Thirukkural 565 in English

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

Tamil original

அருஞ்செவ்வி இன்னா முகத்தான் பெருஞ்செல்வம்
பேஎய்கண் டன்னது உடைத்து.

Transliteration

Arunjevvi Innaa Mukaththaan Perunjelvam
Peeykan Tannadhu Utaiththu

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Whom subjects scarce may see, of harsh forbidding countenance;His ample wealth shall waste, blasted by demon's glance

Plain-English Meaning

The great wealth of him who is difficult of access and possesses a sternness of countenance, is like that which has been obtained by a devil

தன்னைக் காண வருவார்க்கு நேரம் தருவதில் இழுத்தடிப்பும், கண்டால் முகக்கடுப்பும் உடையவரின் பெருஞ்செல்வம், பூதத்தால் கைக்கொள்ளப்பட்டது போன்றதாம்.

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