Thirukural is an important Tamil scripture written by Thiruvalluvar containing about 1330 couplets which are divided into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each.Though it is claimed that Thiruvalluvar wrote more than 1330 couplets all others are missing or could not be found.
Thirukural is divided into three main sections or adhikarams:
- The first section known as the arapal or justice division contains lessons on dharma and morals.
- The second section porutpal contains teachings on man's duties
- The third section kamathupal teaches divine love.
Though Thirukural is written about nearly two millenia ago most Tamils can quite easily understand the couplets which gives an insight into the long standing heritage of the Tamils.It is mandatory for school children in Tamilnadu to study Thirukural during their academic years in school starting from their induction in to school.This may make Thirukural seem dogmatic but it is not. Thirukural relates only to life and how to lead it ,and are even applicable today.
Thiruvalluvar who is considered by Hindus as a Hindu is also claimed by the jains to be theirs.In any case the Tamil speaking people consider thiruvalluvar as a holy saint and say the book to be a 'poyyamozhi' or the 'book that never lies'.
For example the first couplet begins like this
agara mudala ezhuthellam adhi
bagavan mudatrae ulagu
If it is loosely translated it means
A leads the letters ;the ancient lord
leads and lords the entire world
which is absolutely true as nearly all languages begin with some form of A for their alphabets.
External Links
Online English Translations
Book Edition
- Thirukkural (Original in Tamil with English Translation) by W.H. Drew (Translator), John Lazarus (Translator), W. H. Drew - ISBN 8120604008
