Following a Wife's Direction
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imaiyāriṉ vāḻiṉum pāṭilarē yillā / ḷamaiyārṭō ḷañcu pavar.
“Though, like the demi-gods, in bliss they dwell secure from harm, / Those have no dignity who fear the housewife's slender arm.”
“Behold the men who stand in awe of the tender arms of their wives: though they live like Gods no man will respect them.”
Though they live in heavenly splendor, those who cower before their wives possess no true dignity.
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Parimelazhagar’s commentary
13th century · public domainParimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.
இல்லாள் அமை ஆர் தோள் அஞ்சுபவர்= தம் இல்லாளுடைய வேய்போலும் தோளினை அஞ்சுவார்; இமையாரின் வாழினும் பாடு இலர்= வீரத்தான் துறக்கம் எய்திய அமரர் போல இவ்வுலகத்து வாழ்ந்தாராயினும், ஆண்மை இலர்.
Source: Tamil Wikisource
Even if they live in celestial luxury like immortals, those who cower in fear of their wives possess no true dignity or honor in this world.