence restores them to fortune

விசும்பின் துளிவீழின் அல்லால்மற் றாங்கே
பசும்புல் தலைகாண்பு அரிது.

Visumpin Thuliveezhin Allaalmar Raange
Pasumpul Thalaikaanpu Aridhu

Pope (1886)If from the clouds no drops of rain are shed'Tis rare to see green herb lift up its head

MeaningIf no drop falls from the clouds, not even the green blade of grass will be seen

நெடுங்கடலும் தன்நீர்மை குன்றும் தடிந்தெழிலி
தான்நல்கா தாகி விடின்.

Netungatalum Thanneermai Kundrum Thatindhezhili
Thaannalkaa Thaaki Vitin

Pope (1886)If clouds restrain their gifts and grant no rain, The treasures fail in ocean's wide domain

MeaningEven the wealth of the wide sea will be diminished, if the cloud that has drawn (its waters) up gives them not back again (in rain)

சிறப்பொடு பூசனை செல்லாது வானம்
வறக்குமேல் வானோர்க்கும் ஈண்டு.

Sirappotu Poosanai Sellaadhu Vaanam
Varakkumel Vaanorkkum Eentu

Pope (1886)If heaven grow dry, with feast and offering never more, Will men on earth the heavenly ones adore

MeaningIf the heaven dry up, neither yearly festivals, nor daily worship will be offered in this world, to the celestials

தானம் தவம்இரண்டும் தங்கா வியன்உலகம்
வானம் வழங்கா தெனின்.

Thaanam Thavamirantum Thangaa Viyanulakam
Vaanam Vazhangaa Thenin

Pope (1886)If heaven its watery treasures ceases to dispense, Through the wide world cease gifts, and deeds of 'penitence'

MeaningIf rain fall not, penance and alms-deeds will not dwell within this spacious world

நீர்இன்று அமையாது உலகெனின் யார்யார்க்கும்
வான்இன்று அமையாது ஒழுக்கு.

Neerindru Amaiyaadhu Ulakenin Yaaryaarkkum
Vaanindru Amaiyaadhu Ozhukku

Pope (1886)When water fails, functions of nature cease, you say; Thus when rain fails, no men can walk in 'duty's ordered way'

MeaningIf it be said that the duties of life cannot be discharged by any person without water, so without rain there cannot be the flowing of water

3நீத்தார் பெருமை Neeththaar PerumaiThe Greatness of Ascetics couplets 21–30

The greatness of those who have renounced desire while keeping to right conduct — the books exalt them above all.

Renunciation Virtue (aṟam)

21key couplet

ஒழுக்கத்து நீத்தார் பெருமை விழுப்பத்து
வேண்டும் பனுவல் துணிவு.

Ozhukkaththu Neeththaar Perumai Vizhuppaththu
Ventum Panuval Thunivu

Pope (1886)The settled rule of every code requires, as highest good, Their greatness who, renouncing all, true to their rule have stood

MeaningThe end and aim of all treatise is to extol beyond all other excellence, the greatness of those who, while abiding in the rule of conduct peculiar to their state, have abandoned all desire

Word by word

ஒழுக்கத்துin right conduct

நீத்தார்those who have renounced

பெருமைthe greatness (of)

விழுப்பத்துas the highest

வேண்டும்holds

பனுவல்scripture

துணிவுthe settled view

InsightRenunciation (nīttal) is praised only together with oḻukkam, disciplined conduct. Valluvar’s ascetic is not an escapist but the embodiment of virtue — like the Gītā’s sannyāsī who has given up desire, not duty.

துறந்தார் பெருமை துணைக்கூறின் வையத்து
இறந்தாரை எண்ணிக்கொண் டற்று.

Thurandhaar Perumai Thunaikkoorin Vaiyaththu
Irandhaarai Ennikkon Tatru

Pope (1886)As counting those that from the earth have passed away,'Tis vain attempt the might of holy men to say

MeaningTo describe the measure of the greatness of those who have forsaken the two-fold desires, is like counting the dead

இருமை வகைதெரிந்து ஈண்டுஅறம் பூண்டார்
பெருமை பிறங்கிற்று உலகு.

