Thirukkural 1117 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அறுவாய் நிறைந்த அவிர்மதிக்குப் க்குப் போல
மறுவுண்டோ மாதர் முகத்து.
Transliteration
Aruvaai Niraindha Avirmadhikkup Pola
Maruvunto Maadhar Mukaththu
Modern English
“The moon has visible marks, but the beloved's face is imagined as having none.”
Modern Interpretation
The moon has visible marks, but the beloved's face is imagined as having none. This is the affectionate exaggeration of someone who sees no flaw at all in the person they love.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The moon has visible marks, but the beloved's face is imagined as having none.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Are there spots on the lady's face Just as in moon that changes phase?
G.U. Pope Translation
In moon, that waxing waning shines, as sports appear,Are any spots discerned in face of maiden here
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Could there be spots in the face of this maid like those in the bright full moon ?
Tamil commentary
நட்சத்திரங்கள் ஏன் கலங்க வேண்டும்? தேய்ந்து முழுமை பெறும் ஒளிமிக்க நிலாவில் இருப்பது போல என் மனைவியின் முகத்தில் மறு ஏதும் உண்டா என்ன?
Chapter 112
More from The Praise of her Beauty
நலம் புனைந்து உரைத்தல்
Soft blessed anicha flower, hail On whom I dote is softer still
Kural 1112You can't liken flowers by many eyed, To her bright eyes, O mind dismayed
Kural 1113The bamboo-shouldered has pearl-like smiles Fragrant breath and lance-like eyes
Kural 1114Lily droops down to ground and says I can't equal the jewelled-one's eyes
Kural 1115Anicha flower with stem she wears To her breaking waist sad-drum-blares!
Kural 1116Stars are confused to know which is The moon and which is woman's face
Kural 1117Are there spots on the lady's face Just as in moon that changes phase?
Kural 1118Like my lady's face if you shine All my love to you; hail O moon!
Kural 1119Like the face of my flower-eyed one If you look, then shine alone O moon!
Kural 1120The soft flower and the swan's down are Like nettles to the feet of the fair