Kural 773Chapter 78: Military Spirit

Thirukkural 773 in English

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

Tamil original

பேராண்மை என்ப தறுகண்ஒன் றுற்றக்கால்
ஊராண்மை மற்றதன் எஃகு.

Transliteration

Peraanmai Enpa Tharukanon Rutrakkaal
Ooraanmai Matradhan Eqku

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

G.U. Pope Translation

Fierceness in hour of strife heroic greatness shows;Its edge is kindness to our suffering foes

Plain-English Meaning

The learned say that fierceness (incontest with a foe) is indeed great valour; but to become a benefactor in case of accident (to a foe) is the extreme (limit) of that valour

Tamil commentary

பகைவர் மீது இரக்கம் காட்டாமல் இருப்பதை மிகுந்த ஆண்மை என்பர்; ஆனால், அந்தப் பகைவர்க்கு ஒரு தாழ்வு வரும்போது அவர் மீது இரக்கம் கொண்டு, அவர் தாழ்ச்சியைப் போக்க உதவுவது ஆளுமையை மேலும் சிறப்பிக்கும்.

Chapter 78

More from Military Spirit

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Kural 771

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

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

Kural 773

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

Kural 774

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

Kural 775

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

Kural 776

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

Kural 777

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

Kural 778

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

Kural 779

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

Kural 780

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