Irumai Vakaidherindhu Eentuaram Poontaar
Perumai Pirangitru Ulaku

Pope (1886)Their greatness earth transcends, who, way of both worlds weighed, In this world take their stand, in virtue's robe arrayed

MeaningThe greatness of those who have discovered the properties of both states of being, and renounced the world, shines forth on earth (beyond all others)

உரனென்னும் தோட்டியான் ஓரைந்தும் காப்பான்
வரனென்னும் வைப்பிற்கோர் வித்து.

Uranennum Thottiyaan Oraindhum Kaappaan
Varanennum Vaippirkor Viththu

Pope (1886)He, who with firmness, curb the five restrains, Is seed for soil of yonder happy plains

MeaningHe who guides his five senses by the hook of wisdom will be a seed in the world of heaven

ஐந்தவித்தான் ஆற்றல் அகல்விசும்பு ளார்கோமான்
இந்திரனே சாலுங் கரி.

Aindhaviththaan Aatral Akalvisumpu Laarkomaan
Indhirane Saalung Kari

Pope (1886)Their might who have destroyed 'the five', shall soothly tellIndra, the lord of those in heaven's wide realms that dwell

MeaningIndra, the king of the inhabitants of the spacious heaven, is himself, a sufficient proof of the strength of him who has subdued his five senses

செயற்கரிய செய்வார் பெரியர் சிறியர்
செயற்கரிய செய்கலா தார்.

Seyarkariya Seyvaar Periyar Siriyar
Seyarkariya Seykalaa Thaar

Pope (1886)Things hard in the doing will great men do; Things hard in the doing the mean eschew

MeaningThe great will do those things which is difficult to be done; but the mean cannot do them

சுவைஒளி ஊறுஓசை நாற்றமென ஐந்தின்
வகைதெரிவான் கட்டே உலகு.

Suvaioli Ooruosai Naatramendru Aindhin
Vakaidherivaan Katte Ulaku

Pope (1886)Taste, light, touch, sound, and smell: who knows the wayOf all the five,- the world submissive owns his sway

MeaningThe world is within the knowledge of him who knows the properties of taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell

நிறைமொழி மாந்தர் பெருமை நிலத்து
மறைமொழி காட்டி விடும்.

Niraimozhi Maandhar Perumai Nilaththu
Maraimozhi Kaatti Vitum

Pope (1886)The might of men whose word is never vain, The 'secret word' shall to the earth proclaim

MeaningThe hidden words of the men whose words are full of effect, will shew their greatness to the world

குணமென்னும் குன்றேறி நின்றார் வெகுளி
கணமேயும் காத்தல் அரிது.

Kunamennum Kundreri Nindraar Vekuli
Kanameyum Kaaththal Aridhu

Pope (1886)The wrath 'tis hard e'en for an instant to endure, Of those who virtue's hill have scaled, and stand secure

MeaningThe anger of those who have ascended the mountain of goodness, though it continue but for a moment, cannot be resisted

அந்தணர் என்போர் அறவோர்மற் றெவ்வுயிர்க்கும்
செந்தண்மை பூண்டொழுக லான்.

Andhanar Enpor Aravormar Revvuyir
Kkum Sendhanmai Poontozhuka Laan

Pope (1886)Towards all that breathe, with seemly graciousness adorned they live; And thus to virtue's sons the name of 'Anthanar' men give

MeaningThe virtuous are truly called Anthanar; because in their conduct towards all creatures they are clothed in kindness

4அறன் வலியுறுத்தல் Aran ValiyuruththalAssertion of the Strength of Virtue couplets 31–40

Virtue gives both heaven and fame; it is to be practised steadily, and its essence is purity of mind.

Virtue (aṟam)The mind

34key couplet

மனத்துக்கண் மாசிலன் ஆதல் அனைத்தறன்
ஆகுல நீர பிற.

Manaththukkan Maasilan Aadhal Anaiththu
Aran Aakula Neera Pira

Pope (1886)Spotless be thou in mind! This only merits virtue's name; All else, mere pomp of idle sound, no real worth can claim

MeaningLet him who does virtuous deeds be of spotless mind; to that extent is virtue; all else is vain show

Word by word

மனத்துக்கண்in the mind

மாசிலன்spotless, one without stain

ஆதல்being

அனைத்தறன்is the whole of virtue

ஆகுலnoise, show

நீரof the nature of

பிறall else

InsightThe most famous definition of virtue in Tamil: aṟam is a stainless mind; every other display is noise. This is the inner religion of the Upaniṣads — citta-śuddhi, purity of mind, as the heart of dharma.

