I. Áttichoodi

English Rendering and Brief Notes

Varadaraja V. Raman

1. அறம் செ�ய விரும்பு.aRam cheya virumbu.

Desire to do the right thing.aRam: Tamil equivalent of dharma: righteous, virtuous conduct. Cheya (or cheyya): to do (from cheivadu: to do something).virumbudal: to wish for, to desire, to want.In Upanishads we read: satyam vada, dharmam chara: Speak the truth,

follow the path of dharma. Note that Auvaiyar is not urging us to do the right thing, but to cultivate a desire to do the right thing. Once that desire is inculcated in a person, doing the right thing become natural. We are reminded of the saying: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Auvaiyar could have added: mei cholla virumbu: Desire to speak the truth.

2. ஆறுவது �ினம்

áRuvadu cinam.Anger cools off.

áRudal: to be alleviated, to cool off, to abate.cinam: anger (kópam); fire. Auvaiyar simply says that anger cools off. Remembering this will enable

one to control anger when it approaches a boiling point. That is to say, if we always bear in mind that all the heated wrath will eventually fade away we are unlikely to get out of control when we things get to be too upsetting.

Some prefer to translate this as Let your anger cool off!3. இயல்வது கரவேவல்

iyalvadu karavélDon’t hide the possible.

iyaludal: to be possible, to happen.

1

karaval: to hideThere could be two interpretations of this line:The first, which I give, is that we should live up to our full potential. All

too often most people’s output, whether physical, mental, moral, spiritual, or whatever, is only a small percentage of what they are really capable of. He we are told not to keep our capacities unutilized or un-actualized.

Another interpretation is that if we are told something in confidence we must not reveal it to anyone.

4. ஈவது விலக்வேகல்

ívadu vilakkélDon’t prevent giving.

ívadu: to give as a gift. [ígaiyan: a generous person.]vilakkuvadu: to prohibit. Instead of simply asking us to cultivate charity, we are asked not to

hinder it. This suggests that there were/are people who give arguments against helping the poor. In our own times there are groups and politicians who are against welfare and entitlements. They stand in the way of (the government’s) giving to the poor. Auvaiyar was clearly a liberal.

5. உடை�யது விளம்வே�ல்

UDaiyadu viLambél

Don’t reveal what you have.uDiayadu: what one has.viLambu: speech, from viLambudal: to speak. This line can be interpreted in two ways. First, literally speaking, it says that we shouldn’t tell people about all

our possession. It is wise not to be ostentatious. This is certainly good advice to people who are prone to display all their jewelry in public places. That will only invite envy and attempts to rob.

2

Another interpretation could be that one should be modest in talking about one’s capacities and achievements. In other words, one should avoid bragging.

3

II. Áttichoodi6. ஊக்கமது டைகவிவே�ல்

Úkkamadu kaiviél

Don’t abandon zest (for life)úkkam: seal, enthusiasm, fervor.kai: hand.viduvadu: to free, to release.kaividuvadu: To let go from one’s hold; to give up; to abandon, to shun..Here we are asked not to lose our active interest in things. It is most

important to have zest for life, at whatever age. The opposite would lead to a state of depression. It is significant that Auvaiyar says this, because traditional preaching, especially in the Hindu world, tends to belittle this world of physical reality, keeps harping on its fleeting nature, and inspires one to look for greater peace elsewhere. This often dampens interest in life, and pushes one to asceticism.

7. எண் எழுத்து இகவே#ல்

eN ezhuttu igazhélDon’t neglect of numbers or letters.

eN: number.eNNUdal: to count. It also means to think. This corresponds to the

English word to reckon which means both calculate and guess or think. ezhuttu: letter. ikazhdal: to neglect, to despise. We are asked not to treat letters and numbers with disrespect. In other

words, to give due respect and importance to both letters (written language) and numbers (mathematics). Note that the poet does not say words, but letters. Words can be spoken also. Letter refers to writing. It is remarkable that Auvaiyar was already recognizing the importance of both literacy and numeracy, giving the latter priority

4

8. ஏற்�து இகழ்ச்�ி

éRpadu igazchchi

It’s lowly to accept charity.

éRrpadu: to beg, to ask for charity.ikazhchi: disparagement. This word is related to the word ikazhdal, used

in the last entry. Here ikazhchi signifies something dishonorable. What is said is that one should never be the recipient of charity, because

that is self-demeaning. It is important to recognize the difference between accepting something that is given out of affection and love, which is to be done cheerfully; and taking something given as charity, usually provoked by pity.

The irony is that if giving charity is commendable and accepting it is deplorable, then if everyone follows these precepts, there will be no one to accept charity. Also, by giving charity to someone one is forcing the person to engage in a dishonorable thing.

These are thoughts coming from analyzing the ideas, but one should not to be persuaded by such reasoning, or take it as an excuse, to refrain from doing charitable deeds.

9. ஐயம் இட்டு உண்

Aiyam ittu uNFeed and then eat.

aiyam: has several meanings: phlegm, doubt, suspense, a short time interval, and alms.

aiyam-iDuvadu: giving alms. Here it means feeding someone. uNNudal: to eat or drink.

5

Recall that eNNUvadu means to think (or to count). But uNNudal means to eat. The change of one letter makes the difference between food for mind and food for body.

This precept is very noble. It reflects caring for others. It has had great influence on the culture of the people. Many Tamils used to, perhaps still, offer a little of their food to a hungry passer-by or to a bird before they take a morsel themselves.

In today’s world one way of practicing this would be to set aside a a small amount of cash every time we have lunch and dinner, collect it all at the end of a month or a year, and send it to some organization that feeds the hungry.

10. ஒப்புரவு ஒழுகு

Oppuravu ozhuguBehave in a conciliatory way

oppu: similarity, resemblance. oppudal: to agree. oppuravu: agreement, reconciliation. What is meant here is that when we interact with someone we must be

conciliatory. This may seem difficult in a world full of conflicts and divergent opinions. But that is precisely the point. In order to cope with such a world, unless people learn to be a little accommodating, things can get only worse and worse.

What this also means is that we must make an effort to see an issue from the opponent’s point of view. Then it would not be so difficult for a little give and take by all parties concerned. In personal interactions, this approach can be much more effective than intransigence. This idea was elaborated by Dale Carnegie.

III. Áttichoodi11. ஓதுவது ஒ#ிவேயல்.

6

óduvadu ozhiyél.Don’t stop reciting . [Don’t stop learning.]

ódudal: to read, to recite in an audible voice, to declare publicly, to whisper.

The recital of the Vedas or the enunciation of any mantra is known as védamódudal

One word for a school used to be ódumpaLLi. The Shiva VéláLas who used to recite Shaiva hymns in temples were

called óduvár. ozhidal: to stop doing something, to cease to exist, to die. In this sense it is sometimes used as a curse: azhiñju pó! This is the

Tamil equivalent of: Go to Hell!We may interpret this line to mean that we should not stop reciting

sacred works, in singing hymns. Another (more relevant) interpretation would be that one should not stop studying and learning new things. These should be life-long activities. Unfortunately, many people discontinue reading books and learn new things by reading on a variety of subjects once they have finished school and started a job.

12. ஒளவியம் வே�வே�ல்

ouviyum pésél.Speak not in envy.

ouviyam: envy(poRámai).pésuvadu: to speak. pécél: speak not. Ne negation il is in this word. In modern Tamil it would be pésádé. All too often when people gossip they refer either to the unsavory traits

and behavior of others, or speak with envy and jealousy about what others may have, or may have achieved. This is a simple precept, and it also shows how well our poet understood the common foibles of humankind. We may also extend this to mean: Speak not ill of others.

7

The word ouviyam could also mean a sacrifice or an oblation to the Gods. This is from the Sanskrit havya (which is related to the word havan).

