Kural 559Chapter 56: The Cruel Sceptre

Thirukkural 559 in English

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

Tamil original

முறைகோடி மன்னவன் செய்யின் உறைகோடி
ஒல்லாது வானம் பெயல்.

Transliteration

Muraikoti Mannavan Seyyin Uraikoti
Ollaadhu Vaanam Peyal

English Translation

“The sky withdraws season's shower If the king misuses his power”

Plain-English meaning

If the king acts contrary to justice, rain will become unseasonable, and the heavens will withhold their showers

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

The sky withdraws season's shower If the king misuses his power

G.U. Pope Translation

Where king from right deflecting, makes unrighteous gain,The seasons change, the clouds pour down no rain

Plain-English Meaning

If the king acts contrary to justice, rain will become unseasonable, and the heavens will withhold their showers

Tamil commentary

ஆட்சியாளர் நீதி தவறினால் நாட்டில் பருவகாலமும் தவறி மழையும் பெய்யாது போகும்.

Chapter 56

More from The Cruel Sceptre

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Kural 551

The unjust tyrant oppressor Is worse than cruel murderer

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Sceptered tyrant exacting gold Is \"give\" of lanced robber bold

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Spy wrongs daily and do justice Or day by day the realm decays

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The king shall wealth and subjects lose If his sceptre he dares abuse

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Groaning tears caused by tyrant's sway File the royal wealth away

Kural 556

Glory endures by sceptre right Without it wanes the royal light

Kural 557

Dry like the earth without rainfall Is graceless king to creatures all

Kural 558

To have is worse than having not If ruler is unjust despot

Kural 559

The sky withdraws season's shower If the king misuses his power

Kural 560

The *six-functioned forget their lore Cows give less if kings guard no more * the six functions are: learning, teaching, giving, getting, sacrificing, kindling sacrifice These are duties of Vedic savants