Thirukkural 49 in English

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

Tamil original

அறனெனப் பட்டதே இல்வாழ்க்கை அஃதும்
பிறன்பழிப்ப தில்லாயின் நன்று.

Transliteration

Aran Enap Pattadhe Ilvaazhkkai
Aqdhum Piranpazhippa Thillaayin Nandru

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The marriage state is truly called virtue The other state is also good, if others do not reproach it

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

The life domestic rightly bears true virtue's name;That other too, if blameless found, due praise may claim

Plain-English Meaning

The marriage state is truly called virtue The other state is also good, if others do not reproach it

அறம் என்று சிறப்பிக்கப்பட்டது, மனைவியுடன் வாழும் வாழ்க்கையே; துறவற வாழ்க்கையும், பிறரால் பழிக்கப்படாமல் இருக்குமானால் நல்லது.

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