Tirukkural-On Virtue - In Praise Of Rain - Kural - 20

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1. Neerinru amaiyadhu ulakenin yaaryaarkkum
   vaaninru amaiyaadhu olukku.

Life cannot exist without water, nor can right conduct. The interpretation adopted by most writers for this Kural is that of Manakudavar, who takes 'olukku' to mean 'Virtuous life'. The direct line taken by Parimelalagar to have 'olukku' meaning the fall of rain, is quite naive and not considered appropriate to Valluvar's general line of thinking. By 'Ulaku' Valluvar means 'Ulakiyal' appertaining to wealth and all its side-issues i.e., economy.

The expression 'Neerinru amaiyaadhu ulaku' meaning that the world cannot exist in the absence of the waters, finds a place in Natrinai.