Thirukkural 771 in English

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

Tamil original

என்னைமுன் நில்லன்மின் தெவ்விர் பலரென்னை
முன்நின்று கல்நின் றவர்.

Transliteration

Ennaimun Nillanmin Thevvir Palarennai
Munnindru Kalnin Ravar

English Translation

“Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose”

Plain-English meaning

O my foes, stand not before my leader; (for) many are those who did so but afterwards stood (in the shape of) statues

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose

G.U. Pope Translation

Ye foes stand not before my lord for many a oneWho did my lord withstand, now stands in stone

Plain-English Meaning

O my foes, stand not before my leader; (for) many are those who did so but afterwards stood (in the shape of) statues

பகைவர்கேள! என் அரசின் முன்னே போரிட நிற்காதீர்; உங்களைப் போலவே இதற்கு முன்பு பலர் நின்றனர்; எல்லாம் மறைந்து இப்போது நடுகல்லில் சிலையாக நிற்கின்றனர்.

Chapter 78

படைச் செருக்கு

Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose

To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare

Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge

At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance

When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think

The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain

Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame

The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life

Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?

Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler