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Thirukkural-On Wealth-Avoidance Of Faults-Kural-432

Thirukkral 432, Avoiding Faults
Ivaralum maanpirandha maanamum maanaa
Uvakaiyum aedham iraikku

Parsimony born out of greed, selfish pride and excessive pleasure seeking,
All three are faults in a prince.

The term, concerning which there is difference of opinion in translation and interpretation is 'Ivaral' My translation of this word is based on Pariperumal"s interpretation. Of all the commentators, he alone would say that there are two aspects to miserliness, one, of coveting what he cannot legitimately come by and which cannot rightfully belong to him, and, consideration whatsoever for those to whom it should legitimately go and to the other needy poor. The expression 'parsimony born out of greed" will cover both these aspects of miserliness.

K V Jaganathan in his Research edition of Thirukkural quotes from Kalithokai to explain the send aspect:

“Ieedhalin kuraikaataadharanarindh tholugiya
Theedhilaan selvam poal"

K Srinivasan ignores the meaning of parsimony or miserliness, emphasised by V V S Iyer and speaks only of Greed.

These two Kurals speak of the obviously serious faults, that a king may be guilty of, and which he should strive hard to avoid.

Story first published: Monday, July 26, 2010, 16:17 [IST]