Tirukkural-On Virtue-Family Life-Kural 42

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Turanthaarkkum tuvva thavarkkum iranthaarkkum
llvalvaan enpan thunai.

The householder is the patron, of those who have left
Their homes, the needy and the aged.

The three categories mentioned here are the non-ashram groups that need the householder's support, while the three mentioned in Kural 41 according to Parimelalagar, are the three ashramite groups. The interpretation here, that the householder is the protector of those who have left their homes, the needy as well as the aged, is more in line with Kalingar than Parimelalagar.

The word 'Thuranthaar' means those who have left their houses and will include the forsaken ones too. The term 'Thuvaathavar' really refers to those who have not eaten but would cover all needy ones. The expression 'Iranthaar' though it would normally refer to the deceased, in this context, rather indicates the aged, in the sense they are dead to active life.

The idea of this Kural has been incorporated by Ilangovadigal in Silapathikarm when Kannagi bemoans her household virtues being hampered by the circumstances of Kovalan"s conduct as follows:

Aravoarkku alithalum, andhanar ombalum
Thuravoarku yethirthalum, tholloar cirapin
Virundhethir Koadalum Ilandha yenai

(16,71-73 Silapathikaram)