Tirukkural Chapter 55 - Couplets 1,2,3 Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Tirukkural Chapter 55 - Couplets 1,2,3

திருக்குறள் -TIRUKKURAL
அதிகாரம் 55 - செங்கோன்மை (நீதி முறைமை)
CHAPTER 55 - RIGHTEOUS RULE OF A KING
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55/01. ஓர்ந்துகண் ணோடாது இறைபுரிந்து யார்மாட்டும்
தேர்ந்துசெய் வஃதே முறை.

55/01. Orndhukann nnodaadhu irraipurindhu yaarmaattum
Therndhusei vakkthey murai.

55/01. The righteous rule of a King is to render justice
After going deep into the crime, without taking sides,
And give correct punishment as laid down in the law book.
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Anjana: A King should render proper justice
According to a crime committed.

Durga: Yes, Manu Needhi Cholan
A King for justice and compassion
Ruled 205 BC to 161 BC
In South India Tiruvarur Town.

One day his only son
By running over his chariot
Killed a calf in the street
For which he very much felt.

Its mother cow rang the bell
Hung before the palace
And the King saw tears
From both of its eyes.

King understood then
And ordered to run
The same chariot
Over his son for that.


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55/02. வான்நோக்கி வாழும் உலகெல்லாம்; மன்னவன்
கோல்நோக்கி வாழும் குடி.

55/02. Vaannokki vaazhum ulagellaam; mannavan
Koalnokki vazhum kudi.

55/02. All the living beings in the world live expecting rain.
Similarly, the subjects live depending upon the King's Scepter.
***
Anjana: A King's scepter represents justice
And people look for its justice.

Durga: A King cannot take sides
He must render proper justice
And people expect this
From the King's hands.

King Pandian died on the spot
For his wrong judgment
Having killed Kovalan
The husband of Kannagi.

People will have faith,
If a King goes in correct path,
Otherwise, they criticize him
And try to avoid him.
***
55/03. அந்தணர் நூற்கும் அறத்திற்கும் ஆதியாய்
நின்றது மன்னவன் கோல்.

55/03. Andhanar noorkkum arrathirkkum aadhiyaai
Ninrradhu manavan koal.

55/03. The scepter was the cause for all virtues
Mentioned in the scriptures of renounced ascetics.
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Anjana: The scepter is a symbol of justice that a King
Holds in his hand when passing judgment.

Durga: The Kings in ancient days
With their scepters in their hands,
Rendered proper justice always
That is mentioned in all scriptures.

"Emperor Sibi gave his flesh
To a hunting hungry Hawk
To save the life of a dove,
And thus rendered justice."

There were those days
When kings rendered justice
At the cost of their own lives
To the satisfaction of their subjects.




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Rajaram Ramachandran

Rajaram Ramachandran

Chennai born, now at Juhu, Mumbai, India
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