Thirukkural 53 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இல்லதென் இல்லவள் மாண்பானால் உள்ளதென்
இல்லவள் மாணாக் கடை?
Transliteration
Illadhen Illaval Maanpaanaal Ulladhen
Illaval Maanaak Katai?
Modern English
“A partner of strong character can make a home feel rich even when the family has limited possessions.”
Modern Interpretation
A partner of strong character can make a home feel rich even when the family has limited possessions. Without trust and good conduct, wealth and comfort cannot create a peaceful life. For example, a couple with modest means can still feel secure when they cooperate, keep promises, and stand by one another.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A partner of strong character can make a home feel rich even when the family has limited possessions.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?
G.U. Pope Translation
There is no lack within the house, where wife in worth excels,There is no luck within the house, where wife dishonoured dwells
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If his wife be eminent (in virtue), what does (that man) not possess ? If she be without excellence, what does (he) possess ?
Tamil commentary
நல்ல குணமும் நல்ல செயல்களும் உடையவனாய் மனைவி அமைந்துவிட்டால் ஒருவனுக்கு இல்லாததுதான் என்ன? அமையாவிட்டால் அவனிடம் இருப்பதுதான் என்ன?
Chapter 6
More from The Worth of a Wife
வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்
A good housewife befits the house, Spending with thrift the mate's resource
Kural 52Bright is home when wife is chaste If not all greatness is but waste
Kural 53What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?
Kural 54What greater fortune is for men Than a constant chaste woman?
Kural 55Her spouse before God who adores, Is like rain that at request pours
Kural 56The good wife guards herself from blame, She tends her spouse and brings him fame
Kural 57Of what avail are watch and ward? Their purity is women's guard
Kural 58Women who win their husbands' heart Shall flourish where the gods resort
Kural 59A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright
Kural 60An honest wife is home's delight And children good are jewels abright