Thirukkural 55 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தெய்வம் தொழாஅள் கொழுநன் தொழுதெழுவாள்
பெய்யெனப் பெய்யும் மழை.
Transliteration
Theyvam Thozhaaal Kozhunan Thozhudhezhuvaal
Peyyenap Peyyum Mazhai
Modern English
“This is a poetic image of the extraordinary power the Kural attributes to a deeply devoted and virtuous partner.”
Modern Interpretation
This is a poetic image of the extraordinary power the Kural attributes to a deeply devoted and virtuous partner. It is not a literal claim that one person controls nature. For example, when partners trust and support each other through hardship, their unity can give the whole family confidence and strength.
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Modern Plain English
This is a poetic image of the extraordinary power the Kural attributes to a deeply devoted and virtuous partner.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Her spouse before God who adores, Is like rain that at request pours
G.U. Pope Translation
No God adoring, low she bends before her lord;Then rising, serves: the rain falls instant at her word
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If she, who does not worship God, but who rising worships her husband, say, "let it rain," it will rain
Tamil commentary
பிற தெய்வங்களைத் தொழாமல் கணவனையே தெய்வமாகத் தொழுது வாழும் மனைவி, பெய் என்று சொன்னால் மழை பெய்யும்.
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