Thiruvalluvar

Thiruvalluvar (commonly known as Valluvar) was an Indian poet and philosopher who is best known as the author of the Tirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, political and economical matters, and love. The text is considered an exceptional and widely cherished work of Tamil literature.

Life and Principles

Very little is known about Valluvar's life, but he is believed to have lived sometime between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. He is said to have been born in Mylapore, Tamil Nadu, India, to a Brahmin family.

Valluvar's philosophy is based on the principles of dharma, artha, and kama. Dharma is the principle of righteousness and duty, artha is the principle of material prosperity, and kama is the principle of pleasure and enjoyment. Valluvar believed that these three principles should be balanced in order to live a good and fulfilling life.

Valluvar's work also emphasizes the importance of compassion, non-violence, and social justice. He believed that all people are equal and that everyone should be treated with respect.

Notable Works

Valluvar's most notable work is the Tirukkural, which is a collection of 1,330 couplets divided into three parts: Aram (virtue), Porul (wealth), and Inbam (pleasure). The Tirukkural is considered to be one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and has been translated into many languages.

Philosophy

Valluvar's philosophy is based on the following principles:

• Dharma: The principle of righteousness and duty.
• Artha: The principle of material prosperity.
• Kama: The principle of pleasure and enjoyment.
• Compassion: The feeling of sympathy and concern for others.
• Non-violence: The principle of avoiding violence and harm to others.
• Social justice: The principle of creating a society where everyone is treated fairly and equally.

Valluvar believed that these principles should be balanced in order to live a good and fulfilling life. He also believed that all people are equal and that everyone should be treated with respect.

Death and Legacy

Valluvar died sometime in the 1st century AD. He is remembered as one of the greatest Tamil poets and philosophers. His work continues to be studied and cherished by people all over the world.

Interesting Facts

• The Tirukkural is the most popular book in Tamil Nadu and is widely read by people of all ages and social backgrounds.
• The Tirukkural has been translated into more than 100 languages.
• Valluvar's birthday is celebrated as Thiruvalluvar Day in Tamil Nadu on the 2nd of January every year.
• There is a 133-foot-tall statue of Valluvar on the Kanyakumari Beach in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Thiruvalluvar was a great poet and philosopher whose work continues to inspire people all over the world. His teachings on ethics, morality, and social justice are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them.