Thirukkural 1147 in English

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

Tamil original

ஊரவர் கெளவை எருவாக அன்னைசொல்
நீராக நீளும்இந் நோய்.

Transliteration

Ooravar Kelavai Eruvaaka Annaisol
Neeraaka Neelumin Noi

English Translation

“Scandal manures; mother's refrain Waters the growth of this love-pain”

Plain-English meaning

This malady (of lust) is manured by the talk of women and watered by the (harsh) words of my mother

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Scandal manures; mother's refrain Waters the growth of this love-pain

G.U. Pope Translation

My anguish grows apace: the town's reportManures it; my mother's word doth water it

Plain-English Meaning

This malady (of lust) is manured by the talk of women and watered by the (harsh) words of my mother

இந்த ஊர்ப் பெண்கள் பேசும் பேச்சே உரமாக தாயின் தடைச்சொல் நீராக என் காதல் பயிர் வளரும்.

Chapter 115

அலர் அறிவுறுத்தல்

Rumour sustains my existence Good luck! many know not its sense

Rumour gives me the flower-like belle People know not what rare angel

I profit by this public rumour Having not, I feel, I have her

Rumour inflames the love I seek Or else it becomes bleak and weak

Drink delights as liquor flows Love delights as rumour grows

One lasting day we met alone Lasting rumours eclipse our moon

Scandal manures; mother's refrain Waters the growth of this love-pain

To quench the lust by rumour free Is to quench fire by pouring ghee

Who said \"fear not\" flared up rumour Why then should I blush this clamour?

Town raising this cry, I desire Consent is easy from my sire