Then again, ouviyam should not be confused with avviyayam which means that which is imperishable, the Tamil version of the Sanskrit avyaya: the imperishable. From this we get the epithet avviyayan for God.

13. அ·கம் சுருக்வேகல்

Ahkam churukkél.Do not shorten grains.

ahkam: grain (dániyam). churukkudal: shorten, to make less, to curtail. Here the phrase shortening grains refers to measurement in selling. The poet is asking the dealer not to make it less than the right amount. This refers to the tricks of some businessmen in the surreptitious practice of cheating the customer by giving a little less than what is paid for. In other words, one is asked to give the customer what is his due. More generally, it is asking us to be honest in our dealings with others.

14. கண்செ�ொன்று செ�ொல்வேலல்.

kaNDonRu chollél.Say not what is contrary to what have seen.

kaNdonRu: Something other than what has been seen.cholluvadu: to say.chollél: Say not. (cholládé)This is a difficult line to translated. It has been variously rendered as: Do not say something for which there is no evidence.Say only what you have actually seen.Don’t bear false witness.

15. ஙப் வே�ொல் வடைள.Ngappól vaLai.

8

Bend like (the letter) nga (ங). [Be flexible.]gna (ங) the second consonant in the Tamil alphabet.pól: similar to, like.viLaivadu: to curve, to bend.There is no Tamil word stating with gna. So the poet uses the letter itself to say something. Notice that there is an interesting curve in this letter. So when you write the letter, the line has to be gracefully bent. What is meant is “Don’t be too rigid or intransigent!”, “Bend like the letter nga!”We may note in passing that of all the letters, eleven of the fifteen main Tamil alphabets have curves. In English (Roman) eleven of the twenty-six have curves.

IV. Áttichoodi16. �னி நீரொடு

chani neeráDu.16. Bathe on Saturdays.

chani: the planet Saturn. It is also an abbreviation for chanikkizhamai: Saturday.

Neer: water.áDudal, áDal: to shake, to swing, to dance.(kúttáDal: to play in public, to sport. viLaiyáDal: to play.)neeráDudal, neerádal: to play in water, to bathe.Here the reference is to the weekly oil-bath which the Tamil people take

(used to take) on Saturdays. This shows the ancientness of the custom. It is, in fact, part of what is known as the ashtánga yoga tradition. Generally, one uses castor oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil for this.

17. ஞயம்�� உடைர.ñayampaDa urai.Speak pleasantly.

9

nyayam: pleasantness, that which is refined.urai: speak! (uraikattudal: to interpret a literary work.)The saying is simple: Be pleasant when you speak.We will note again and again that Auvaiyar’s sayings are not only terse, but wisdom pure, and of practical value. There is none of the airy metaphysics here that we find in many Sanskrit works. What can be simpler than this which is far more powerful and to the point that any high-flown commandment.

18. இ�ம்�� வீடு எவே�ல்.eDampaDa veeDu eDél.

18. Don’t build a house with too much space.iDam: place, room.iDampaDa: excessive space.veeDu: houseeDuttal: to build, to raise. eDél: Don’t build.Essentially the poet is asking us not to have a home larger than our

needs. The notion of small-is-beautiful is already expressed here. It is a recommendation to avoid wastefulness: An idea that is gaining more and more currency in today’s world of limited resources.

Simply put: Don’t build a house larger than your needs! Don’t consume m ore than you need to!

19. இணக்கம் அறிந்து இணங்கு

iNakkam aRindu iNanggu.Unite after knowing compatibility.

iNakkam: agreement.aRindu: knowing.iNangudal: to join, to unite.The advice here is to make friends on the basis of common tastes and

interests. Too often we get involved with people without knowing their political and religious views, or their tastes in interests. Friendship with

10

incompatible views and values cannot be pleasant, and will not last long. It is always better to know about commonalties before getting too close to strangers. When people are set in their opinions on fundamental issues, it is a waste of time to try to change them.

20. தந்டைத தொய்ப் வே�ண்

Tandai táip péN.Nurtue your parents.

tandai (tagappan): father.tái (táyár): mother. The word is also used as an epithet for the goddess

Lakshmi.péNal: to nurture, to foster.péNu: protection.Sometimes this is translated as: Protect you parents!Literally, it says: Nurture your parents.This is an interesting idea. Normally parents nurture their children.What is meant is that when parents become old, it is the responsibility of

young and healthy adult children to take good care of them. This is more important than honoring them

V. Áttichoodi21. நன்றி மறவேவல்.

nanRi maRavélForget not a kind act.

nanRi: good act, kindness, favor.The word is related to nanmai: goodness.nanRicholludall: to thank.maRavél: do not forget, from maRappadu: to forget.The virtue of gratitude is inculcated here.We are reminded of the KuRaL: nanRi paRappadu nanRanRu

11

nalládadu anRé maappady nanRu.It is not good to forget a kind act; it is good to forget right away what is not an act of kindness.

22. �ருவத்வேத �யிர் செ�ய்.paruvatté payit sei

Do farming according to seasons.paruvam: season.payir: grain.seivadu: to do.payirseivadu: to grown grains, to farm.[payirozhil: agriculture.]To farm according to seasons means to do things at the right time.It is the equivalent of the English saying, Make hay while the sun shines, which also means, Do things at the opportune time.

23. மண் �றித்து உண்வேணல்.

maN paRittu uNNélDo not eat from land-grab.

maN: the earth, the world, land.paRittal: to scatter, to damage.maN-paRittal: to land-grabuNNél: Eat not.Grabbing other people’s land – the act that gives many successful invaders the title the Great (as in Alexander, the Great; Caesar, the Great; Chandragupta, the Great), is as ancient as kingdoms in human history. Auvaiyar says that it is not worth eating from the products of lands which have been conquered by force. More generally one should not profit by robbing other people.

24. இயல்பு அலொதன செ�ய்வேயல்.iyalbu aláda seiyyél

Do not do anything against nature.iyalbu: nature, what is natural.aláda: what is not.seiyyél: act not.

12

This line also implies, Don’t do anything unnatural. It could also mean, Don’t defy the order and balance of Nature. This latter interpretation would be more relevant in today’s ecology-conscious world.

25. அரவம் ஆட்வே�ல்.Aravam áttél

Don’t shake the snakes.aravam: serpent. áttudal: to shake somethingáttél: don’t shake.

The meaning is: Don’t play with snakes. Don’t get involved with dangerous things. Be cautious.

A name for the Hills of Tirupati is Aravaakiri (aravágiri), because it is said to have the form of the great serpent Sesha of Vishnu. It is also known as called Vénkata-malai.

One epithet for Lord Shiva is aravan: one who is wearing the serpent. Interestingly, the Tamil people are known as aravargal. This suggests

that perhaps at one time most Tamil people were Shiva worshipers.Another word for the Tamil language (still used in Telugu) is aravam.It may be recalled the Duryodana, the chief of the Kauravas, had a

serpent on his flag, So he is also known in Tamil as aravakkoDiyán: One with the serpent flag.

VI. Áttichoodi26. இலவம் �ஞ்�ில் துயில்.

ilavam pañchil tuyilSleep on cotton bed.

ilavu: silk or cotton. [ilavam: little, trifle.]pañchu: cotton.tuyiludal: to sleep.The idea is that one should sleep comfortably in a soft bed. Instructions

like this show that Auvaiyar is interested in the common welfare of people, in the basic necessities of life, and in sensible comforts much more than in high-flown philosophy and talks about soul and transmigration.

27. வஞ்�கம் வே�வே�ல்.vachakam pésélTalk not deceit.

vañchakam: dishonest or deceitful talk.

13

pésél: do not speak.This is a basic ethical precept: be open, honest, and truthful in dealing

with others, All too often people say one thing and mean something quite different. This would be unethical behavior.

