Thirukkural 234 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நிலவரை நீள்புகழ் ஆற்றின் புலவரைப்
போற்றாது புத்தேள் உலகு.
Transliteration
Nilavarai Neelpukazh Aatrin Pulavaraip
Potraadhu Puththel Ulaku
Modern English
“Earning a genuinely good, lasting name in this life carries a weight that outshines even cleverness or learning on their own.”
Modern Interpretation
Earning a genuinely good, lasting name in this life carries a weight that outshines even cleverness or learning on their own. What you build through good character stands out further than mere cleverness. For example, a teacher remembered for their character often ends up more respected, over time, than one merely known for being smart.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Earning a genuinely good, lasting name in this life carries a weight that outshines even cleverness or learning on their own.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
From hailing gods heavens will cease To hail the men of lasting praise
G.U. Pope Translation
If men do virtuous deeds by world-wide ample glory crowned,The heavens will cease to laud the sage for other gifts renowned
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If one has acquired extensive fame within the limits of this earth, the world of the Gods will no longer praise those sages who have attained that world
Tamil commentary
தன்னில் வாழும்அறிஞரைப் போற்றாமல், இந்த நில உலகில்நெடும்புகழ் பெற்று வாழந்தவரையே தேவர் உலகம் பேணும்.
Chapter 24
More from Renown
புகழ்
They gather fame who freely give The greatest gain for all that live
Kural 232The glory of the alms-giver Is praised aloud as popular
Kural 233Nothing else lasts on earth for e'er Saving high fame of the giver!
Kural 234From hailing gods heavens will cease To hail the men of lasting praise
Kural 235Fame in fall and life in death Are rare but for the soulful worth
Kural 236Be born with fame if birth you want If not of birth you must not vaunt
Kural 237Why grieve at those who blame the shame Of those who cannot live in fame?
Kural 238To men on earth it is a shame Not to beget the child of fame
Kural 239The land will shrink in yield if men O'erburden it without renown
Kural 240They live who live without blemish The blameful ones do not flurish