Thirukkural 84 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
அகனமர்ந்து செய்யாள் உறையும் முகனமர்ந்து
நல்விருந்து ஓம்புவான் இல்.
Transliteration
Akanamarndhu Seyyaal Uraiyum Mukanamarndhu
Nalvirundhu Ompuvaan Il
Modern English
“A home feels prosperous when guests are welcomed with genuine warmth, not merely given food in silence.”
Modern Interpretation
A home feels prosperous when guests are welcomed with genuine warmth, not merely given food in silence. A friendly face can make a visitor feel respected and safe. For example, a host who greets a new neighbour, offers them a seat, and listens with interest helps create a more generous community.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A home feels prosperous when guests are welcomed with genuine warmth, not merely given food in silence.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The goddess of wealth will gladly rest Where smiles welcome the worthy guest
G.U. Pope Translation
With smiling face he entertains each virtuous guest,'Fortune' with gladsome mind shall in his dwelling rest
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Lakshmi with joyous mind shall dwell in the house of that man who, with cheerful countenance, entertains the good as guests
Tamil commentary
இனிய முகத்தோடு தக்க விருந்தினரைப் பேணுபவரின் வீட்டில் திருமகள் மனம் மகிழ்ந்து குடி இருப்பாள்.
Chapter 9
More from Hospitality
விருந்தோம்பல்
Men set up home, toil and earn To tend the guests and do good turn
Kural 82To keep out guests cannot be good Albeit you eat nector-like food
Kural 83Who tends his guests day in and out His life in want never wears out
Kural 84The goddess of wealth will gladly rest Where smiles welcome the worthy guest
Kural 85Should his field be sown who first Feeds the guests and eats the rest?
Kural 86Who tends a guest and looks for next Is a welcome guest in heaven's feast
Kural 87Worth of the guest of quality Is worth of hospitality
Kural 88Who loathe guest-service one day cry: \"We toil and store; but life is dry\"
Kural 89The man of wealth is poor indeed Whose folly fails the guest to feed
Kural 90Anicham smelt withers: like that A wry-faced look withers the guest