28. அ#கு அலொதன செ�ய்வேயல்.azhagu aláda cheyyél.

Do not do what isn’t beautiful.azhagu: beautyaládana: what is separate (what is without)cheyyél: do not do.We are told not to do something that is not beautiful. By this is meant, to

refrain from ugly acts. Any act that is kind and courteous, caring and helpful would be a beautiful act. Behavior contrary to these would be ugly deeds: hurtful, uncaring, callous, offensive, etc.

29. இளடைமயில் கல்.iLamayil ka.

Learn while young.iLamai: youth, tender state. iLamaiyil: in youth,kaldal (katRal): to learn. Kal: learn! Kallúri is a place where one learns:

a university/It is pointed out that the young can learn things more easily than the old.

This is especially true in learning new languages. Many positive qualities are attributed to youth. Here we are told that the capacity to learn (new things) is one of them

30. அறடைன மறவேவல்.aranai maRavélForget not God

aran: an epithet for Lord Shiva.maRappadu: to forget. maRappél: do not forget.So we are simply told never to forget God.We may note in passing that Murugan is therefore known as aranmakan.The name arantózhan, meaning friend of aran, is a name for Kuberan.And Parvati is also known as araniDattavaL: one who is close to aran.It is important not to confuse aran (Sivan) with aRam which means

dharma.

31. அனந்தல் ஆவே�ல்

anandal áDél

14

Sleep not in excessanandal: to sleep, to slumberáDudal: to shake, to swing.áDél: don’t succumb to.We are simply told not to waste too much of our time sleeping, i.e. being idle.We are reminded of the nineteenth century saying that “Excessive proneness to sleep is a sign of decay and waste of brain.

32. கடிவது மற.kaDivadu maRa.

Don’t be engaged in harsh talk.kadi: disharmony, discordant. kadivadu: speaking harshly.maRa: forget. Don’t be engaged in.Another simple ethical principle: Never engage is speaking harshly to

anyone.

33. கொப்�து விரதம்.To keep watch over is a resolution

káppadu or káttal: to guard, to keep watch on.viradam: a formal resolution, a vow.One should make a commitment to be ever watchful. The idea is that no

matter what we do unexpected hindrances and dangers can arise without the slightest notice. So we need to be very aware of what is going on around us.

34. கி#டைமப்�� வொழ்.kizhamaippaDa vázh

Live as per rules.kizhamai: This word has several meanings. Some of them are, claim,

proper conduct, connection. A more common meaning is day of the week.vázh: Live!Here the injunction is to live righteously, in accordance with the laws of

the land.

35. கீழ்டைம அகற்று.kízhmai agaTRu.

Eradicate baseness.kízhmai: lowliness, baseness.agatRu: remove, eradicate, banish.We all have noble as well as ignoble (lowly) qualities. Here we are told in

just words to expel our baser nature.

15

36. குணமது டைகவிவே�ல்.guNamadu kaiviDélAbandon not virtues.

guNam: quality (Sanskrit guNa). Here, virtue.(adu: it)kai: hand.viDuvadu: to leave.kaiviDuvadu: to abandon; to give up.No matter what, it is important never to give up the basic ethical

principles, such as speaking the truth, respecting other people, caring for others, etc. This is what constitutes real religion or eternal dharma.

37. கூடிப் �ிரிவேயல்.kúDip piriyél.

Seperate not from (friendly) links.kúDudal: to assemble, to meet with, to unite.piridal: to become seperated, to disunite, to delink.The idea is that when one has made good friends and become thus connected in a

relationship, one should strive not to break it. Friendships are precious links in life.

38. செகடுப்�து ஒ#ி.keDuppadu ozhiStop harming.

keDuppadu: to ruin, to harm, to make bad.ozhittal: to end, to finish off.We are asked to discontinue any habit of hurting and harming other

people or things. Here the assumption is that, consciously or unconsciously, one may be engaging in such practice.

39. வேகள்வி முயல்.Try to listen kéLvi muyal

kéLvi: question. The word has many other meanings as well.muyaludal: to try hard, to persevere.All too often we are eager to speak out our views and opinions, and rarely have the tendency

to listen to what others have to say. Auvaiyar realizes that this is difficult for most people. That is why she says, Try hard to listen.

40. டைகவிடைன கரவேவல்.kaivinai karavél

Your hand-work conceal not!.kai: handvinai: act, action.kaivinai: handicraft, manual arts.karavél: do not hide, conceal.

16

Often people do not explicitly show their ability to do things, either out of shyness or modesty. Here one is asked not to hide one’s hand-work, meaning their abilities, capacities, potential for doing things. In other words, without being immodest or vain, one can still be open about what one can do.

41. செகொள்டைள விரும்வே�ல்.koLgai virumbél

Do not desire receiving.koLgai: from the word koL: to receive, means the act of getting, receiving. virumbél: Do not wish.Here we are asked not to be desiring to get things from other people. It is

not the same as coveting what other have, but rather of not wishing that it would be given to oneself.

42. வேகொதொட்டு ஒ#ி.kódáttu ozhi.

Stop vexing behaviorkódáTTal: engaging in vexing behavior, in mischievous games.ozhittal: to end, to finish off.In other words, do not be a nuisance to others.

43. செகௌடைவ அகற்று.kauvai agatRu

remove scandalkauvai: rumor, scandal, distress.agatRu: remove! get rid of!If there are rumors about a person, he or she is asked to come in the open

and clear it all up.

44. �க்கர செநறி நில்.chakkara neRi nil

Stand with the moral lawchakkaram: wheelneRi: moral pathnil: stand!Here the wheel of moral path refers to the law of the land. Thus, one is

asked to stand firm in not violating the law of the country where one lives.

45. �ொன்வேறொர் இனத்து இரு.chánDRór inattu iru

Stay with those of the learned kind.chánDRór: the learned ones, the great ones.inam: kindred, relations.iru: be! stay!

17

We lose or benefit by the company we keep. Here we are told to be with knowledgeable and learned people.

46. �ித்திரம் வே�வே�ல்chittiram pésél

Speak not in imageschittiram: picture.pésél: don’t speak.By talking pictures, one means using too many figures of speech. Here we

are asked not to indulge in too much talk of that kind when we wish to say something. Interestingly, this is itself a picturesque way of saying it.

47. சீர்டைம மறவேவல்chírmai maRavél.

Do not forget (your) reputation.chírmai: excellence, reputation, good name.maRavél: do not forget.We are asked never to forget the good name that we enjoy among freinds

in a community. No matter where one is, people do talk about the person. How they talk often depends on the actions and character of the person. It is therefore important to bear this in mind whatever we do, and however we behave. This is all the more important for people who enjoy good reputation and esteem: i.e. the positively famous ones, like writers, politicians, religious leaders, etc. Many of them have broken this rule and suffered infamy an hishonor.

48. சுளிக்கச் செ�ொல்வேலல்.chuLikkach chollél

Say naught to cause anger.chuLittal: to get angry.chollél: don’t say.One recommended virtue is not to get angry. Here we are told not to

provoke anger either.In other words, there is no need to be harsh or unpleasant in whatever we say to others. Making others angry for whatever reason doesn’t reall accomplish anything.

49. சூது விரும்வே�ல்chúdu virumbél.

Gambling, desire not.chúdu: gambling. The word can also mean the lotus flower.virumbél: do not wish for.In simple terms we are asked not to crave for gambling which is regarded

as a vice. It is clear from this that gambling was not uncommon in the Tamil country in those days, and that many people were addicted to it and suffered as a consequence.

18

50. செ�ய்வன திருந்தச் செ�ய்.cheivana tirundach cheiAll that you do, do right.

cheivana: all that one does.tirunda: properly.chei: do!No matter what one does, one should strive to do it well. In other words,

don’t be sloppy in any undertaking. Pay attention to the task and complete it the best you can.

