The Majesty of a King
"கொடையளி கொளி"
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"koṭaiyaḷi ceṅkōl kuṭiyōmpal nāṉkum / uṭaiyāṉām vēntark koḷi"
Generosity, gracious concern, just rule, and care for the people—one who possesses all four is a light among rulers.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Gifts, grace, right sceptre, care of people's weal; / These four a light of dreaded kings reveal.”
“Behold the prince who is liberal and gracious and just, and who tendeth his people with care: he is a light among kings.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
கொடை= வேண்டுவார்க்கு வேண்டுவன கொடுத்தலும்; அளி= யாவர்க்கும் தலையளி செய்தலும்; செங்கோல்= முறை செய்தலும்; குடி ஓம்பல்= தளர்ந்த குடிகளைப் பேணலும் ஆகிய; நான்கும் உடையான்= இந்நான்கு செயலையும் உடையவன்; வேந்தர்க்கு ஒளியாம்= வேந்தர்க்கு எல்லாம் விளக்காம் என்றவாறு.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar identifies four actions: give what petitioners need, show concern to all, administer justice, and sustain weakened communities; possessing them makes a ruler exemplary among rulers. Modern leadership earns exemplary standing through equitable public service, not royal blood, caste, class, celebrity, wealth, or office itself.