Thirukkural 542 in English

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

Tamil original

வானோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம் மன்னவன்
கோல் நோக்கி வாழுங் குடி.

Transliteration

Vaanokki Vaazhum Ulakellaam Mannavan
Kol Nokki Vaazhung Kuti

English Translation

“The earth looks up to sky and thrives And mankind to king's rod of justice”

Plain-English meaning

When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The earth looks up to sky and thrives And mankind to king's rod of justice

G.U. Pope Translation

All earth looks up to heav'n whence raindrops fall;All subjects look to king that ruleth all

Plain-English Meaning

When there is rain, the living creation thrives; and so when the king rules justly, his subjects thrive

உயிர்கள் எல்லாம் மழையை எதிர்பார்த்தே வாழும்; குடிமக்களோ ஆளுவோரின் நேர்மையான ஆட்சியை எதிர்பார்த்தே வாழ்வர்.

Chapter 55

செங்கோன்மை

Test and attest impartially Consult and act the laws justly

The earth looks up to sky and thrives And mankind to king's rod of justice

The Sage's scripture and virtue spring From the sceptre of a stately king

The world clings to the ruler's feet Whose sceptre clasps the people's heart

Full rains and yields enrich the land Which is ruled by a righteous hand

Not the spear but the sceptre straight That brings success to monarch's might

The king protects the entire earth And justice protects his royal worth

Hard of access, the unjust king He shall himself his ruin bring

Save his subjects and chide the wrong Is flawless duty of a king

Killing killers, the king, behold Weeds removes from cropful field