Kural 13Chapter 2: The Blessing of Rain

Thirukkural 13 in English

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

Tamil original

விண்இன்று பொய்ப்பின் விரிநீர் வியனுலகத்து
உள்நின்று உடற்றும் பசி.

Transliteration

Vinindru Poippin Virineer Viyanulakaththu
Ulnindru Utatrum Pasi

Modern English

“Having resources nearby does not always mean they are useful.”

Modern Interpretation

Having resources nearby does not always mean they are useful. The world may be surrounded by oceans, but seawater cannot grow crops or satisfy thirst. In the same way, a company may have talented employees, a student may have access to books, or a person may have many opportunities. Yet without the right conditions, those resources cannot create results. This Kural teaches that true value comes not from what exists, but from what can actually support and sustain life. It reminds us to appreciate the critical systems and conditions that turn resources into real benefits.

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Modern Plain English

Having resources nearby does not always mean they are useful.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Let clouds their visits stay, and dearth Distresses all the sea-girt earth

G.U. Pope Translation

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

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

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

Tamil commentary

உரிய காலத்தே மழை பெய்யாது பொய்க்குமானால், கடல் சூழ்ந்த இப்பேருலகத்தில் வாழும் உயிர்களைப் பசி வருத்தும்

Chapter 2

More from The Blessing of Rain

வான்சிறப்பு

Read all 10 Kurals →

Kural 11

The genial rain ambrosia call: The world but lasts while rain shall fall

Kural 12

The rain begets the food we eat

Kural 13

Let clouds their visits stay, and dearth Distresses all the sea-girt earth

Kural 14

Unless the fruitful shower descend, The ploughman's sacred toil must end

Kural 15

Destruction it may sometimes pour But only rain can life restore

Kural 16

No grassy blade its head will rear, If from the cloud no drop appear

Kural 17

The ocean's wealth will waste away, Except the cloud its stores repay

Kural 18

The earth, beneath a barren sky, Would offerings for the gods deny

Kural 19

Were heaven above to fail below Nor alms nor penance earth would show

Kural 20

Water is life that comes from rain Sans rain our duties go in vain