Kural 787 | The Power of True Friendship

**Verse in Tamil:**  

அழிவி னவைநீக்கி யாறுய்த் தழிவின்க  

ணல்ல லுழப்பதா நட்பு (787)

**Transliteration:**  

Azhivin avai neekki aaruyth azhivin  

Kan alla luzhappadhaa natpu (787)

**Word-by-Word Meaning:**  

- **அழிவின்** (azhivin) - From destruction  

- **அவை** (avai) - Troubles  

- **நீக்கி** (neekki) - Removing  

- **ஆறு** (aaru) - Guide  

- **உய்த்து** (uyththu) - Save  

- **அழிவின்கண்** (azhivin-kan) - In times of misfortune  

- **அல்லல்** (allal) - Suffering  

- **உழப்பது** (uzhappadhu) - Shares the burden  

- **ஆம்** (aam) - Is  

- **நட்பு** (natpu) - Friendship

**Translation:**  

True friendship removes one’s troubles and destruction, guides one towards a path of safety, and stands firm through tough times, sharing the burden.

**Detailed Explanation:**  

In this verse, Thiruvalluvar underscores the characteristics of genuine friendship. A true friend helps shield one from harmful influences and provides crucial guidance to uplift one from setbacks. Most importantly, they support and share in one's suffering during times of adversity. They act as a beacon of hope, embodying unwavering loyalty and concern. 

A friend isn't simply a companion who shares your joyful moments but someone who stands firmly by your side in times of despair and struggle, easing your load and offering valuable direction. This kind of friendship, rare as it may be, represents the essence of mutual support and the nobility of human relationships.

**Analogy:**  

Imagine a sturdy anchor that holds a ship in place amidst a turbulent sea. The anchor prevents the ship from being blown away by harsh winds or drawn into perilous waters. Similarly, a good friend serves as the anchor in one's life, keeping you stable during turbulent times and preventing you from drifting towards harmful paths.

**Highlights & Takeaways:**

- 🛡️ **Shield:** True friendship protects against destruction.  

- 🧭 **Guide:** Offers guidance during confusion and difficulties.  

- 🤝 **Support:** Shares and eases the burden during adversity.

**Inference for Modern Times:**  

In the fast-paced, transactional nature of modern life, finding and maintaining genuine friendships can be challenging. Many relationships remain superficial or fade over time. However, this verse reminds us that true friendship is priceless and worth cultivating. In today's world, where mental health and support systems are increasingly recognized as vital, having a friend who can guide us through life's challenges becomes a cherished treasure. Be the kind of friend that helps others through their storms and draws inspiration from this Thirukural verse to recognize and celebrate those who anchor us.