Thirukkural-On Wealth-Avoidance Of Faults-Kural-431

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Freedom from Arrogance, Anger and Meanness
spells dignity in greatness

This translation is based on the V V S Iyer"s and K Srinivasan"s in preference to K M Balasubramaniam"s.

The latter in his translation as well as earlier commentators, have adhered to the Parimel Azhagar line that 'Sirumai' should mean 'lust" which, when exceeding limits and extending to fornication, could be characterized as littleness of low order, and so frowned upon by the great.

But, I am personally of the view that meanness is a personality trait that is of wider import than just lust. Meanness may include lust, but cannot be taken to mean only that. Hence, my preference is for the direct meaning given by V V S Iyer & K Srinivasan.

K V Jaganathan, however, has adhered to the meaning of 'lust" basing himself on the interpretation of Manakudavar as well as Pariperumal besides Parimel Azhagar and also against the background of the Sanskrit author"s stand about the predominant faults of human nature, listed as,

Haughtiness, Anger and Lust

This Kural primarily applies to the king or the prince, though specific mention is not made, but would apply to all other persons as well, besides the king.