Thirukkural 901 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
மனைவிழைவார் மாண்பயன் எய்தார் வினைவிழையார்
வேண்டாப் பொருளும் அது.
Transliteration
Manaivizhaivaar Maanpayan Eydhaar Vinaivizhaiyaar
Ventaap Porulum Adhu
Modern English
“The verse warns against letting excessive attachment to a spouse replace duty and responsible purpose.”
Modern Interpretation
The verse warns against letting excessive attachment to a spouse replace duty and responsible purpose. For example, someone may skip an important community task just to avoid a partner’s displeasure.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
The verse warns against letting excessive attachment to a spouse replace duty and responsible purpose.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who dote on wives lose mighty gain That lust, dynamic men disdain
G.U. Pope Translation
Who give their soul to love of wife acquire not nobler gain;Who give their soul to strenuous deeds such meaner joys disdain
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who lust after their wives will not attain the excellence of virtue; and it is just this that is not desired by those who are bent on acquiring wealth
Tamil commentary
மனைவியை விரும்பி அவள் சொல்லையே கேட்டு வாழ்பவர் சிறந்த அறப்பயனை அடையமாட்டார், செயல் ஆற்ற விரும்புவார் விரும்பாத இன்பம் அது.
Chapter 91
More from Being led by Women
பெண்வழிச் சேறல்
Who dote on wives lose mighty gain That lust, dynamic men disdain
Kural 902Who dotes, unmanly, on his dame His wealth to him and all is shame
Kural 903Who's servile to his wife always Shy he feels before the wise
Kural 904Fearing his wife salvationless The weaklings' action has no grace
Kural 905Who fears his wife fears always Good to do to the good and wise
Kural 906Who fear douce arms of their wives Look petty even with god-like lives
Kural 907Esteemed more is women bashful Than man servile unto her will
Kural 908By fair-browed wives who are governed Help no friends nor goodness tend
Kural 909No virtue riches nor joy is seen In those who submit to women
Kural 910Thinkers strong and broad of heart By folly on fair sex do not dote