What is Thirukkural? திருக்குறள் என்றால் என்ன?
Thirukkural is a classic work of Tamil literature traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar. It contains 1,330 short, two-line verses called kurals, arranged in 133 chapters. Its themes include ethical living, public life and relationships.
How is Thirukkural organised?
Each of the 133 chapters contains ten couplets. The chapters belong to three books: Aram (virtue, அறம்), Porul (public life and wealth, பொருள்), and Inbam (love, இன்பம்). You can browse them in the Thirukkural chapter index.
Read your first Thirukkural verses
Each verse page includes the Tamil couplet, an English meaning and learning activities. Start with these examples:
Kural 1
அகர முதல எழுத்தெல்லாம் ஆதி பகவன் முதற்றே உலகு
A, as its first of letters, every speech maintains; The Primal Deity is first through all the world's domains
Explore Kural 1Kural 2
கற்றதனால் ஆய பயனென்கொல் வாலறிவன் நற்றாள் தொழாஅ ரெனின்
No matter how much education a person has, if he does not show respect to the noble and virtuous (those who uphold righteousness and good character), then what is the use of his learning?
Explore Kural 2Kural 3
மலர்மிசை ஏகினான் மாணடி சேர்ந்தார் நிலமிசை நீடுவாழ் வார்
If a person reaches the feet of the divine—meaning, if they learn to walk the path of righteousness and virtue—their life will become stable, long-lasting, and meaningful. This is one of the Kurals that emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life.
Explore Kural 3How can beginners learn Thirukkural?
Begin with a verse and read its meaning alongside the original Tamil text. Listen to the pronunciation and revisit the chapter to see how the verses connect. If you are new to the language, start with the Tamil learning guides or practise Tamil letters.
What does Thirukkural say about friendship?
The friendship chapter explores honesty, sincere affection and help in difficult times. Read a few verses with their original Tamil text and English meanings in our guide to Thirukkural verses on friendship.