Thirukkural

Through this rare work, the author has explored new avenues. A standard work of Tamil aphorisms and instruction that they believed, if followed truly, will bring them happiness. The Tirukkural (literally Sacred Verses), or shortly the Kural, is a classic Tamil language text, considered one of the greatest works on ethics and morality, it is known for its universality and secular nature. Its authorship is traditionally attributed to Valluvar, also known in full as Thiruvalluvar, born 30 BC, and was a weaver by profession. The Kural is traditionally praised with epithets and alternate titles such as ‘the Tamil Veda’ and ‘the divine book.’ It emphasizes non-violence and moral vegetarianism as virtues for an individual. The book contains 133 chapters and each chapter deals with a different theme with advice. The chapters have 10 aphorisms each and they, among others, offer advice on self-control, on the fear of sin, securing the friendship of great men, against idleness, on false friendship, on abstaining from drink, on modesty etc. The book is the product of the extensive study of Tamil language. The subject matter of the book is illuminating and delicate which makes this discourse an indispensable one and immensely good for common readers.