Back to Library
Kural No. 449 · Wealth (Porul) · Ch 45

Seeking the Aid of Great Men

பெரியாரைத் துணைக்கோடல்
Original Kural · ஓலைச்சுவடி
முதலிலார்க ஊதிய மில்லை மதலையாஞ்
சார்பிலார்க் கில்லை நிலை.

Mudhalilaarkku Oodhiya Millai Madhalaiyaanjjch / Aarpilaark Killai Nilai

Classical English couplet — “Who owns no principal, can have no gain of usury;Who lacks support of friends, knows no stability”

Read this Kural in your own language
Choose from 26 languages · narrated with native voice
A
Simple English Meaning
AI-assisted

What it says in plain words

A business needs money to start before it can earn. In the same way, people need dependable support to stay steady.”

B
எளிய தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Simple Tamil Interpretation

The classical Tamil reading

முதல் இல்லாத வணிகர்க்கு அதனால் வரும் ஊதியம் இல்லை, அதுபோல் தம்மைத் தாங்கிக் காப்பாற்றும் துணை இல்லாதவர்க்கு நிலைபேறு இல்லை.

C
ஆழமான தமிழ் விளக்கம் · Deeper Tamil Commentary

An expanded Tamil interpretation

கட்டடத்தைத் தாங்கும் தூண் போலத் தம்மைத் தாங்கி நிற்கக் கூடிய துணையில்லாதவர்களின் நிலை, முதலீடு செய்யாத வாணிபத்தில் வருவாய் இல்லாத நிலையைப் போன்றதேயாகும்

D
Deeper English Meaning
AI-assisted

The ethical and philosophical heart

Money gives a business the means to begin earning. In life, dependable people help us stand firm when difficulties come. Their support is like a strong post holding up a building. Without such help, keeping our lives steady becomes much harder.

E
Practical Example (English)
AI-assisted

In personal life, work and society

Personal
A trusted friend helps you manage daily tasks during an illness.
Workplace
An experienced coworker supports you while you handle a difficult project.
Family
Relatives share childcare when a parent needs time to recover.
Society
A neighborhood relies on dependable volunteers to keep its food bank running.
F
Modern Application (English)
AI-assisted

How to apply this today

Decision-making
Before taking on a challenge, consider who can offer dependable help.
Integrity
Keep your promises so others can depend on your support.
Communication
Tell trusted people clearly what help you need during difficult times.
Leadership
Build a dependable team rather than trying to carry every task alone.
Governance
Keep reliable support teams in place so public services can continue during difficulties.
G
Leadership Lesson (English)
AI-assisted

For leaders and teams

A leader needs people they can depend on when problems arise. Value those who help you carry responsibility through difficult times.

H
Reflection Question (English)
AI-assisted

Something to sit with

“Who helps you stay steady, and how could you strengthen that connection today?”

Thirukkural Wisdom

Ancient Tamil wisdom — made simple, practical and useful for the modern world, in your own language.

Disclaimer

This application provides educational explanations of the Thirukkural. English meanings and AI-assisted explanations are intended to make the text easier to understand. Classical texts can have multiple valid interpretations.

Thirukkural Wisdom for the World·Timeless Tamil couplets for global minds·© 2026
Choose your language
Tamil & English are always shown · pick a third language

Every Kural is presented in Tamil and English by default. If you'd like a third language alongside, choose one below. You can change or remove it anytime.

You can change this anytime from the globe button in the header.