‘Time’ as Depicted in Thirukkural

திருக்குறள் காட்டும் ‘காலம்’

Abstract

The dominance of time is inextricably woven into human existence. Tamil culture has categorized time into past (irrappu), present (nigazhvu), and future (ethirvu). Within a human’s lifespan, time is the one thing that cannot be recovered once lost. Any action performed at the appropriate time will yield success regardless of its nature. This is why the great Valluvar created a chapter called “Kalamaridal” (Understanding Time) to clarify its importance to the world. In today’s modern era, time management is considered crucial in business organizations. Among the various factors that determine human behavior, “proper utilization of time” stands as one of the key elements. One who loses time loses everything. This article aims to explain the precious values of time, which holds such great significance, through the lens of Thirukkural.