107.2 Fear of Begging

107.2 Fear of Begging

(107.2 இரவச்சம்)

 

Question:

                Is it acceptable to beg for water for a cow?

 

Answer:

Even if one begs for water to quench the thirst of a cow, there

is nothing more disgraceful than begging.                                        (Couplet – 1066)

 

ஆவிற்கு நீரென்று இரப்பினும் நாவிற்கு

இரவின் இளிவந்த தில்.                                                                (குறள் – 1066)

 

Explanation:

                When a cow is alive, it provides milk and gives birth to calves for most of its life. When the cow is dead, its hide is used by men. Since the cow is a very useful animal to people, people decided to protect it from slaughtering and took good care of the cow. The Hindu religious authorities have declared that a cow is sacred to protect the cow. Once the cow is declared sacred, killing it or not protecting it is considered a sin. So, it has become a longstanding tradition to take good care of the cow. Also, giving water to a thirsty cow was considered a sacred duty of the cow owner. In Couplet 1066, Valluvar says that even if one considers it a virtue and begs for water for a cow, it is still a disgraceful act. Here we see Valluvar’s disdain for begging.