Thirukkural 569 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செருவந்த போழ்திற் சிறைசெய்யா வேந்தன்
வெருவந்து வெய்து கெடும்.
Transliteration
Seruvandha Pozhdhir Siraiseyyaa Vendhan
Veruvandhu Veydhu Ketum
Modern English
“A ruler who makes no preparation before danger arrives will panic and fall when the crisis comes.”
Modern Interpretation
A ruler who makes no preparation before danger arrives will panic and fall when the crisis comes. A family that waits until a storm to discover it has no emergency supplies is learning the same lesson.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A ruler who makes no preparation before danger arrives will panic and fall when the crisis comes.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies
G.U. Pope Translation
Who builds no fort whence he may foe defy,In time of war shall fear and swiftly die
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The king who has not provided himself with a place of defence, will in times of war be seized with fear and quickly perish
Tamil commentary
நெருக்கடி வருவதற்கு முன்பே தான் தப்பித்துக் கொள்ளப் பாதுகாப்புச் செய்துகொள்ளாத ஆட்சி, நெருக்கடி வந்தபோது பாதுகாப்பு இல்லாததால் அஞ்சி, விரைவில் அழியும்.
Chapter 57
More from Absence of Terrorism
வெருவந்த செய்யாமை
A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence
Kural 562Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway
Kural 563His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed
Kural 564As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall
Kural 565Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul
Kural 566Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade
Kural 567Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode
Kural 568The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails
Kural 569The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies
Kural 570The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth