Thirukkural 47 in English

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

Tamil original

இயல்பினான் இல்வாழ்க்கை வாழ்பவன் என்பான்
முயல்வாருள் எல்லாம் தலை.

Transliteration

Iyalpinaan Ilvaazhkkai Vaazhpavan Enpaan
Muyalvaarul Ellaam Thalai

English Translation

“Of all who strive for bliss, the great Is he who leads the married state”

Plain-English meaning

Among all those who labour (for future happiness) he is greatest who lives well in the household state

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Of all who strive for bliss, the great Is he who leads the married state

G.U. Pope Translation

In nature's way who spends his calm domestic days,'Mid all that strive for virtue's crown hath foremost place

Plain-English Meaning

Among all those who labour (for future happiness) he is greatest who lives well in the household state

கடவுளை அறியவும், அடையவும் முயல்பவருள் மனைவியோடு கூடிய வாழ்க்கையை அதற்குரிய இயல்புகளோடு வாழ்பவனே முதன்மையானவன்.

Chapter 5

இல்வாழ்க்கை

The ideal householder is he Who aids the natural orders there

His help the monk and retired share, And celibate students are his care

By dutiful householder's aid God, manes, kin, self and guests are served

Sin he shuns and food he shares His home is bright and brighter fares

In grace and gain the home excels, Where love with virtue sweetly dwells

Who turns from righteous family To be a monk, what profits he?

Of all who strive for bliss, the great Is he who leads the married state

Straight in virtue, right in living Make men brighter than monks praying

Home-life and virtue, are the same; Which spotless monkhood too can claim

He is a man of divine worth Who lives in ideal home on earth