What is Thirukkural?
Thirukkural (திருக்குறள்), also known as the Kural, is a classic Tamil text consisting of 1330 short couplets or aphorisms. Written by the Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar over 2000 years ago, it is considered one of the greatest works on ethics and morality ever written.
The name "Thirukkural" literally means "sacred couplets" — Thiru (திரு) meaning "sacred" or "holy," and Kural (குறள்) meaning "short verse" or "couplet."
Structure of Thirukkural
அறத்துப்பால்
Virtue (Aram)
38 chapters • Kurals 1-380
Ethics, morality, family life, and righteous living
பொருட்பால்
Wealth (Porul)
70 chapters • Kurals 381-1080
Governance, politics, economics, and leadership
காமத்துப்பால்
Love (Inbam)
25 chapters • Kurals 1081-1330
Romance, love, longing, and relationships
Key Numbers
About Thiruvalluvar
Thiruvalluvar (திருவள்ளுவர்) is the celebrated Tamil poet and philosopher who authored the Thirukkural. Very little is known about his personal life, which has led to various legends and stories about him.
- Era: Estimated to have lived between 4th century BCE to 5th century CE
- Also known as: Valluvar, Mudharpaavalar (முதற்பாவலர்), Theivappulavar (தெய்வப்புலவர்)
- Wife: Vasuki (வாசுகி), known for her devotion
- Profession: Believed to have been a weaver by some accounts
Tamil Nadu celebrates Thiruvalluvar Day on the second day of the Tamil month Thai (usually January 15-16) as part of the Pongal festival.
Interesting Facts (Did You Know?)
திருக்குறளில் "தமிழ்" என்ற சொல் இல்லை!
The word "Tamil" does not appear in Thirukkural!
திருக்குறள் 100+ மொழிகளில் மொழிபெயர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளது
Thirukkural has been translated into 100+ languages
ஒவ்வொரு குறளும் சரியாக 7 சீர்களை கொண்டது
Every Kural has exactly 7 metrical feet (cirs)
திருக்குறளில் குறிப்பிடப்படும் ஒரே விதை - எள்
The only seed mentioned in Thirukkural is sesame (ellu)
திருக்குறளில் குறிப்பிடப்படும் மலர் - குவளை
The flower mentioned is blue water lily (kuvalai)
"ஔ" என்ற உயிரெழுத்து திருக்குறளில் இல்லை
The vowel "ஔ" is not used in Thirukkural
Global Recognition
Thirukkural has been translated into over 100 languages, making it one of the most translated works of Indian literature. Notable translations include:
- First English translation by G.U. Pope in 1886
- Translations in all major European languages
- Listed among the great books of the world by UNESCO
- Statue of Thiruvalluvar at Kanyakumari stands 133 feet tall (one for each Adhikaram!)