51. வே�ரி�ம் அறிந்து வே�ர்.chériDam aRindu chér

Knowing the place of association, associate.chérvadu: to join, to associate with.iDam: place.chériDam: where one joins.Chér: associate.One interpretation could be that one should know well with whom one

considers associating, before plunging into the association. Know the nature and philosophy of a club before acquiring membership in it. Seeking the company of others, be informed of the people concerned.

52. டை�செயனத் திரிவேயல். chaiyenat tiriyél

Wander not, drawing derision.chai: an exclamation signifying contempt and derision. One often say

ché! To express one’s contempt for something.chai-yena: provoking derision.tiriyal: to wander aimlessly.tiriyél: don’t be wandering.We are asked not to be loitering around lazily, provoking the contempt of

serious and hard-working people. Don’t be a bum!

53. செ�ொற் வே�ொர்வு �வே�ல்.choR chórvu paDél

Don’t be caught faltering in speech.chol: spoken word,choRchórvu: faltering in speech.paDél: don’t be entrapped.Here we are warned not to be caught faltering, as this would reflect

confused thinking, or an attempt to conceal the truth.

54. வே�ொம்�ித் திரிவேயல்.chómbit tiriyél

Do not wander about lazily (aimlessly)chómbuvadu: to be idle, lazy.

19

tiriyal: to wander aimlessly.chómbittiriyal: to saunter aimlessly.tiriyél: don’t be wandering.Again, as said earlier, we are asked not be unproductive, contempt-

provoking vagabonds.55. தக்வேகொன் எனத் திரி.

takkón enat tiriMove around as a worthy person.

takkón: great, honorable, worthy person.ena: thus knowntiri: move around.Move around (i.e. conduct yourself in society) as a worthy individual.

56. தொனமது விரும்பு.dánamadu virumbu

Desire (to do) charitydánam: charity.adu: it.virumbu: desire, wish for.It is important for people to think of the less fortunate, and do something

to help them. Actions thus prompted are what we call charity. Note that instead simply saying “Be charitable!” Auvaiyar is suggesting that we should not simply cultivate doing charity, but should develop a desire to do it. In other words, charity is not to be done as a matter of chore, compulsion, or obligation, but out of a wish to do it. This would be the ideal way of being virtuous: Not because we have to, but because we want to.

57. திருமொலுக்கு அடிடைம செ�ய்.tirumukku aDimai cei!

Serve VishNu.tirumál: Lord VishNutirumálukku: to VishNu.aDimai: slavery.cei: do.In this context we may take VishNu to mean the Divine. Doing slavery is

a hyperbolic way of saying “Serve relentlessly.” To serve God could mean many things. But accpting that every human being is a fragment of the Divine (Cosmic Whole) we may interpret this to mean that we are asked to serve fellow humans.

58. தீவிடைன அகற்று.tívinai agatRuRemove evil

tívinai: evil things, evil deeds.agatRal: to remove.

20

agatRu!: remove!In two words we are asked to get rid of all that is evil: in thought, word,

or deed.

59. துன்�த்திற்கு இ�ம் செகொவே�ல்.tunbattiRku iDam koDél.

Don’t give room for distress.tunbam: affliction, distress, sorrow.

tunbattiRku: to distresses.iDam: place, room.koDuppadu: to give.koDél: don’t give.We are subjected to unhappy things in life. Here we are asked not to give

any place for it. What is meant is that we should not allow sorrow or tragedy to occupy all the space in our lives, to let it overcome us.

60. தூக்கி விடைன செ�ய்.

túkki vinai ceiAct after due consideratrion.

túkkuvadu: to lift, to weigh, to deliberate.túkki: (after) considering, deliberating. vinai: action.cei: do!We often tend to act rashly, brusquely, especially in reaction to

something that has happened.Here we are asked to carefully consider matters, to weight the pros and cons of actions, before actually acting.

61. செதய்வம் இகவே#ல்deivam igazhél

Speak not ill of the Divine.deivam: God.igazhél: don’t scorn, don’t revile.In conversations or debates, or in moments of frustraion, one may say

disrespectful things about God. We are advised to refrain from such language.

62. வேத�த்வேதொடு ஒட்டி வொழ்désattóDu otti vázh

Live connected to (your) country.désam: country.désattóDu: with the countryottuvadu: to be attached to.

21

We are asked to be close to our country: i.e. to be interested in its welfare. A feeling of national loyalty is preached here. We may recall the poet VaLLuvar’s phrase: ulagattóDu otta vázhgal: to live in harmony with the world.

63. டைதயல் செ�ொல் வேகவேளல்taiyyal chol kéLél

Listen not to pretty womentaiyyal: beauty. Here, a pretty womanchol: words, what is said.kéLel: do not listen to.The idea here is that a man may sometimes be so captivated by the

beauty of a woman that he would do anything she asks withut carefully thinking about it.

64. செதொன்டைம மறவேவல்tonmai maRavél

Forget not ancient talestonmai: antiquity, old storymaRavél: don’t forget.Here what is meant is that one should not forget the ancient roots of

one’s cuture.

65. வேதொற்�ன செதொ�வேரல்tóRpan toDarél

Don’t take up what you will losetórpadu: to losetoDarpadu: to follow, to take up.If we know or feel that we will not succeed in an project or even a fight,

it is better not to get into it, because one will end up with great frustration.

66. நன்டைம கடை�ப்�ிடி.nanmai kaDaippiDi.

Remember (to do) the good!nanmai: the god, whatever is good.kaDaippiDittal: to remember, to bear in mind. This is a simple injunction to always bear in mind that whatever one does

must be only for the good.

67. நொசெ�ொப் �னசெ�ய்.náDoppana cei

22

What conforms to the country, do that!náDu: country (as in tamizh náDu).ena: that which is.oppuvadu: to agree with.It may seem strange that we are asked to agree with the country,

meaning we should conform to everyone in the country, right or wrong. But what is implied is that one should seek harmony with the people around which is the only way to find peace within oneself. The idea may also be interpreted as an injunction against breaking the laws of the land.

68. நிடைலயிற் �ிரிவேயல்.nilaiyiR piriyél

From your character part not!nilai: status, condition, intrinsic nature. pirivadu: to move away from.We are told that we should not act in ways that are contrary to our

intrinsic nature or svabháva. We are reminded here of the line in the Gita (III.35) which says that it is far better to do imperfectly what is one’s own dharma (svadharma) than to try to follow someone else’s dharma (paradharma).

69. நீர்விடைள யொவே�ல்.NírviLaiyáDél

In (risky) waters play not.nír: water.viLaiyáDuvadu: to play.This is a simple cautionary statement to say that one should be careful

not to try to swim in the sea when the waters are rough.

70. நுண்டைம நுகவேரல்.nuNmai nukarél.

Fine (sweet) things don’t eat!nuNmai: nicety, minuteness.nugarvadu: to eat.Here eating very nice things refers to eating very sweet things.

Interestingly, for whatever reason, Auvaiyar is asking us to avoid sweets: a sure way of avoiding diabetes.

 

70. நூல்�ல கல்.

23

núl pala kal.Study many (works of) literature!

núl: a thread. A literary work.pala: many.kaRkiRén: I learn, I study.kal: learn!It is interesting that Auvaiyar asks us to study many different literatures,

instead of simply saying, “Study literary works.” It shows the breadth of vision of this ancient poetess and her understanding that those who study the written works from many traditions would have their minds expanded to a considerably greater degree.

76. �#ிப்�ன �கவேரல்.pazhippana pagarél.

Scornful words, utter!pazhippu: scorn, pazhippadu is to speak ill of, to criticize, to disparage.pagarvadu: to speak out, to utter.Pagarél: do not utter.All too often people are more inclined to criticize and condemn others

than to speak well of others. Here, we are asked to refrain from speaking ill of others, their words and deeds and opinions.

77. �ொம்செ�ொடு �#வேகல்.pámboDu pazhagél

Don’t get close to snakes!pámbu: snake.pámboDu: with snakespazhaguvadu: to get used to, to become familiar with.pazhagél: don’t get too familiar with.

Here the word pámbu (snake) refers to untrustworthy, evil, treacherous people. We are asked not to associate with people of unreliable character.

78. �ிடை#��ச் செ�ொல்வேலல்.pizhaipaDach chollél.

Speak not with error-potential!pizhai: error, mistake, fault.pizhaipaDa: to turn out to be wrong, mistaken.chollél: don’t say (something).We are asked not to say things that may turn out to be wrong, mistaken.

In other words, we should use our judgment and carefully weigh matters before we make a statement. We should be judicious in speaking out.

79. பீடு செ�றநில்.píDu peRanil.

Stand to get honor!

24

píDu: honor, greatness, glory.peRuvadu: to obtain, to receive.peRa: so as to get.nil: stand! Here, behave! We are asked to act in ways that would bring us honor. This is a positive

way of asking us not to behave in dishonorable and shameful ways.

80. புகழ்ந்தொடைரப் வே�ொற்றிவொழ்.pugazhndáraip pótRivázh!

Who have been extolled, praise them and live!pugandár: people who have been applauded.pótRi: praising.vázhvadu: to live.Vázh: live!We are asked to speak well of people who have already attained fame

and respect from the community. Sometimes one is reluctant to give credit and honor where they are due. Here we are asked to be generous in speaking well of people who have really achieved something worthy enough to be recognized and extolled by the community and the world.

81. பூமி திருத்தியுண்.búmi tiruttiyuN.

Attend to the land and eat!búmi: the earth, the land.tiruttuvadu: to correct, to mend, to repair the land, to till.uNNuvadu: to eat.We are asked to till the land and eat; that is to say, to cultivate the land.

The idea is to do some productive labor or fruitful work to merit the food one consumes.

82. செ�ரியொடைரத் துடைணக்செகொள்.periyárait tuNaikkoL.

Take the assistance of the elderly!periyár: the big ones, the great ones, the elder ones.tuNai: escort, help, assistance.koLvadu: to receive, to take.Here the we are advised to listen to (take the guidance of) what the

elders of the community, the wiser ones instruct us to do.

83. வே�டைதடைம யகற்று.pédaimai yagatRu.

Get rid of ignorance!pédaimai (or pédamai): wekness, simplicity, ignorance.agatRuvadu: to remove, to get rid of.

25

We are asked to free ourselves from ignorance, i.e. to acquire knowledge and learning.

In another context, Auvaiyár said: pédaimai-y-enbadu mádarkku aNikalam: Here the word pédaimai is used in the sense of simplicity, to mean: Simplicity is for women an ornament.

84. டை�யவேலொ டிணங்வேகல்.paiyalól DiNangél.

Don’t mingle with the immature.paiyal (or paiyan): a boy, a lad. Here, one who is immature.paiyalóDu: with a boy, with an immature person.iNanguvadu: to agree with, to yield to. Here, to get involved with. iNangél: do not get involved with.The advice is essentially that one should not be swayed by what kids say.

85. செ�ொரு�டைனப் வே�ொற்றிவொழ்.poruDanaip pótRivázh.

Praise your wealth and live!poruL: material, wealth.pótRuvadu: to praise, to give due honor.vázh!: live!The idiomatic translation of this would be: Use your wealth properly! Don’t

waste whatever material things you have managed to earn or acquire!

86. வே�ொர்த்செதொ#ில் புரிவேயல்pórttozhil puruyél

Desire not warring work!pór: war.tozhil: work, job.pórttozhil: war-related (belligerent) work.purikkuvadu: to desire, to long forWe are asked not to long for work or activity that is related to war and fight. In other

words, one should lookk for peaceful things to do.

87. மனந் தடுமொவேறல்Manan taDumáRél

Be not confused in mind!Manam: mindtaDumátRam: confusion, perplexitytaDumáRél: don’t be confused. We are asked not to be confuses and changing our minds in contradicting ways.

88. மொற்றொனுக் கி�ங்செகொவே�ல்.matRánuk kidankoDélDon’t yield to the other!

26

matRán: others. Here, your opponents.iDam: placekoDuppadu: To give.iDamkoDuppadu: to yied.iDangkod”el: don’t yield to.The idea is that if we give a little room to our opponents, they will take advantage of

it. Little by little they will overpower us. Not the wisdom here. Recall the place that the Indian people gave to the British East Inndia Company: it resulted in the British colonization of India for amost two centuries.

89. மிடைக��ச் செ�ொல்வேலல்mihaipaDach chollélSay not in excess!

migukkuvadu: to exceed, to go beyond.migaippaDa: in excess.Chollél: no not say!It could mean that one should not say too much, i.e. inadvertently reveal more than

one ought to; or that one should not speak too much, be loquacious. Some have interpreted this to mean that one should not be over dramatic in what one is saying.

90. மீதூண் விரும்வே�ல்mídúN virumbél

Desire not to eat in excess!mídu: above, in excess.uNNuvadu: to eat.mídúN: to eat in excess.virumbuvadu: to want, to desire.Virumbél: do not desire to.Auvaiyar is not asking us not to eat in excess, to be gluttonous. Rather, she is

asking us not to desire to do this. This is a deep psychological insight. First, when one curbs the desire to overeat, one will automatically refrain from doing it. Second, if one doesn’t eat too much, and still desires to do so, one will only be unhappy.

91. முடைனமுகத்து நில்வேலல்munaimugattu nillél

Don't join an unjust fight!munai: sharp, pointed end;mugam: face;munaimugam: forefront in a battle;munaimugattu: in the front-line of a battle;nillél: don’t stand!We are advised not to expose ourselves needless when there is a fight.

27

92. மூர்க்கவேரொ டிணங்வேகல்múrkkaró DiNangél

Don't succumb to the angry.múrkkar: an angry person, an ignorant person;múrkkaroDu: with enraged people;iNanguvadu: to adjust, to agree with, to accommodate;iNangél: do not adjust yourself to.We are asked not to yield to the unreasonable demands of angry and stubborn

people.

93. செமல்லினல்லொள் வேதொள்வே�ர்.mellinalláL tóLchér

Be close to your own wife!Stick with your exemplary wife.

melli: woman; (soft, farin one);nalláL: good person (fem);mellinannáL: gentle, good woman (wife);tóL: shoulder;chérvadu: to oin.TóLchérvadu: tp be close to, to have as companion.This is a poetic way of asking one to be faithful to one’s wife.

94. வேமன்மக்கள் செ�ொற்வேகள்.ménmakkaL chóRkéL.

Listen to the words of great men!mél: up;makkaL: people:ménmakkaL: great ones;chol: word.kéL: listen;choRkéL: listen to the words of.In simple terms, we are asked to take the advice of elders (wise people).

95. டைமவி#ியொர் மடைனயகல்.maivizhiyár manaiyagal.Keep away from brothel!

mai: (black) collyriumvizhiyár: who see, stare;maivizhiyár: women whose eyes are with collyrium: in olden days, this described

prostitutes;manai: house;agaludal: to remove oneself from to get away from.

28

96. செமொ#ிவ தறசெமொ#ி.Speak with clarity.

97. வேமொகத்டைத முனி.Hate any desire for lust.

101.

98. வல்லடைம வே�வே�ல்.Don't self praise.

99. வொதுமுற் கூவேறல்.Don't gossip or spread rumor.

100. வித்டைத விரும்பு.Long to learn.

