Thirukkural 563 in English

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

Tamil original

வெருவந்த செய்தொழுகும் வெங்கோல னாயின்
ஒருவந்தம் ஒல்லைக் கெடும்.

Transliteration

Veruvandha Seydhozhukum Vengola Naayin
Oruvandham Ollaik Ketum

English Translation

“His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed”

Plain-English meaning

The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

G.U. Pope Translation

Where subjects dread of cruel wrongs endure,Ruin to unjust king is swift and sure

Plain-English Meaning

The cruel-sceptred king, who acts so as to put his subjects in fear, will certainly and quickly come to ruin

குடிமக்கள் அஞ்சும்படியாகச் செயல் செய்யும் கொடிய ஆட்சி விரைந்து அழிவது உறுதி.

Chapter 57

வெருவந்த செய்யாமை

A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence

Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway

His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed

As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall

Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul

Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade

Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode

The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails

The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies

The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth