Knowing the Right Place
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āṟṟāru māṟṟi yaṭupa viṭaṉaṟintu / pōṟṟārkaṭ pōṟṟic ceyiṉ
Even those without strength can become capable and prevail if they know the fitting place, protect themselves, and act against their opponents.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“E'en weak ones mightily prevail, if place of strong defence, / They find, protect themselves, and work their foes offence.”
“Even the weak can hold their own and triumph over a powerful foe if they choose the proper theatre and operate cautiously.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
ஆற்றாரும் ஆற்றி அடுப= வலியர் அல்லாதாரும், வலியராய் வெல்வர்; இடன் அறிந்து போற்றிப் போற்றார்கண் செயின்= அதற்கு ஏற்ற இடத்தினை அறிந்து தம்மைக் காத்துப் பகைவர்மாட்டு வினைசெய்வராயின்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Parimelazhagar presents place and self-protection as capacities that can reverse an apparent power imbalance. The military claim does not romanticize vulnerability or make weaker people responsible for overcoming structural harm; modern application pairs contextual advantage with support, consent, lawful safeguards, and protection from retaliation.