Thirukkural 1003 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

ஈட்டம் இவறி இசைவேண்டா ஆடவர்
தோற்றம் நிலக்குப் பொறை.

Transliteration

Eettam Ivari Isaiventaa Aatavar
Thotram Nilakkup Porai

English Translation

“A burden he is to earth indeed Who hoards without a worthy deed”

Plain-English meaning

A burden to the earth are men bent on the acquisition of riches and not (true) fame

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

A burden he is to earth indeed Who hoards without a worthy deed

G.U. Pope Translation

Who lust to heap up wealth, but glory hold not dear,It burthens earth when on the stage of being they appear

Plain-English Meaning

A burden to the earth are men bent on the acquisition of riches and not (true) fame

மற்றவரைவிட நாம் அதிகம் பொருள் சேர்க்க வேண்டும் என்று பொருள் சேர்ப்பதையே விரும்பிப் புகழை விரும்பாத மனிதரின் பிறப்பு இப்பூமிக்குப் பாரமே.

Chapter 101

நன்றியில் செல்வம்

Dead is he with wealth in pile Unenjoyed, it is futile

The niggard miser thinks wealth is all He hoards, gives not is born devil

A burden he is to earth indeed Who hoards without a worthy deed

What legacy can he leave behind Who is for approach too unkind

What is the good of crores they hoard To give and enjoy whose heart is hard

Great wealth unused for oneself nor To worthy men is but a slur

Who loaths to help have-nots, his gold Is like a spinster-belle grown old

The idle wealth of unsought men Is poison-fruit-tree amidst a town

Others usurp the shining gold In loveless, stingy, vicious hold

The brief want of the rich benign Is like rainclouds growing thin