Thirukkural 780 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
புரந்தார்கண் நீர்மல்கச் சாகிற்பின் சாக்காடு
இரந்துகோள் தக்கது உடைத்து.
Transliteration
Purandhaarkan Neermalkach Chaakirpin Saakkaatu
Irandhukol Thakkadhu Utaiththu
Modern English
“A warrior's death is described as especially honored when it moves the ruler who was protected by that sacrifice.”
Modern Interpretation
A warrior's death is described as especially honored when it moves the ruler who was protected by that sacrifice. The point is that devoted service can leave a lasting mark on those who benefited from it. For example, a community may remember a responder who gave everything to keep others safe.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A warrior's death is described as especially honored when it moves the ruler who was protected by that sacrifice.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler
G.U. Pope Translation
If monarch's eyes o'erflow with tears for hero slain,Who would not beg such boon of glorious death to gain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If (heroes) can so die as to fill with tears the eyes of their rulers, such a death deserves to be obtained even by begging
Tamil commentary
வீரர்களின் வீரச்செயலை எல்லாம் எண்ணிப் பார்க்கும் கண்களோடு ஆட்சியாளர் நிற்க, அந்தப்போரில் சாகும் வாய்ப்பைப் பெற்றவரின் சாவு, பிறரிடம் கேட்டுப் பெறத்தக்க சிறப்பினை உடையது.
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