Thirukkural 777 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சுழலும் இசைவேண்டி வேண்டா உயிரார்
கழல்யாப்புக் காரிகை நீர்த்து.
Transliteration
Suzhalum Isaiventi Ventaa Uyiraar
Kazhalyaappuk Kaarikai Neerththu
Modern English
“Some warriors value a lasting reputation more than their own safety, and wearing the warrior's anklet becomes a sign of that dedication.”
Modern Interpretation
Some warriors value a lasting reputation more than their own safety, and wearing the warrior's anklet becomes a sign of that dedication. The couplet praises commitment to a cause larger than oneself. For example, a volunteer may accept difficult, unseen work because its lasting benefit matters more than personal attention.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Some warriors value a lasting reputation more than their own safety, and wearing the warrior's anklet becomes a sign of that dedication.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame
G.U. Pope Translation
Who seek for world-wide fame, regardless of their life,The glorious clasp adorns, sign of heroic strife
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The fastening of ankle-ring by those who disire a world-wide renown and not (the safety of) their lives is like adorning (themselves)
Tamil commentary
தம்முடன் சொர்க்கத்திற்கு வராது பூமியில் மட்டு் நிலைத்து நிற்கும் புகழை விரும்பி, உயிரையும் விரும்பாத வீரர், தம் கால்களில் வீரக்கழலைக் கட்டுவது அவர்க்கு அழகே.
Chapter 78
More from Military Spirit
படைச் செருக்கு
Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose
Kural 772To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare
Kural 773Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge
Kural 774At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance
Kural 775When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think
Kural 776The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain
Kural 777Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame
Kural 778The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life
Kural 779Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?
Kural 780Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler