Thirukkural 59 in English

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

Tamil original

புகழ்புரிந்த இல்லிலோர்க்கு இல்லை இகழ்வார்முன்
ஏறுபோல் பீடு நடை.

Transliteration

Pukazhpurindha Illilorkku Illai Ikazhvaarmun
Erupol Peetu Natai

English Translation

“A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright”

Plain-English meaning

The man whose wife seeks not the praise (of chastity) cannot walk with lion-like stately step, before those who revile them

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright

G.U. Pope Translation

Who have not spouses that in virtue's praise delight,They lion-like can never walk in scorner's sight

Plain-English Meaning

The man whose wife seeks not the praise (of chastity) cannot walk with lion-like stately step, before those who revile them

புகழை விரும்பிய மனைவியைப் பெறாதவர்க்கு அவர்களை ஏளனம் செய்வார் முன்னே ஆண் சிங்கமாய் நடக்கும் பெருமித நடை இல்லை.

Chapter 6

வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்

A good housewife befits the house, Spending with thrift the mate's resource

Bright is home when wife is chaste If not all greatness is but waste

What is rare when wife is good What can be there when she is bad?

What greater fortune is for men Than a constant chaste woman?

Her spouse before God who adores, Is like rain that at request pours

The good wife guards herself from blame, She tends her spouse and brings him fame

Of what avail are watch and ward? Their purity is women's guard

Women who win their husbands' heart Shall flourish where the gods resort

A cuckold has not the lion-like gait Before his detractors aright

An honest wife is home's delight And children good are jewels abright