கடவுள் வாழ்த்து
The Praise of God
The original couplet · குறள்
Read it in Tamil
Start with the original words, then use the learner-friendly guides below to explore their meaning.
Read the sounds · Transliteration
Thanakkuvamai Illaadhaan Thaalserndhaark Kallaal
Manakkavalai Maatral Aridhu
Understand the idea · English meaning
Valluvar says that it is difficult to remove mental worries unless one follows a higher source of wisdom and truth. The phrase 'one who has no equal' refers to the highest form of wisdom and understanding. The Kural teaches that lasting peace of mind comes not from external circumstances but from inner clarity and a deeper understanding of life.
Connect it to life today · Modern meaning
Everyone faces worry at some point. We worry about our health, family, money, career, relationships, or the future. Many people try to escape worry by constantly staying busy, seeking distractions, or waiting for problems to disappear. Yet peace rarely comes that way. Real peace comes when we develop wisdom, perspective, and trust in values that are greater than our immediate fears. For example, two people face the same financial setback. One becomes overwhelmed with anxiety and loses hope. The other accepts the situation, focuses on what can be controlled, and moves forward one step at a time. Their problems may be similar, but their state of mind is very different. This Kural reminds us that inner strength and wisdom help us face life's challenges without being consumed by worry.
Explore the layers
Traditional meanings
Compare traditional Tamil explanations to discover the layers of meaning within this couplet.
Mu. Va.
மு.வ : தனக்கு ஒப்புமை இல்லாத தலைவனுடைய திருவடிகளைப் பொருந்தி நினைக்கின்றவர் அல்லாமல், மற்றவர்க்கு மனக்கவலையை மாற்ற முடியாது
Solomon Pappayya
சாலமன் பாப்பையா : தனக்கு இணையில்லாத கடவுளின் திருவடிகளைச் சேர்ந்தவர்க்கே அன்றி, மற்றவர்களுக்கு மனக்கவலையைப் போக்குவது கடினம்
Kalaignar
கலைஞர் : ஒப்பாரும் மிக்காருமில்லாதவனுடைய அடியொற்றி நடப்பவர்களைத் தவிர, மற்றவர்களின் மனக்கவலை தீர வழியேதுமில்லை