Thirukkural 19 in English

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

Tamil original

தானம் தவம்இரண்டும் தங்கா வியன்உலகம்
வானம் வழங்கா தெனின்.

Transliteration

Thaanam Thavamirantum Thangaa Viyanulakam
Vaanam Vazhangaa Thenin

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

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

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

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

மழை பொய்த்துப் போனால், விரிந்த இவ்வுலகத்தில் பிறர்க்குத் தரும் தானம் இராது; தன்னை உயர்த்தும் தவமும் இராது.

Chapter 2

வான்சிறப்பு

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

The rain begets the food we eat

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

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

Destruction it may sometimes pour But only rain can life restore

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

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

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

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

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