Tirukkural (Tamil: திருக்குறள் also known as the Kural) is a classic Tamil sangam literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. It was authored by Thiruvalluvar.

The Thirukkural is one of the most important works in the Tamil language. This is reflected in some of the other names by which the text is given by such as Tamil marai (Tamil Vedas); poyyamozhi (words that never fail); and Deiva nool (divine text). The book is considered to precede Manimekalai and Silapathikaram since they both acknowledge the Kural text.

The Latin translation of Thirukkural was made by Constanzo Beschi in 1730. An English Translation of Tirukural by GU Pope brought the Tirukkural to the western world in 1886. This work is the first translation to the English language. Thirukkural has been translated to more than 35 languages across the world by various authors.

There are many more mind-blowing facts about this great piece of work.

1) Thirukkural is rightly called ‘Ulagappothumarai’ (உலகப்பொதுமறை), means ‘Universal book of principles’ as the principles are common for all irrespective of country, time, caste, religion, sex

2) Thirukkural covers three parts of life and after-life – ‘Aram, porul, inbam’, split accordingly into three sections (‘paal’)

3) Thirukkural acts as a personal proverb reference book for anyone (many speakers and teachers) to cite quotations for any situation.

4) The word ‘Tamil’ never occurs in any of the Kurals even once. Rightly making it as ‘Ulaga Podhu Marai’ (common to all irrespective of language,culture and ethnicity)

5) Thirukkural speaks about various aspects of life – prayer, charity, friendship, gratitude, love, education and etc.

6) There is no digression of ideas. Every message is conveyed in simple seven words that could be interpreted to give widely varying meanings.