Thirukkural 550 in English

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

Tamil original

கொலையிற் கொடியாரை வேந்தொறுத்தல் பைங்கூழ்
களைகட் டதனொடு நேர்.

Transliteration

Kolaiyir Kotiyaarai Vendhoruththal Paingoozh
Kalaikat Tadhanotu Ner

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

By punishment of death the cruel to restrain,Is as when farmer frees from weeds the tender grain

Plain-English Meaning

For a king to punish criminals with death, is like pulling up the weeds in the green corn

கொடியவர்களுக்கு மரண தண்டனை கொடுத்துத் தக்கவரைக் காப்பது, உழவன் களையைக் களைந்து பயிரைக் காப்பதற்குச் சமம்.

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