PrepMaticThirukkural · பொருட்பால் · குடியியல்
பெருமை: Greatness
About this chapter
பெருமை, greatness, asks what makes a person great. The answer is character, not birth, wealth or position.
Kural 971 begins with the claim that a person's light is courage (or mental energy, in Pope's wording), and that the wish to live without it is disgrace. Kural 972 is the chapter's best-known line, saying that all are alike by birth and differ only in the worth of their deeds. Kural 973 follows with two cases: those who are high but not great are not great, and those who are low but not mean are not low. Kural 974 says that greatness lasts only if it keeps faith with itself, and Kural 975 that the great can do deeds that others find hard. Kurals 976 and 977 describe the small-minded: they never think of seeking the company of the great, and honours that fall on the unworthy only breed arrogance. Kural 978 gives the contrast of bowing and flaunting: greatness is humble, littleness puffs itself up. Kural 979 defines greatness as the absence of conceit. Kural 980 ends by saying that the great cover the faults of others, while the small announce them.
Kural 972 and Kural 979 are the two to know. Kural 972 is often cited when discussing equality.
For the syllabus, it fits universal values and socio-political affairs, especially the idea of equality of birth.
The 10 kurals of பெருமை
Each kural is shown in Tamil with a transliteration and G. U. Pope's English verse translation. Open a kural for its plain English meaning.
ஒளிஒருவற்கு உள்ள வெறுக்கை இளிஒருவற்கு
அஃதிறந்து வாழ்தும் எனல்.
Olioruvarku Ulla Verukkai Ilioruvarku
Aqdhirandhu Vaazhdhum Enal
The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is hisWho says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'
பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா உயிர்க்கும் சிறப்பொவ்வா
செய்தொழில் வேற்றுமை யான்.
Pirappokkum Ellaa Uyirkkum Sirappovvaa
Seydhozhil Vetrumai Yaan
All men that live are one in circumstances of birth; Diversities of works give each his special worth
மேலிருந்தும் மேலல்லார் மேலல்லர் கீழிருந்தும்
கீழல்லார் கீழல் லவர்.
Melirundhum Melallaar Melallar Keezhirundhum
Keezhallaar Keezhal Lavar
The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never greatThe men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate
ஒருமை மகளிரே போலப் பெருமையும்
தன்னைத்தான் கொண்டொழுகின் உண்டு.
Orumai Makalire Polap Perumaiyum
Thannaiththaan Kontozhukin Untu
Like single-hearted women, greatness too, Exists while to itself is true
பெருமை யுடையவர் ஆற்றுவார் ஆற்றின்
அருமை உடைய செயல்.
Perumai Yutaiyavar Aatruvaar Aatrin
Arumai Utaiya Seyal
The man endowed with greatness true, Rare deeds in perfect wise will do
சிறியார் உணர்ச்சியுள் இல்லை பெரியாரைப்
பேணிக் கொள் வேம் என்னும் நோக்கு.
Siriyaar Unarchchiyul Illai Periyaaraip
Penikkol Vemennum Nokku
'As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll,'Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soul
இறப்பே புரிந்த தொழிற்றாம் சிறப்புந்தான்
சீரல் லவர்கண் படின்.
Irappe Purindha Thozhitraam Sirappundhaan
Seeral Lavarkan Patin
Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head, Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred
பணியுமாம் என்றும் பெருமை சிறுமை
அணியுமாம் தன்னை வியந்து.
Paniyumaam Endrum Perumai Sirumai
Aniyumaam Thannai Viyandhu
Greatness humbly bends, but littleness alwaysSpreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise
பெருமை பெருமிதம் இன்மை சிறுமை
பெருமிதம் ஊர்ந்து விடல்.
Perumai Perumidham Inmai Sirumai
Perumidham Oorndhu Vital
Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem, Riding on car of vanity supreme
அற்றம் மறைக்கும் பெருமை சிறுமைதான்
குற்றமே கூறி விடும்.
Atram Maraikkum Perumai Sirumaidhaan
Kutrame Koori Vitum
Greatness will hide a neighbour's shame; Meanness his faults to all the world proclaim
How Thirukkural is asked in TNPSC exams
Find your weak TNPSC units before the exam does
Take a free TNPSC assessment on PrepMatic. It shows where you stand across General Tamil, General Studies and Aptitude, then builds a day-by-day study plan and mock tests focused on your weak subjects.
Start free assessment →Free forever plan · No credit card · 2-minute setup