Thirukkural 546 in English

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

Tamil original

வேலன்று வென்றி தருவது மன்னவன்
கோலதூஉங் கோடா தெனின்.

Transliteration

Velandru Vendri Tharuvadhu Mannavan
Koladhooung Kotaa Thenin

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Not lance gives kings the victory,But sceptre swayed with equity

Plain-English Meaning

It is not the javelin that gives victory, but the king's sceptre, if it do no injustice

ஆட்சியாளருக்கு வெற்றி தருவது ஆயுதம் அன்று; அவரின் நேரிய ஆட்சியே; அதுவும் தவறான ஆட்சியாக இல்லாதிருக்க வேண்டும்.

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