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Hindu Scripture: Tirukural


© Seetha Natarajan

Nov 17, 2000


Tirukural is an ancient Hindu Scripture, which is as old as 2100 years.

Like the Vedas, Bhagawad Gita and other sacred Hindu scriptures, which were written in Sanskrit - the Tirukural, written in Tamil (one of the oldest Indian languages), is revered and studied by Hindu scholars.

These couplets, composed by Tiruvalluvar give us an insight into the high ideals and rich wisdom of ancient Indian society, long before the European missionaries paraded India or the Muslim invaders brought along Islam.

'TIRU' is a Tamil word for 'HOLY' and 'KURAL' is 'succinct'. So, TIRU + KURAL, Tirukural implies Sacred short verses.
Each of the verses of this scripture, is extremely succinct. Yet it carries depth of knowledge and wisdom. It is believed that the original work comprised of 1330 couplets. As it was before the invention of paper and ink, the sages composed their work on specific types of leaves with some pointed writing tool. Some of these are intact even today! Most of the other knowledge was transmitted orally.
The entire work is divided into the General introduction, Virtuous conduct, Acquisition of wealth and Love.

The following is an excerpt from Tirukual on Virtuous conduct ->
Verse 321:
What is virtuous conduct? It is never destroying life, For killing leads to every other sin.
Verse 322:
Of all the virtues summed by ancient sages the foremost are these: To partake of food one has shared and to protect all living creatures.
Verse 323:
Not killing is the first and foremost good. The virtue of not lying comes next.

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These couplets, enlighten and guide humanity in the endeavor to realize god and lead a noble and virtuous lives. My aim is to present all the couplets from the holy Hindu Tirukural to benefit mankind.

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The copyright of the article Hindu Scripture: Tirukural in Ancient Hindu Scripture is owned by Seetha Natarajan. Permission to republish Hindu Scripture: Tirukural in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
2.   Nov 17, 2000 2:06 PM
In response to message posted by arukka:

Hello!

You can find the book at the web site of
www.himalayanacademy.com ...

-- posted by n_seetha
1.   Nov 17, 2000 1:47 PM
Hi, do you know where i can find books on this specific subject? thanks

-- posted by arukka



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