Thirukkural API LogoThirukkural APIAncient wisdom. Modern access.
Chapter 118 of 133Love

கண்விதுப்பழிதல்

Eyes consumed with Grief

Read all ten original Tamil couplets from this chapter with clear, modern interpretations for everyday learning.

Kurals

11711180

Reading

10 couplets

Section

காமத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

Read the chapter

Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 1171

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கண்தாம் கலுழ்வ தெவன்கொலோ தண்டாநோய்

தாம்காட்ட யாம்கண் டது.

Modern interpretation

My eyes first showed me the beloved who caused this unending pain, so why do they now weep and ask to see him again? It is like staring at an old photo that started the longing and then blaming the tears.

Read Kural 1171 in full

Kural 1172

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தெரிந்துணரா நோக்கிய உண்கண் பரிந்துணராப்

பைதல் உழப்பது எவன்?

Modern interpretation

My kohl-lined eyes looked at him without thinking about the consequences; why do they now suffer without admitting their part in my pain? A quick glance can begin feelings that are difficult to control later.

Read Kural 1172 in full

Kural 1173

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

கதுமெனத் தாநோக்கித் தாமே கலுழும்

இதுநகத் தக்க துடைத்து.

Modern interpretation

My eyes rushed eagerly to see him, and now they are the ones crying. Their change is almost laughable. The same eyes that celebrated a meeting can make you cry when the person is gone.

Read Kural 1173 in full

Kural 1174

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பெயலாற்றா நீருலந்த உண்கண் உயலாற்றா

உய்வில்நோய் என்கண் நிறுத்து.

Modern interpretation

My painted eyes gave me a lasting love-sickness, and now their tears have dried up. After crying through a separation for so long, even the eyes that began it can grow tired.

Read Kural 1174 in full

Kural 1175

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

படலாற்றா பைதல் உழக்கும் கடலாற்றாக்

காமநோய் செய்தஎன் கண்.

Modern interpretation

My eyes caused a longing larger than the sea, and now they cannot sleep because of it. After a late-night goodbye, the same eyes that sought out a loved one may stay awake until morning.

Read Kural 1175 in full

Kural 1176

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

ஓஒ இனிதே எமக்கிந்நோய் செய்தகண்

தாஅம் இதற்பட் டது.

Modern interpretation

The eyes that gave me this love-sickness are suffering from it too, and I am almost glad. When the same eyes that kept checking for a message finally swell from crying, it feels like a small kind of justice.

Read Kural 1176 in full

Kural 1177

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

உழந்துழந் துள்நீர் அறுக விழைந்திழைந்து

வேண்டி அவர்க்கண்ட கண்.

Modern interpretation

May the eyes that once gazed at him with eager affection suffer until their tears run dry. The eyes that kept looking for an absent lover through the night seem to punish themselves.

Read Kural 1177 in full

Kural 1178

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பேணாது பெட்டார் உளர்மன்னோ மற்றவர்க்

காணாது அமைவில கண்.

Modern interpretation

He may have loved me only with his words, not his heart, yet my eyes cannot rest without seeing him. Even when someone's promises felt shallow, missing them can still keep you awake.

Read Kural 1178 in full

Kural 1179

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

வாராக்கால் துஞ்சா வரின்துஞ்சா ஆயிடை

ஆரஞர் உற்றன கண்.

Modern interpretation

When he is away, my eyes cannot sleep; when he is here, they still cannot sleep, fearing his next departure. Waiting for someone and worrying about losing them can steal sleep either way.

Read Kural 1179 in full

Kural 1180

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மறைபெறல் ஊரார்க்கு அரிதன்றால் எம்போல்

அறைபறை கண்ணார் அகத்து.

Modern interpretation

People here can easily discover our secret because eyes like mine beat it out like a drum. Even if you say nothing about a crush, tired, tearful eyes may tell everyone.

Read Kural 1180 in full