Tirukkural-On Virtue-The Helpmate-Kural 54

Add as a preferred source on Google

Pennin perunthakka yaavula karpennum
Tinmaiyundaakap perin.

What greater treasure can there be, than a woman who has the abiding strength of chastity?

When a woman has chastity she has all; along with her, the husband and family also have everything. Rajaji would say that 'karpu' (Chastity) is much more than physical chastity and implies unqualified loyalty to the husband or 'an abiding moral tenacity', as it were. This is in keeping with the meaning of the expression 'Theethilaavadameen' referring to Arundhadhi, found in Silapathikaarm and as given by commentator Adiyarkunallar as, 'Theedhu aavadhu nenjupukudhal'.

In this interpretation Adiyarkunallar follows Sathanar's lines thus:

Manthini Nyaalathu
Mazaivalam tharooum
Pendiraayin pirar
Nenju pugaa ar

The idea here combines Kurals 54 and 55. Parimelalagar too considers that, with the 'Karpu' of Valluvar's conception, would go also the triple blessings of virtue, wealth and happiness. And that is why, when a man has a chaste woman, he has no other need at all. It was this 'Thinmai' (strength) that led the lone and helpless Kannagi, fearlessly to march into the court of Pandyan Neduncheliyan, and to take him successfully to task for the injustice perpetrated by him on her husband, albeit unwittingly.
Maiyir podiyum virindha karung kuzhalum
Kaiyir thanichilambum kaneerum-vaiyaikoan
Katenave Thoatraan

The moment he saw her, the great and just king realized he had done wrong and so he was defeated.

It was about such a wife, the Bible Says:

'A good wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels'

'A gracious woman gets honour'
'Strength and dignity are her clothing'