கற்பு எனப்படும் மன உறுதி மட்டும் பெண்ணிடம் இருக்குமானால் மனைவியைக் காட்டிலும் மேலானவை எவை?

கற்பென்னும் திண்மை கொண்ட பெண்மையின் உறுதிப் பண்பைப் பெற்றுவிட்டால், அதைவிடப் பெருமைக்குரியது வேறு யாது?

இல்வாழ்க்கையில் கற்பு என்னும் உறுதிநிலை இருக்கப் பெற்றால், பெண்ணைவிட பெருமையுடையவை வேறு என்ன இருக்கின்றன?

What is more excellent than a wife, if she possess the stability of chastity ?

This verse from Thirukkural emphasizes the value and significance of a woman's chastity. The verse translates to "What is more excellent than a wife, if she possess the stability of chastity?" This highlights the moral virtue of chastity, which is considered a woman's greatest strength and honor in traditional Tamil culture. In the verse, Valluvar uses the word "karpu," which is often interpreted as chastity or virtue. However, its meaning goes beyond mere physical purity and extends to mental and emotional integrity, moral righteousness, and unwavering loyalty to one's spouse. The verse places the woman at a high pedestal, asserting that nothing is more superior or excellent than a chaste woman. If a woman possesses the stability of chastity, she becomes the bedrock of a prosperous family and society, as she upholds the moral values strongly. This verse thus advocates the value of fidelity and moral purity in a woman, and by extension, in all relationships. It underscores the importance of maintaining these virtues for a harmonious and prosperous societal structure.