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Chapter 6 of 133Virtue

வாழ்க்கைத் துணைநலம்

The Worth of a Wife

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

Kurals

5160

Reading

10 couplets

Section

அறத்துப்பால்

A simple reading path

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Tamil + modern meaning

Kural 51

1 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மனைக்தக்க மாண்புடையள் ஆகித்தற் கொண்டான்

வளத்தக்காள் வாழ்க்கைத் துணை.

Modern interpretation

A good life partner brings kindness, responsibility, and practical wisdom to the home. They manage shared resources thoughtfully and do not spend beyond what the family can afford. For example, partners who plan their budget together, support each other's goals, and handle difficulties calmly create a stronger home than people who care only about appearances.

Read Kural 51 in full

Kural 52

2 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மனைமாட்சி இல்லாள்கண் இல்லாயின் வாழ்க்கை

எனைமாட்சித் தாயினும் இல்.

Modern interpretation

A family's success is not measured only by money, status, or a comfortable house. Without mutual kindness, trust, and responsibility between partners, those achievements feel empty. For example, an impressive home filled with constant insults and dishonesty is not truly a successful household.

Read Kural 52 in full

Kural 53

3 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

இல்லதென் இல்லவள் மாண்பானால் உள்ளதென்

இல்லவள் மாணாக் கடை?

Modern interpretation

A partner of strong character can make a home feel rich even when the family has limited possessions. Without trust and good conduct, wealth and comfort cannot create a peaceful life. For example, a couple with modest means can still feel secure when they cooperate, keep promises, and stand by one another.

Read Kural 53 in full

Kural 54

4 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பெண்ணின் பெருந்தக்க யாவுள கற்பென்னும்

திண்மைஉண் டாகப் பெறின்.

Modern interpretation

The Kural praises steadfastness and loyalty in a life partner. Here, chastity is best understood as inner strength, faithfulness, and commitment rather than as a reason to control someone. For example, a partner who keeps their promises and protects the trust within the relationship shows a strength more valuable than wealth or beauty.

Read Kural 54 in full

Kural 55

5 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தெய்வம் தொழாஅள் கொழுநன் தொழுதெழுவாள்

பெய்யெனப் பெய்யும் மழை.

Modern interpretation

This is a poetic image of the extraordinary power the Kural attributes to a deeply devoted and virtuous partner. It is not a literal claim that one person controls nature. For example, when partners trust and support each other through hardship, their unity can give the whole family confidence and strength.

Read Kural 55 in full

Kural 56

6 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

தற்காத்துத் தற்கொண்டாற் பேணித் தகைசான்ற

சொற்காத்துச் சோர்விலாள் பெண்.

Modern interpretation

A good partner protects their own integrity, supports the relationship, and acts in ways that preserve the family's trust and dignity. This responsibility should be shared by both partners. For example, someone who stays faithful, speaks honestly, and supports their partner during a crisis helps protect the whole household.

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Kural 57

7 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

சிறைகாக்கும் காப்பெவன் செய்யும் மகளிர்

நிறைகாக்கும் காப்பே தலை.

Modern interpretation

A person's character cannot be created by locking them up or constantly watching them. Real integrity comes from inner judgment and self-respect. For example, a family may guide a young person with trust and good values, but the lasting protection comes from that person's own ability to choose what is right.

Read Kural 57 in full

Kural 58

8 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

பெற்றாற் பெறின்பெறுவர் பெண்டிர் பெருஞ்சிறப்புப்

புத்தேளிர் வாழும் உலகு.

Modern interpretation

The original verse praises a wife's devoted respect and the honour that can grow from a faithful marriage. In modern life, that respect should be mutual: both partners deserve appreciation, loyalty, and dignity. For example, couples who value each other's work and decisions create a home where both people can flourish.

Read Kural 58 in full

Kural 59

9 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

புகழ்புரிந்த இல்லிலோர்க்கு இல்லை இகழ்வார்முன்

ஏறுபோல் பீடு நடை.

Modern interpretation

A person cannot feel truly confident if their household is built on betrayal, dishonesty, or shameful conduct. The respect earned by a faithful and principled family gives its members courage when others criticize them. For example, a couple who live honestly can face gossip calmly because they know their actions are sound.

Read Kural 59 in full

Kural 60

10 of 10

Tamil original · தமிழ்

மங்கலம் என்ப மனைமாட்சி மற்று அதன்

நன்கலம் நன்மக்கட் பேறு.

Modern interpretation

A caring and well-managed home is a family's greatest blessing, and children who grow with good values are its lasting treasure. This is not about perfection or status. For example, parents who teach kindness, responsibility, and respect give their children a stronger inheritance than expensive possessions.

Read Kural 60 in full