Tirukkural - On Virtue - In Praise Of Rain - Kural - 19

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1. Thaanam thavamirandum tangaa viyanulakam
   Vaanam valangaa tenin.

Alms to the needy and penance for spiritual uplift cannot be
sustained, if the heavens will not give of their bounty..

This Kural underscores in no uncertain terms the importance of rain. If the heavens will not open up and give rain to this world, neither alms, which is the salient virtue of the householder, nor penance which is the characteristic virtue of the ascetic, can flourish on this earth.

The 'milk of human kindness' in charity and penance, will therefore, totally dry up when the rains fail.

This is in conformity with Parimelalagar's interpretation. But Valluvar's own idea would not compartmentalize alms and penance as pertaining to two different classes. Both virtues could very well be applicable at least to the householder. Avvaiyar's lines quoted below follow the same trend and speak in high praise of the one who practices charity and penance.

Dhaanamum Dhavamum thaam seyal aridhae
Dhaanamum Dhavamum thaam seivaaraayin
Vaanavar naadu vali thirandhidumae