(X)

101. வீடு செ�றநில்.

102. உத்தம னொயிரு.

103. ஊரு�ன் கூடிவொழ்.

104. செவட்செ�னப் வே�வே�ல்.

105. வேவண்டி விடைனசெ�வேயல்.

29

106. டைவகடைறத் துயிசெலழு.

107. ஒன்னொடைரத் வேதவேறல்.

108. ஓரஞ் செ�ொல்வேலல்.

97.    102.    Work for a peaceful life.103.    Lead exemplary life.104.    Live amicably.105.    Don't be harsh with words and deeds.106.    Don't premeditate harm.107.    Be an early-riser.108.    Never join your enemy.109.    Be impartial in judgement.

(Z)ஆத்தி சூடி அமர்ந்த வேதவடைனஏத்தி ஏத்தி செதொழுவேவொம் யொவேம.

நூல்

1. அறஞ்செ�ய விரும்பு.

2. ஆறுவது �ினம்.

3. இயல்வது கரவேவல்.

4. ஈவது விலக்வேகல்.

5. உடை�யது விளம்வே�ல்.

6. ஊக்கமது டைகவிவே�ல்.

7. எண்செணழுத் திகவே#ல்.

8. ஏற்� திகழ்ச்�ி.

9. ஐய மிட்டுண்.

10. ஒப்புர செவொழுகு.

11. ஓதுவ செதொ#ிவேயல்

12. ஒளவியம் வே�வே�ல்.

13. அஃகஞ் சுருக்வேகல்.

14. கண்செ�ொன்று செ�ொல்வேலல்.

15. ஙப்வே�ொல் வடைள.

16. �னிநீ ரொடு.

17. ஞயம்�� வுடைர.

18. இ�ம்�� வீசெ�வே�ல்.

19. இணக்கமறிந் திணங்கு.

20. தந்டைததொய்ப் வே�ண்.

30

21. நன்றி மறவேவல்.

22. �ருவத்வேத �யிர்செ�ய்.

23. மண்�றித் துண்வேணல்.

24. இயல்�லொ தனசெ�வேயல்.

25. அரவ மொட்வே�ல்.

26. இலவம்�ஞ்�ிற் றுயில்.

27. வஞ்�கம் வே�வே�ல்.

28. அ#கலொ தனசெ�வேயல்.

29. இளடைமயிற் கல்.

30. அறடைன மறவேவல்.

31. அனந்த லொவே�ல்.

32. கடிவது மற.

33. கொப்�து விரதம்.

34. கி#டைமப் ��வொழ்.

35. கீழ்டைம யகற்று.

36. குணமது டைகவிவே�ல்.

37. கூடிப் �ிரிவேயல்.

38. செகடுப்� செதொ#ி.

39. வேகள்வி முயல்.

40. டைகவிடைன கரவேவல்.

41. செகொள்டைள விரும்வே�ல்.

42. வேகொதொட் செ�ொ#ி.

43. செகௌடைவ அகற்று.

44. �ொன்வேறொ ரினத்திரு.

45. �ித்திரம் வே�வே�ல்.

46. சீர்டைம மறவேவல்.

47. சுளிக்கச் செ�ொல்வேலல்.

48. சூது விரும்வே�ல்.

49. செ�ய்வன திருந்தச்செ�ய்.

50. வே�ரி�மறிந்து வே�ர்.

51. டை�செயனத் திரிவேயல்.

52. செ�ொற்வே�ொர்வு �வே�ல்.

53. வே�ொம்�ித் திரிவேயல்.

54. தக்வேகொ செனனத்திரி.

55. தொனமது விரும்பு.

56. திருமொலுக் கடிடைமசெ�ய்.

57. தீவிடைன யகற்று.

58. துன்�த்திற் கி�ங்செகொவே�ல்.

59. தூக்கி விடைனசெ�ய்.

60. செதய்வ மிகவே#ல்.

31

61. வேத�த்வேதொ செ�ொத்துவொழ்.

62. டைதயல்செ�ொல் வேகவேளல்.

63. செதொன்டைம மறவேவல்.

64. வேதொற்�ன செதொ�வேரல்.

65. நன்டைம கடை�ப்�ிடி.

66. நொசெ�ொப் �னசெ�ய்.

67. நிடைலயிற் �ிரிவேயல்.

68. நீர்விடைள யொவே�ல்.

69. நுண்டைம நுகவேரல்.

70. நூல்�ல கல்.

(Y) 71. செநற்�யிர் விடைள.

72. வேநர்�� செவொழுகு.

73. டைநவிடைன நணுவேகல்.

74. செநொய்ய வுடைரவேயல்.

75. வேநொய்க்கி�ங் செகொவே�ல்.

76. �#ிப்�ன �கவேரல்.

77. �ொம்செ�ொடு �#வேகல்.

78. �ிடை#��ச் செ�ொல்வேலல்.

79. பீடு செ�றநில்.

80. புகழ்ந்தொடைரப் வே�ொற்றிவொழ்.

81. பூமி திருத்தியுண்.

82. செ�ரியொடைரத் துடைணக்செகொள்.

83. வே�டைதடைம யகற்று.

84. டை�யவேலொ டிணங்வேகல்.

85. செ�ொரு�டைனப் வே�ொற்றிவொழ்.

86. வே�ொர்த்செதொ#ில் புரிவேயல்.

87. மனந்தடு மொவேறல்.

88. மொற்றொனுக் கி�ங்செகொவே�ல்.

89. மிடைக��ச் செ�ொல்வேலல்.

90. மீதூண் விரும்வே�ல்.

91. முடைனமுகத்து நில்வேலல்.

92. மூர்க்கவேரொ டிணங்வேகல்.

93. செமல்லினல்லொள் வேதொள்வே�ர்.

94. வேமன்மக்கள் செ�ொற்வேகள்.

95. டைமவி#ியொர் மடைனயகல்.

96. செமொ#ிவ தறசெமொ#ி.

97. வேமொகத்டைத முனி.

98. வல்லடைம வே�வே�ல்.

99. வொதுமுற் கூவேறல்.

32

100. வித்டைத விரும்பு.

101. வீடு செ�றநில்.

102. உத்தம னொயிரு.

103. ஊரு�ன் கூடிவொழ்.

104. செவட்செ�னப் வே�வே�ல்.

105. வேவண்டி விடைனசெ�வேயல்.

106. டைவகடைறத் துயிசெலழு.

107. ஒன்னொடைரத் வேதவேறல்.

108. ஓரஞ் செ�ொல்வேலல்.

1.    Learn to love virtue.2.    Control anger.3.    Don't forget Charity.4.    Don't prevent philanthropy.5.    Don't betray confidence.6.    Don't forsake motivation.7.    Don't despise learning.8.    Don't freeload.9.    Feed the hungry and then feast.10.    Emulate the great.11.    Discern the good and learn.12.    Speak no envy.13.    Don't shortchange.14.    Don't flip-flop.15.    Bend to befriend.16.    Shower regularly.17.    Sweeten your speech.18.    Judiciously space your home.19.    Befriend the best.20.    Protect your parents.21.    Don't forget gratitude.22.    Husbandry has its season.23.    Don't land-grab.24.    Desist demeaning deeds.25.    Don't play with snakes.26.    Cotton bed better for comfort.27.    Don't sugar-coat words.28.    Detest the disorderly.29.    Learn when young.30.    Cherish charity.31.    Over sleeping is obnoxious.32.    Constant anger is corrosive.33.    Saving lives superior to fasting.

