The Tirukkural and the Kamba Ramayana are excellent works in Tamil rich in moral and ethical content relevant to all times. The Tirukkural is the more ancient text and the Kamba Ramayana is believed to have been composed around the 12 century during the Chozha reign. But what is striking is the way in which the essence of the truths expressed in the Tirukkural find vivid representation in the Kamba Ramayana, said Sri Ram Mohan Doss in a discourse.
Both texts provide insights to guide individual action and thought and reveal the purpose of living life in a noble manner. The Tirukkural celebrates individual moral worth as the highest practical ideal for a human being. It states that even an ordinary human being living in this world in the midst of its attractions and challenges can elevate himself by upholding the righteous path at all times, even when there are other ways to avoid it. Such a person is seen to be on a par with the divine. In the Valmiki Ramayana, Rama inspires all by His commitment to dharma and satya despite all the odds that come His way. The truth that Rama is the Supreme Lord incarnate is not made explicit. But gradually when succeeding generations begin to understand the greatness of Rama avatar, Rama becomes a God who is worshipped in temples. The impact also leads to many inspired retellings of the story in many languages. Noticing a lacuna of a Tamil version, it is held that the Chozha king, known for his patronage of Tamil arts and culture, encourages Kamban to compose a Tamil Ramayana. Kamban is already renowned for his proficiency in the Sanskrit and Tamil classics available at his time, and for his mastery of philosophical and aesthetic theories in both languages. So the great Tamil epic that highlights the noble aspects of human nature is born.
