Thirukkural 58 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பெற்றாற் பெறின்பெறுவர் பெண்டிர் பெருஞ்சிறப்புப்
புத்தேளிர் வாழும் உலகு.
Transliteration
Petraar Perinperuvar Pentir Perunjirappup
Puththelir Vaazhum Ulaku
Modern English
“The original verse praises a wife's devoted respect and the honour that can grow from a faithful marriage.”
Modern Interpretation
The original verse praises a wife's devoted respect and the honour that can grow from a faithful marriage. In modern life, that respect should be mutual: both partners deserve appreciation, loyalty, and dignity. For example, couples who value each other's work and decisions create a home where both people can flourish.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The original verse praises a wife's devoted respect and the honour that can grow from a faithful marriage.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Women who win their husbands' heart Shall flourish where the gods resort
G.U. Pope Translation
If wife be wholly true to him who gained her as his bride,Great glory gains she in the world where gods bliss abide
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If women shew reverence to their husbands, they will obtain great excellence in the world where the gods flourish
Tamil commentary
பெண்கள் இத்தனை சிறப்புகளையும் பெறுவார்கள் என்றால் தேவர்கள் வாழும் உலகில் மிகுந்த மேன்மையை அடைவார்கள்.
Chapter 6
More from The Worth of a Wife
வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்
A good housewife befits the house, Spending with thrift the mate's resource
Kural 52Bright is home when wife is chaste If not all greatness is but waste
Kural 53What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?
Kural 54What greater fortune is for men Than a constant chaste woman?
Kural 55Her spouse before God who adores, Is like rain that at request pours
Kural 56The good wife guards herself from blame, She tends her spouse and brings him fame
Kural 57Of what avail are watch and ward? Their purity is women's guard
Kural 58Women who win their husbands' heart Shall flourish where the gods resort
Kural 59A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright
Kural 60An honest wife is home's delight And children good are jewels abright