33

34.    Make wealth beneficial.35.    Distance from the wicked.36.    Keep all that are useful.37.    Don't forsake friends.38.    Abandon animosity.39.    Learn from the learned.40.    Don't hide knowledge.41.    Don't swindle.42.    Ban all illegal games.43.    Don't vilify.44.    Honor your Lands Constitution.45.    Associate with the noble.46.    Stop being paradoxical.47.    Remember to be righteous.48.    Don't hurt others feelings.49.    Don't gamble.50.    Action with perfection.51.    Seek out good friends.52.    Avoid being insulted.53.    Don't show fatigue in conversation.54.    Don't be a lazybones.55.    Be trustworthy.56.    Be kind to the unfortunate.57.    Serve the protector.58.    Don't sin.59.    Don't attract suffering.60.    Deliberate every action.61.    Don't defame the divine.62.    Live in unison with your countrymen.63.    Don't listen to the designing.64.    Don't forget your past glory.65.    Don't compete if sure of defeat.66.    Adhere to the beneficial.67.    Do nationally agreeables.68.    Don't depart from good standing.69.    Don't jump into a watery grave.70.    Don't over snack.71.    Read variety of materials.72.    Grow your own staple.73.    Exhibit good manners always.74.    Don't involve in destruction.75.    Don't dabble in sleaze.76.    Avoid unhealthy lifestyle.77.    Speak no vulgarity.78.    Keep away from the vicious.79.    Watch out for self incrimination.

34

80.    Follow path of honor.81.    Protect your benefactor.82.    Cultivate the land and feed.83.    Seek help from the old and wise.84.    Eradicate ignorance.85.    Don't comply with idiots.86.    Protect and enhance your wealth.87.    Don't encourage war.88.    Don't vacillate.89.    Don't accomodate your enemy.90.    Don't over dramatize.91.    Don't be a glutton.92.    Don't join an unjust fight.93.    Don't agree with the stubborn.94.    Stick with your exemplary wife.95.    Listen to men of quality.96.    Dissociate from the jealous.97.    Speak with clarity.98.    Hate any desire for lust.99.    Don't self praise.100.    Don't gossip or spread rumor.101.    Long to learn.102.    Work for a peaceful life.103.    Lead exemplary life.104.    Live amicably.105.    Don't be harsh with words and deeds.106.    Don't premeditate harm.107.    Be an early-riser.108.    Never join your enemy.109.    Be impartial in judgement.

87. வே�ொர்த் செதொ#ில் புரிவேயல். Do not engage in warring activities (picking fights).

மகர வருக்கம் = Ma (ம) series88. மனம் தடுமொவேறல் Do not be confused in mind. (Don't let

others rattle you.)89. மொற்றொனுக்கு இ�ம் செகொவே�ல். 89. Don't give place to your enemy.

(Don't let the enemy take advantage of you or harm you.)

90. மிடைக��ச் செ�ொல்வேலல். 90. Do not say embellishments. (Do not embellish your words.)

91. மீதூண் விரும்வே�ல். 91. Excessive eating, desire not.92. முடைனமுகத்து நில்வேலல். 92. Face of fight, do not stand. (Do

35

not stand still in the face of fight.93. மூர்க்கவேரொடு இணங்வேகல். 93. The angry ignoramus befriend

not.94. செமல்லி நல்லொள் வேதொள்வே�ர். 94. Soft noblewoman shoulders join.

(Consort with your wife only.)95. வேமன்மக்கள் செ�ொல் வேகள். 95. Listen to the words of virtuous

persons.96. டைம வி#ியொர் மடைன அகல். 96. The Collyrium-eyed brothel move

away. (Walk away from whorehouse of a harlot with eye makeup.)

97. செமொ#ிவது அற செமொ#ி. 97. What is said should be a saying shorn of doubts.

98. வேமொகத்டைத முனி. 98. Chuck Avarice.வகர வருக்கம் Va (வ) series

99. வல்லடைம வே�வே�ல். 99. Authority and power, talk not. (Do not trumpet your authority and power.)

100. வொது முற்கூவேறல். Arguments before utter not. (Argue not before and with the Learned.)

101. வித்டைத விரும்பு. 101. Love knowledge.102. வீடு செ�ற நில். 102. Stand to gain Liberation.103. உத்தமனொய் இரு. 103. Be of man of highest virtue.104. ஊரு�ன் கூடி வொழ். 104. Live a life of togetherness with

your town.105. செவட்செ�னப் வே�வே�ல். 105. Do not utter Harsh speech.106. வேவண்டி விடைன செ�வேயல் 106. For desired results, desist from

evil acts.107. டைவகடைறத் துயில் எழு. 107. Early dawn, rise up from sleep.108. ஒன்னொடைரத் வேதவேறல். 108. Foes, never trust.109. ஓரம் செ�ொல்வேலல். 109. Partiality, do not say. (Do not

entertain partiality.)

flTs; tho;j;JMj;jp #b mkHe;j NjtidVj;jp Vj;jpj; njhONthk; ahNk.

capu; tUf;fk; Uyir Varukkam 1. mwk; nra tpUk;G.2. MWtJ rpdk;.3. ,ay;tJ fuNty;.

1. Aram seya virumbu2. Aaruvathu sinam.3. Iyalvathu Karavel.

36

capu; tUf;fk; Uyir Varukkam 4. <tJ tpyf;Nfy;.5. cilaJ tpsk;Ngy;.6. Cf;fkJ iftpNly;.7. vz; vOj;J ,fNoy;.8. Vw;gJ ,fo;r;rp.9. Iak; ,l;L cz;.10. xg;GuT xOF.11. XJtJ xopNay;.12. xstpak; NgNry;.13. m/fk; RUf;Nfy;.  

4. Eevathu Vilakkel.5. Udaiyathu Vilambel.6. Ookamathu Kaividel.7. Enn eluthu igazhel.8. Yerpathu igalchi.9. Iyam ittu Un.10. Oppuravu Ozhugu.11. Othuvathu Ozhiyel.12. Avviyam Pesael.13. Ahgam Surukael.

capu;nka; tUf;fk; Uyirmei Varukkam14. fz;nlhd;W nrhy;Nyy;.15. qg; Nghy; tis.16. rdp ePuhL.17. Qak;gl ciu.18. ,lk;gl tPL vNly;.19. ,zf;fk; mwpe;J ,zq;F.20. je;ij jha;g; Ngz;.21. ed;wp kwNty;.22. gUtj;Nj gapu; nra;.23. kz; gwpj;J cz;Nzy;.24. ,ay;G myhjd nra;Nay;.25. mutk; Ml;Nly;.26. ,ytk; gQ;rpy; Japy;.27. tQ;rfk; NgNry;.28. moF myhjd nra;Nay;.29. ,sikapy; fy;.30. muid kwNty;.31. mde;jy; MNly;.  

14. Kandondru Sollel15. Gna Pole Valai.16. Sani Neeradu.17. Gnyampada Urai.18. Idampada Veedu Edel.19. Inakkam Arinthu Inangu.20. Thanthai Thaai Paen.21. Nandri Maravel.22. Paruvathe Payir Sei.23. Man Parithu Unnel.24. Iyalbu Alathana Seyyel.25. Aravam Aattel.26. Ilavam Panjil Thuyil.27. Vanjagam Pesel.28. Azhagu Alaathana Seyyel.29. Ilamaiyil Kal.30. Aranai Maravel.31. Ananthal Aadel.

ffu tUf;fk; Kagara Varukkam32. fbtJ kw.33. fhg;gJ tpujk;.34. fpoikg;gl tho;.35. fPo;ik mfw;W.36. FzkJ iftpNly;.37. $bg; gpupNay;.38. nfLg;gJ xop.39. Nfs;tp Kay;.40. iftpid fuNty;.41. nfhs;is tpUk;Ngy;.42. Nfhjhl;L xop.43. nfsit mfw;W.

