Hospitality
Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.
agaṉ amarndu seyyāḷ uṟaiyum mugaṉ amarndu / nal virundu ōmbuvāṉ il
Lakshmi is pictured gladly dwelling in the home where a fitting guest is received with a genuinely welcoming face. The religious image promises no automatic wealth and licenses no caste or class ranking.
▸Other translations · Pope (1886) & Aiyar (1916)
“With smiling face he entertains each virtuous guest, 'Fortune' with gladsome mind shall in his dwelling rest.”
“Behold the man who receiveth the worthy guest with his best smile: Lakshmi delighteth to abide in his home.”
Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
செய்யாள் அகன் அமர்ந்து உறையும் = திருமகள் மனமகிழ்ந்து வாழாநிற்கும்; முகன் அமர்ந்து நல் விருந்து ஓம்புவான் இல் = முகம் இனியனாய்த் தக்க விருந்தினரைப் பேணுவானது இல்லின்கண். (மனமகிழ்தற்குக் காரணம் தன் செல்வம் நல்வழிப்படுதல்.)
Source: Tamil Wikisource
In the home of the one who, with a glad and welcoming face, tends worthy guests, Lakshmi — the goddess of good fortune — gladly takes up her abode. A cheerful welcome to guests draws lasting prosperity to a household.