Thiruvalluvar was a Tamil poet and philosopher who lived in the ancient town of Mylapore in southern India during the second century BCE. He is known for his masterpiece work

Thirukkural, is a collection of 1,330 couplets that discuss ethics, morality, and virtue. Thirukkural is considered one of the most important works in Tamil literature and has been translated into several languages, including English. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Thiruvalluvar and examine the themes and values presented in Thirukkural.

Thiruvalluvar's Life

Very little is known about Thiruvalluvar's life. According to legend, he was born in Mylapore to a humble family of weavers. He married a woman named Vasuki and had a son named

Athiyamaan.

Thiruvalluvar was a devotee of Lord Shiva and spent most of his life contemplating the nature of the universe and the meaning of life. He is said to have been deeply influenced by Jainism and Buddhism, which were popular in southern India during his time.

Thirukkural

Thirukkural is a collection of 1,330 couplets that are divided into three sections: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (love). The first section, Aram, contains 380 couplets that discuss ethics, morality, and virtue.

The second section, Porul, contains 700 couplets that discuss wealth and politics. The final section, Inbam, contains 250 couplets that discuss love and relationships.

The structure of Thirukkural is simple but powerful. Each couplet consists of seven words, with the first two words forming a poetic phrase and the remaining five words forming a sentence. The cou hi plots are written in the form of aphorisms, making them easy to remember and recite.

The language used in Thirukkural is simple and accessible, making it easy for anyone to understand and appreciate.

Themes and Values in Thirukkural

Thirukkural is a work that is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of Tamil culture. It is a reflection of the beliefs and attitudes of the people who lived during Thiruvalluvar's time. Some of the key themes and values presented in Thirukkural include:

Virtue

The first section of Thirukkural, Aram, is devoted entirely to the discussion of virtue. Thiruvalluvar believed that living a virtuous life was essential for happiness and success. He emphasized the importance of qualities such as honesty, humility, compassion, and self-control.

Ethics

Thirukkural is a work that is deeply concerned with ethical behaviour. Thiruvalluvar believed that ethical behaviour was essential for a just and harmonious society. He stressed the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, and of avoiding behavior that was harmful or hurtful.

Love

The final section of Thirukkural, Inbam, is devoted to the discussion of love and relationships. Thiruvalluvar believed that love was an essential part of human life and that it should be expressed in a way that was respectful and responsible.

Wealth

The second section of Thirukkural, Porul, discusses the acquisition and use of wealth. Thiruvalluvar believed that wealth should be acquired through honest means and used for the benefit of others. He cautioned against greed and materialism and emphasized the importance of generosity and charity.

Religion

Although Thiruvalluvar was a devotee of Lord Shiva, Thirukkural is not a religious work in the traditional sense. Instead, it promotes a universal morality that is accessible to people of all faiths.

Thiruvalluvar believed that the pursuit of spiritual and moral values was more important than adherence to any particular religious doctrine.

Thirukkural's Impact

Thirukkural has had a profound impact on Tamil literature and culture. It is considered one of the most important works in Tamil literature and is studied and revered by people from all walks of life.

Thirukkural has been translated into several languages, including English, and has been praised for its simple but powerful language and its universal themes and values.

Thirukkural has also had an impact on Indian society as a whole. Its emphasis on ethical behaviour, social responsibility, and the pursuit of virtue has resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Thirukkural has been cited as a source of inspiration for social reformers, politicians, and activists, and has played a role in shaping the moral and ethical landscape of modern India.

Final Words

Thiruvalluvar and Thirukkural are a testament to the enduring power of literature and the human spirit. Thiruvalluvar's life and work have inspired generations of people and have left an indelible mark on Tamil culture and society.

Thirukkural's simple but powerful aphorisms continue to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds and serve as a reminder of the importance of virtue, ethics, and love in our lives. Thirukkural is a true masterpiece of literature and a testament to the enduring power of human values and wisdom.

Written By: Syed Abbas