02KuralInPraiseofRain.html
Ten verses in praise of rain by Tiruvalluvar
   
Madurai Project
Translation by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A.,
Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras
Madurai Project
Translation of Kural by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A.,
Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras
Madurai Project
Translation by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A.,
Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras
Madurai Project
Translation of Kural by V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, M.A.,
Professor of Indian History and Archaeology, University of Madras
11. வான்நின்று உலகம் வழங்கி வருதலால்
தான்அமிழ்தம் என்றுணரற் பாற்று.
11. The world for its existence depends on unfailing rainfall; the rain may well be regarded as the nectar of life.

The Importance of Rainfall: Nurturing Life and Interconnectedness
Introduction: This poem explores the significance of rainfall as the life-giving nectar and its vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
The Vitality of Rainfall: Rainfall nourishes the Earth, replenishes water bodies, and supports ecosystems.
The Nectar of Life: Rainfall serves as the vital elixir that sustains agriculture, natural water sources, and biodiversity.
Interconnectedness and Dependency: Rainfall is essential for the balance of ecosystems and the water cycle.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Rainfall holds cultural and symbolic meaning, representing fertility, purification, and renewal.
Conclusion: Unfailing rainfall is the nectar of life, nurturing and connecting the world and its diverse forms of life. Preserving this precious resource ensures the continuity of life on Earth.
12. துப்பார்க்குத் துப்பாய துப்பாக்கித் துப்பார்க்குத்
துப்பாய தூஉம் மழை.
12. The rain is the source of all articles of food that man needs. It becomes his drink too.
The poem emphasizes the vital role of rain in sustaining human life, serving as the source of both food and drink.
By stating "The rain is the source of all articles of food that man needs," the poem highlights the crucial connection between rain and the production of food. Rainfall provides the necessary moisture for crops to grow, ensuring an abundant supply of food for humanity.
The line "It becomes his drink too" emphasizes that rainwater not only nourishes crops but also serves as a direct source of drinking water for humans. Rainfall replenishes natural water sources such as rivers and lakes, providing a vital resource for hydration.
In summary, the poem underscores the significance of rain as the fundamental source of sustenance. It nourishes crops, ensuring the availability of food, and also provides drinking water for human consumption. The concise elaboration acknowledges the essential role of rain in meeting humanity's basic needs.
13. விண்இன்று பொய்ப்பின் விரிநீர் வியனுலகத்து
உள்நின்று உடற்றும் பசி.
13. Hunger will torment all lives in this sea-girt world, if the rains fail to come on time.
The poem emphasizes the profound impact of timely rainfall on the prevention of hunger and the well-being of all life in the world surrounded by the sea.
"Hunger will torment all lives in this sea-girt world" evokes the dire consequences that can arise if rainfall fails to occur at the right time. Hunger becomes a tormenting force that affects all living beings, causing suffering and deprivation throughout the world.
The phrase "if the rains fail to come on time" highlights the critical importance of timely rainfall. The regular arrival of rain is necessary for the growth of crops, ensuring an adequate food supply for human and animal populations. When rain is delayed or insufficient, it disrupts agricultural cycles, leading to crop failure, food scarcity, and ultimately, hunger.
In essence, the poem emphasizes that the timely arrival of rain is essential for preventing hunger and maintaining the well-being of all life in this world surrounded by the sea. It serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between rainfall and food security, underscoring the dependence of humanity and ecosystems on this natural phenomenon.
14. ஏரின் உழாஅர் உழவர் புயல்என்னும்
வாரி வளங்குன்றிக் கால்.
14. The cultivators would cease to plough were the clouds’ free supply of water to fail.
The poem highlights the critical role of clouds in providing water for cultivation, emphasizing that if this free supply of water were to fail, cultivators would cease to plow their fields.
"The cultivators would cease to plow" signifies the direct impact on agricultural activities. Cultivators, who rely on water for irrigation, would be forced to halt their plowing and cultivation practices if the clouds' supply of water were to diminish or cease.
