Tamil literature is box of surprises. This proverb is just not the kind you would expect in Tamil especially post Sangam.
The proverb tells about superiority of importance one’s own action over that of prayer and luck.
‘முழுதுடன் முன்னே வகுத்தவன்’ என்று,
தொழுது இருந்தக்கண்ணே ஒழியுமோ, அல்லல்?-
இழுகினான் ஆகாப்பது இல்லையே, முன்னம்
எழுதினான் ஓலை பழுது.
Would your misfortune vanish if you pray to the god,
Who in the past created all elements of this world, including your misfortune!
The one who inked your fate, wouldn’t come and save you,
When he knows it is faulty!
Poet: Moondrurai Ariyanaar
Translated by Palaniappan Vairam Sarathy
Reference:
Palamozhi Nanooru – Central Institute of Classical Tamil edition
Tamil Lexicon – University of Madras
Palamoli Nanuru – Mu Rasamanikar urai
‘முழுதுடன் முன்னே வகுத்தவன்’ என்று,
Complete – before /in the past – he wrote – so that
தொழுது இருந்தக்கண்ணே ஒழியுமோ, அல்லல்?-
Pray – stay – place/put – vanish – misfortune?
இழுகினான் ஆகாப்பது இல்லையே, முன்னம்
Flaw/defect – save/vigilance/protection – not – before/in past
எழுதினான் ஓலை பழுது.
wrote – palm leaf/writing – faulty
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