Thirukkural 779 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
இழைத்தது இகவாமைச் சாவாரை யாரே
பிழைத்தது ஒறுக்கிற் பவர்.
Transliteration
Izhaiththadhu Ikavaamaich Chaavaarai Yaare
Pizhaiththadhu Orukkir Pavar
Modern English
“Who can call a person a failure when that person dies while keeping a sworn promise?”
Modern Interpretation
Who can call a person a failure when that person dies while keeping a sworn promise? The couplet honors faithfulness to one's word, especially under extreme pressure. For example, a teammate who completes a serious commitment despite hardship earns respect even if the final result is imperfect.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Who can call a person a failure when that person dies while keeping a sworn promise?
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?
G.U. Pope Translation
Who says they err, and visits them scorn,Who die and faithful guard the vow they've sworn
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Who would reproach with failure those who seal their oath with their death ?
Tamil commentary
தாம் சொன்ன சபதம் நிறைவேறாமல் போனாலும், அதற்காகவே போர்க் களத்தில் தோற்றவர் என்று எவர் இகழ்ந்து பேசுவார்?
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