Old Tamil Poetry

Translations of Tamil Poetic works that span 2000 years

Archive for the month “January, 2023”

Naanmanik Kadigai – 41

At the time of birth life doesn’t turn back even if ordered
At the time of death it doesn’t stay back even if ordered;
If Goddess of wealth wills, wealth will multiply on its own
When she leaves, things will vanish

பிறக்குங்கால் பேரெனவும் பேரா இறக்குங்கால்
நில்லெனவும் நில்லா உயிரெனைத்தும் – நல்லாள்
உடம்படின் தானே பெருகுங் – கெடும்பொழுதில்
கண்டனவுங் காணாக் கெடும்.

In this verse the poet brings a fatalistic attitude towards life and wealth. When a life is born, even if orders it to turn back it will still be born. Nothing in this world can stop life. Similarly at the time of death, when one orders life to stay back, it will not. Nothing in this world can stop death. Similarly, if Goddess of wealth looks favourably at a person, their wealth will multiply on its own even without them doing anything. But when she leaves, all things that were in front of their eyes too will leave. In essence, what is to happen will happen. No one can stop it.

பேரா – will not go back
நல்லாள் – good lady – Goddess of wealth
உடம்படின் – if she is amenable
கெடும் – leave

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