Kural 899Chapter 90: Not Offending the Great

Thirukkural 899 in English

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

Tamil original

ஏந்திய கொள்கையார் சீறின் இடைமுரிந்து
வேந்தனும் வேந்து கெடும்.

Transliteration

Endhiya Kolkaiyaar Seerin Itaimurindhu
Vendhanum Vendhu Ketum

Modern English

“When people committed to high principles rise against injustice, even a ruler can lose power and fall.”

Modern Interpretation

When people committed to high principles rise against injustice, even a ruler can lose power and fall. For example, a government that ignores peaceful calls for fairness may lose public trust and authority.

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Tamil pronunciation

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Modern Plain English

When people committed to high principles rise against injustice, even a ruler can lose power and fall.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

Before the holy sage's rage Ev'n Indra's empire meets damage

G.U. Pope Translation

When blazes forth the wrath of men of lofty fame,Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

Kings even fall from high estate and perish in the flame

Tamil commentary

உயர்ந்த கொள்கையை உடைய பெரியோர் சினம் கொள்வார் என்றால், ஆட்சியாளனும்கூடத் தன் பதவியை இடையிலேயே இழந்து கெடுவான்.

Chapter 90

More from Not Offending the Great

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Where can they go and thrive where Pursued by powerful monarch's ire?

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One can escape in fire caught The great who offends escapes not

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If holy mighty sages frown Stately gifts and stores who can own?

Kural 898

When hill-like sages are held small The firm on earth lose home and all

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Before the holy sage's rage Ev'n Indra's empire meets damage

Kural 900

Even mighty aided men shall quail If the enraged holy seers will