Thirukkural 974 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒருமை மகளிரே போலப் பெருமையும்
தன்னைத்தான் கொண்டொழுகின் உண்டு.
Transliteration
Orumai Makalire Polap Perumaiyum
Thannaiththaan Kontozhukin Untu
Modern English
“True greatness comes from guarding one's conduct and staying faithful to good principles.”
Modern Interpretation
True greatness comes from guarding one's conduct and staying faithful to good principles. For example, a person who keeps clear boundaries and remains loyal despite tempting pressure protects their honor.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
True greatness comes from guarding one's conduct and staying faithful to good principles.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Greatness like woman's chastity Is guarded by self-varacity
G.U. Pope Translation
Like single-hearted women, greatness too,Exists while to itself is true
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Exists while to itself is true
Tamil commentary
தன் கணவனை அன்றிப் பிறரிடம் மனத்தாலும் உறவு கொள்ளாத பெண்களின் சிறப்பைப் போல,சிறந்து நெறிகளிலிருந்து தவறி விடாமல் தன்னைக் காத்துக்கொண்டு வாழ்பவனுக்கே பெருமை உண்டு.
Chapter 98
More from Greatness
பெருமை
A heart of courage lives in light Devoid of that one's life is night
Kural 972All beings are the same in birth But work decides their varied worth
Kural 973Ignoble high not high they are The noble low not low they fare
Kural 974Greatness like woman's chastity Is guarded by self-varacity
Kural 975Great souls when their will is active Do mighty deeds rare to achieve
Kural 976The petty-natured ones have not The mind to seek and befriend the great
Kural 977The base with power and opulence Wax with deeds of insolence
Kural 978Greatness bends with modesty Meanness vaunts with vanity
Kural 979Greatness is free from insolence Littleness swells with that offence
Kural 980Weakness of others greatness screens Smallness defects alone proclaims