32. Kadivathu Mara.33. Kaapathu Viratham.34. Kizhamaipada Vaazh.35. Keezhmai Agatru.36. Gunamathu Kaividel.37. Koodi Piriyel.38. Kedupathu Ozhi.39. Kelvi Muyal.40. Kaivinai Karavel.41. Kollai Virumbel.42. Kodhatu Ozhi.43. Kavvai Agatru.

rfu tUf;fk; Sagara Varukkam44. rf;fu newp epy;.45. rhd;Nwhu; ,dj;J ,U.

44. Sakkara Neri Nil.45. Sandrol Inathu Iru.

37

capu; tUf;fk; Uyir Varukkam 46. rpj;jpuk; NgNry;.47. rPu;ik kwNty;.48. Rspf;fr; nrhy;Nyy;.49. #J tpUk;Ngy;.50. nra;td jpUe;jr; nra;.51. Nruplk; mwpe;J Nru;.52. irnadj; jpupNay;.53. nrhw; Nrhu;T gNly;.54. Nrhk;gpj; jpupNay;.

46. Sithiram Pesael.47. Seermai Maravel.48. Sulikka Sollel.49. Soodhu Virumbel.50. Seivana Thirundha Sei.51. Seridam Arinthu Ser.52. Saiyenath Thiriyel.53. Sor Sorvu Padel.54. Sombi Thiriyel.

jfu tUf;fk; Thagara Varukkam55. jf;Nfhd; vdj; jpup.56. jhdkJ tpUk;G.57. jpUkhYf;F mbik nra;.58. jPtpid mfw;W.59. Jd;gj;jpw;F ,lk; nfhNly;.60. J}f;fp tpid nra;.61. nja;tk; ,fNoy;.62. Njrj;NjhL xl;b tho;.63. ijay; nrhy; NfNsy;.64. njhd;ik kwNty;.65. Njhw;gd njhlNuy;.

efu tUf;fk;

66. ed;ik filg;gpb. (Z)67. ehL xg;gd nra;.68. epiyapy; gpupNay;.69. ePu; tpisahNly;.70. Ez;ik EfNuy;.71. E}y; gy fy;.72. new;gapu; tpisT nra;.73. Neu;gl xOF.74. ietpid eZNfy;.75. neha;a ciuNay;.76. Neha;f;F ,lk; nfhNly;.

71. Nool Pala Kal.72. Nerpayir Vilaivu Sei.73. Nerpada Ozhugu.74. Naivinai Nanugel.75. Noyya Uraiyel.76. Noikku Idam Kodel.

gfu tUf;fk; Pagara Varukkam77. gopg;gd gfNuy;.78. ghk;nghL goNfy;.79. gpioglr; nrhy;Nyy;.80. gPL ngw epy;.81. Gfo;e;jhiug; Nghw;wp tho;.82. G+kp jpUj;jp cz;.83. ngupahiuj; Jizf; nfhs;.84. Ngijik mfw;W.85. igaNyhL ,zq;Nfy;.86. nghUs;jidg; Nghw;wp tho;.87. Nghu;j; njhopy; GupNay;.

77. Pazhipana Pagarel.78. Pambodu Pazhagel.79. Pizhaipada Sollel.80. Peedu Pera Nil.81. Pugazhdhaarai Potri Vazh.82. Boomi Thiruthi Unn.83. Periyarai Thunai Kol.84. Pethamai Agatru.85. Payalodu Inangel.86. Porulthanai Potri Vazh.87. Porth Thozhil Puriyel.

38

capu; tUf;fk; Uyir Varukkam kfu tUf;fk; Magara Varukkam

88. kdk; jLkhNwy;.89. khw;whDf;F ,lk; nfhNly;.90. kpifglr; nrhy;Nyy;.91. kPJ}z; tpUk;Ngy;.92. KidKfj;J epy;Nyy;.93. %u;f;fNuhL ,zq;Nfy;.94. nky;yp ey;yhs; Njhs;Nru;.95. Nkd;kf;fs; nrhy; Nfs;.96. ik tpopahu; kid mfy;.97. nkhoptJ mw nkhop.98. Nkhfj;ij Kdp.

88. Manam Thadumarel.89. Matranukku Idam Kodel.90. Migaipada Sollel.91. Meethoon Virumbel.92. Munaimugathu Nillel.93. Moorkarodu Inangel.94. Melli Nallaal Tholeser.95. Menmakkam Sol Kel.96. Mai Vizhiyor Manai Agal.97. Mozhivathu Ara Mozhi.98. Mogathai Muni.

tfu tUf;fk; Vagara Varukkam99. ty;yik NgNry;.100. thJ Kw;$Nwy;.101. tpj;ij tpUk;G.102. tPL ngw epy;.103. cj;jkdha; ,U.104. CUld; $b tho;.105. ntl;nldg; NgNry;.106. Ntz;b tpid nrNay;.107. itfiwj; Japy; vO.108. xd;dhiuj; NjNwy;.109. Xuk; nrhy;Nyy;.

99. Vallamai Pesel.100. Vaathu Murkooral.101. Vithai Virumbu.102. Veedu Pera Nil.103. Uthanamai Iru.104. Oorudan Koodi Vazh.105. Vettena Pesel.106. Vendi Vinai Seyel.107. Vaigarai Thuyil Ezhu.108. Onnaarai Thaerael.109. Oram Sollael.

 

Aathichoodi.

 

63.   Thaiyal chol Kelel.

Do not listen to the words of undeserving women who habitually tell lies.  Before accepting them verify the veracity of what she says.

 

94.   Mel Ill  Nallal Thol Cher.

Marry a woman of good character, and live a long married life, with understanding and both having the same wavelength. 

 

39

96.   Maivizhiyaar Manaiyakal.

Never enter the homes of characterless females who have kholed enticing eyes. (Prostitutes)

 

Kondraivendhan.

 

3.   Illaram Allathu Nallaram Nandru.

Happy married life with a woman of character is the epitome of life.  All other stations in life does not give this much satisfaction.

 

5.   Undi Surunguthal Pendirkku Azhagu. 

Eating limited food and maintaining an hourglass figure is the hall mark of a healthy woman.

 

14.  Karpena Paduvathu Chol Thiram Paamai. 

A chaste wife should not disobey her husband.

 

15.  Kaaval Thane Paavaiyarkku Azhaghu.

Women should defend themselves from attacks on their chastity from others.

 

41.  Thudiya Pendir Madiyil Neruppu.

A chaste wife should feel for even the smallest discomfort that her husband suffers.  If not, she is like burning ember in the stomach of the husband (would not hesitate to kill him if the opportunity arises)

 

42.  Thootrum Pendir Kutrena Thagum.

That woman, who publicly talks ill of her husband day in and day out, is akin to Yama to him.

40

 

66.  Paethamai Enbathu Maadharkku Anikalam.

A woman of character, never exhibits her knowledge, but appears to be a simpleton, which is her ornament. (strength)

 

78.  Maivizhiyar Thammanai Agandru Ozhugu.

Keep away from the homes of women of disrepute. 

 

Ulagha Neethi.

 

4.   Karpudaya Mangayarai Karutha Venda.

Never covet woman of character. Even in your mind for a second.

 

Vetriverkkai.

 

11.   Pendirkkazhaghu Ethirpesathu Iruthal.

The beauty of a woman of character is never to contradict her husband. (at least in public?)

 

12.   Kulamaghatku Azhaghu Than Khozhunanai Penudhal. 

A woman from a good family will not desert her husband, but will do every thing possible to keep him happy. 

 

13.   VilaiMaghatku Azhaghu Meni Minukkuthal.

The character of a characterless woman is to keep her body trim, and hook her onlookers.

41

 

22.  Kondor Ellam Pendirum Allar.

Even if you take a woman as wife after completing all the rituals and rites that woman may not be your wife mentally. (She may be thinking of somebody else)

42

43