சிறப்புஈனும் செல்வமும் ஈனும் அறத்தினூஉங்கு
ஆக்கம் எவனோ உயிர்க்கு.

Sirappu Eenum Selvamum Eenum
Araththinooungu Aakkam Evano Uyirkku

Pope (1886)It yields distinction, yields prosperity; what gainGreater than virtue can a living man obtain

MeaningVirtue will confer heaven and wealth; what greater source of happiness can man possess ?

அறத்தினூஉங்கு ஆக்கமும் இல்லை அதனை
மறத்தலின் ஊங்கில்லை கேடு.

Araththinooungu Aakkamum Illai Adhanai
Maraththalin Oongillai Ketu

Pope (1886)No greater gain than virtue aught can cause; No greater loss than life oblivious of her laws

MeaningThere can be no greater source of good than (the practice of) virtue; there can be no greater source of evil than the forgetfulness of it

ஒல்லும் வகையான் அறவினை ஓவாதே
செல்லும்வாய் எல்லாஞ் செயல்.

Ollum Vakaiyaan Aravinai Ovaadhe
Sellumvaai Ellaanj Cheyal

Pope (1886)To finish virtue's work with ceaseless effort strive, What way thou may'st, where'er thou see'st the work may thrive

MeaningAs much as possible, in every way, incessantly practise virtue

அழுக்காறு அவாவெகுளி இன்னாச்சொல் நான்கும்
இழுக்கா இயன்றது அறம்.

Azhukkaaru Avaavekuli Innaachchol Naankum
Izhukkaa Iyandradhu Aram

Pope (1886)'Tis virtue when, his footsteps sliding not through envy, wrath, Lust, evil speech-these four, man onwards moves in ordered path

MeaningThat conduct is virtue which is free from these four things, viz, malice, desire, anger and bitter speech

அன்றறிவாம் என்னாது அறஞ்செய்க மற்றது
பொன்றுங்கால் பொன்றாத் துணை.

Andrarivaam Ennaadhu Aranjeyka Matradhu
Pondrungaal Pondraath Thunai

Pope (1886)Do deeds of virtue now Say not, 'To-morrow we'll be wise'; Thus, when thou diest, shalt thou find a help that never dies

MeaningDefer not virtue to another day; receive her now; and at the dying hour she will be your undying friend

அறத்தாறு இதுவென வேண்டா சிவிகை
பொறுத்தானோடு ஊர்ந்தான் இடை.

Araththaaru Ithuvena Ventaa Sivikai
Poruththaanotu Oorndhaan Itai

Pope (1886)Needs not in words to dwell on virtue's fruits: compareThe man in litter borne with them that toiling bear

MeaningThe fruit of virtue need not be described in books; it may be inferred from seeing the bearer of a palanquin and the rider therein

வீழ்நாள் படாஅமை நன்றாற்றின் அஃதொருவன்
வாழ்நாள் வழியடைக்கும் கல்.

Veezhnaal Pataaamai Nandraatrin Aqdhoruvan
Vaazhnaal Vazhiyataikkum Kal

Pope (1886)If no day passing idly, good to do each day you toil, A stone it will be to block the way of future days of moil

MeaningIf one allows no day to pass without some good being done, his conduct will be a stone to block up the passage to other births

அறத்தான் வருவதே இன்பம் மற்றெல்லாம்
புறத்த புகழும் இல.

Araththaan Varuvadhe Inpam Mar
Rellaam Puraththa Pukazhum Ila

Pope (1886)What from virtue floweth, yieldeth dear delight; All else extern, is void of glory's light

MeaningOnly that pleasure which flows from domestic virtue is pleasure; all else is not pleasure, and it is without praise

செயற்பால தோரும் அறனே ஒருவற்கு
உயற்பால தோரும் பழி.

Seyarpaala Thorum Arane Oruvarku
Uyarpaala Thorum Pazhi

Pope (1886)'Virtue' sums the things that should be done;'Vice' sums the things that man should shun

MeaningThat is virtue which each ought to do, and that is vice which each should shun

Tamil text and transliteration from the open Tirukkural dataset (github.com/tk120404/thirukkural), typos corrected. English: G. U. Pope’s verse translation (1886) and a 19th-century prose rendering, both public domain. Word meanings, chapter themes and insights are written for this page, following the classical reading of Parimēlaḻakar. Pictures: Wikimedia Commons (public domain / CC0) and drawings made for this page.