The phrase "were the clouds' free supply of water to fail" underscores the significance of clouds as a natural source of water. Clouds play a vital role in the hydrological cycle by collecting and transporting water vapor, which is then released as precipitation. This free supply of water from the clouds is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring successful crop growth.
In essence, the poem emphasizes the reliance of cultivators on the clouds' free supply of water. It suggests that without this essential water source, cultivators would be unable to carry out their agricultural activities, highlighting the critical link between clouds, water supply, and agricultural productivity.
15. கெடுப்பதூஉம் கெட்டார்க்குச் சார்வாய்மற் றாங்கே
எடுப்பதூஉம் எல்லாம் மழை.
15. It is the rain that afflicts man, and it is its fall that relieves him.
The poem explores the impact of rain on mankind. It portrays rain as both a source of affliction and relief for humans. Rainfall can bring difficulties and challenges, but its descent also brings relief and comfort. The poem emphasizes the dual nature of rain and highlights the significance of its fall in alleviating human suffering. Rain is depicted as a powerful force that affects human life, shaping their experiences through its presence or absence.
16. விசும்பின் துளிவீழின் அல்லால்மற் றாங்கே
பசும்புல் தலைகாண்பு அரிது.
16. If the clouds were to withhold rain not even a blade of grass would rustle on earth.
16. If the clouds were to withhold rain not even a floret (flower head) of grass would show up.
This line from the poem underscores the crucial role of rain in promoting the growth of vegetation. It suggests that if the clouds were to hold back their rain, even the tiniest sprout of grass would fail to emerge. The absence of rainfall would hinder the germination and growth of plants, leading to a barren landscape devoid of any signs of life. This highlights the vital connection between rain and the flourishing of plant life on earth.
17. நெடுங்கடலும் தன்நீர்மை குன்றும் தடிந்தெழிலி
தான்நல்கா தாகி விடின்.
17. Even the illimitable deep shrinks if the clouds do not pour and replenish it.
This line from the poem emphasizes the transformative power of rain in sustaining and replenishing bodies of water, specifically referencing the vastness of the deep ocean. It suggests that even the seemingly boundless expanse of the ocean would diminish or "shrink" if the clouds fail to pour rain and replenish it. This highlights the significance of rainfall in maintaining the balance and abundance of Earth's water sources, reminding us of the interconnectedness between precipitation and the vitality of the planet's aquatic ecosystems.
18. சிறப்பொடு பூசனை செல்லாது வானம்
வறக்குமேல் வானோர்க்கும் ஈண்டு.
18. If the rains were to fail there would be no more offerings and festivals to the gods.
This line from the poem suggests that the failure of rains would have significant cultural and religious implications. It implies that if rainfall were to cease, there would be a lack of offerings and festivals dedicated to the gods. Rainfall is often associated with blessings and abundance in various cultural and religious traditions. The absence of rain would disrupt these practices and rituals, symbolizing a loss of spiritual connection and the potential impact on the cultural fabric of society.
19. தானம் தவம்இரண்டும் தங்கா வியன்உலகம்
வானம் வழங்கா தெனின்.
19. If the rains were to fail, there would neither be alms nor penance on this wide earth.
This line from the poem highlights the far-reaching consequences of the absence of rain. It suggests that if rainfall were to fail, there would be a scarcity of both charitable giving (alms) and acts of self-discipline or repentance (penance) on Earth. The lack of rain disrupts the balance of nature and, in turn, affects the social and spiritual aspects of human life. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of natural phenomena and human activities, illustrating the profound impact that environmental changes can have on societal practices and beliefs.
20. நீர்இன்று அமையாது உலகெனின் யார்யார்க்கும்
வான்இன்று அமையாது ஒழுக்கு.
20. The world cannot exist without water; there will be no ceaseless supply without rainfall.
This statement emphasizes the vital importance of water for the existence of the world. It asserts that without water, the world cannot sustain itself. Furthermore, it highlights the essential role of rainfall in ensuring a continuous and abundant supply of water. Rainfall replenishes water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and underground reservoirs, which are necessary for various forms of life to thrive. The statement underlines the dependency of ecosystems and human societies on rainfall for their survival and functioning.