Avoiding Faults
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cerukkuñ ciṉamuñ ciṟumaiyu millār / perukkam perumita nīrttu
The prosperity of rulers free from arrogance, wrath, and degrading lust has the nature of dignified greatness.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“Who arrogance, and wrath, and littleness of low desire restrain, / To sure increase of lofty dignity attain.”
“Behold the man who is free from haughtiness and anger and the vulgar passion: there is a dignity about him that adorneth his prosperity.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
செருக்கும் சினமும் சிறுமையும் இல்லார் பெருக்கம்= மதமும் வெகுளியும் காமமுமாகிய குற்றங்களில்லாத அரசரது செல்வம்; பெருமித நீர்த்து= மேம்பாட்டு நீர்மையினை உடைத்து.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar identifies three faults in a ruler: intoxication with status, uncontrolled anger, and lust that lowers conduct. When these are absent, the ruler's prosperity possesses an elevated character. The claim concerns the ethical quality of power and wealth; it neither promises automatic success nor condemns emotion, healthy self-respect, sexuality, or consensual affection.