What is Thirukkural?

The Thirukkural is one of the most revered and timeless works of Tamil literature, composed over 2,000 years ago by the poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. It is a classic text on ethics, morality, and human values, and is considered a guide for righteous living, applicable to all people regardless of religion, caste, or time period.

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📘 Key Facts about Thirukkural:

• Author: Thiruvalluvar
• Language: Classical Tamil
• Structure: 1,330 couplets (kurals)
• Chapters: 133 chapters (10 couplets per chapter)
• Themes (Three Main Parts):
  1. Aram – Virtue or Moral Life (Dharma)
  2. Porul – Wealth or Public Life (Politics, Leadership)
  3. Inbam – Love or Personal Life (Family, Relationships)

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💡 Why is Thirukkural Important?

• Universal Relevance: Its values apply to every human being, transcending religion and culture.
• Concise Wisdom: Each couplet is only two lines but carries deep philosophical insight.
• Non-religious Tone: Though spiritual, the text is not tied to any one religion and emphasizes ethics over ritual.
• Influence: It has influenced leaders and thinkers including Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy.

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Kural (Couplet) Tamil – English:

“அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி
பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு.”
“A” is the first of all letters; likewise, God is the origin of the world.

“கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன்
நற்றாள் தொழாஅர் எனின்“
Of what avail is learning if one worships not The holy feet of Pure Intelligence?

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