Tenali Raman Stories # 18 - Tenali Rama & the Dream Palace

Once upon a time, Krishnadeva Raya, who ruled over the Vijayanagar kingdom, dreamt of a beautiful palace. It was made of glittering stones and floated in the air. The palace had everything that one could ever wish for. And it could be lit up with a thousand lights or made to disappear into the darkness by merely wishing so.

The king woke up with a start. But he could not forget the dream palace. So, one day, he summoned all his courtiers and told them about it. The courtiers made all the right noises and sang pRayases of the king and his beautiful dream.

Then the king made a public announcement: "If someone can make such a palace for me, I will give him a hundred thousand gold coins!"

That stopped the courtiers mid-sentence. Their mouths fell open. "Is the king mad? Whoever heard of a palace floating in air," they thought.

But no one had the courage to say so. Many of king's well-wishers told him that such a palace can only exist in one's mind. But he would not listen, of course. He insisted that it could be built. He also threatened his courtiers with dire consequences if they did not produce someone who could make the dream come true.

The courtiers were worried. And the senior counsel of the state requested Tenali Rama to do something.

A few days later, a very old man tottered into the king's court. He was crying for justice.

Krishnadeva Raya asked: "Old man, what's the problem? Tell me without fear and I shall see that justice is done."

"I've been looted, Your Majesty," wailed the old man. "All my savings are gone. I have nothing left."

"Who looted you?", thundered the king. "You name him and I'll have him hanged immediately!"

"Your Majesty! If you don't take it as a personal affront, I will tell you. But you must assure that you won't punish me," mumbled the old man.

"Yes, yes, I promise," replied the king impatiently.

"It's you sire," said the old man.

"How dare you…", began the king, but then he remembered his promise and sat back.

"Your Majesty! Last night, I'd dreamt that you'd come with your entourage of ministers and commanders and looted my entire life's savings -- five thousand gold coins!", said the old man.

"You are a fool!", roared the king. "How can you pretend that your dream is reality? Dreams are not true!"

"But they are, Your Majesty! If your dream of a palace hanging in air can come true, why can't my dream come true?"

And before the king could fully comprehend what the old man was driving at, the man tore off his beard and hair and stood before the king. It was none other than Tenali Rama!

Bowing low before the amazed king, Tenali Rama said: "Your Majesty ! This was the only way of convincing you about the absurdity of your wish."

"You're right," agreed the king and burst into laughter "Tenali! you are really very shrewd!", he added. 

 

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 17 - The King's Ire

Tenali Rama was the favourite courtier of emperor Krishnadevaraya. 

With his sense of humour and ready wit, Rama could diffuse even a tense situation. 

 One day, the emperor got annoyed with Rama. He shouted, 'Get out of my sight! I don't want to see your face again!' 

The sudden outburst of the emperor shocked the other courtiers; some of them, jealous of Rama and his closeness with the emperor were secretly pleased. 

Rama left the court quietly. The next day, Rama promptly entered the court covering his face with a pot. He went and took his usual seat very casually, as if nothing had happened. 

The emperor, on arrival in the court, was enraged on seeing Rama back in his seat. 'Rama, how dare you come to the court? Didn't I tell you yesterday not to show your face to me?' the emperor thundered. 

'My lord, I'm sorry!' said Rama, through the pot, which had two holes for eyes and a third one for the mouth. 'I'm only obeying your command, sire! You said you didn't want to see my face. Haven't I covered my face with this pot?' 

The emperor burst into a laughter. 'You may now remove it. It doesn't matter if your face is seen,' said Krishnadevaraya.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 16 - Tenali Rama and the Bandit

The king got annoyed with the exploits of a bandit. He warned the police chief of dire consequences if he failed to nab the bandit. 

Tenali Rama was passing through, when the overzealous police chief took him to be the bandit and arrested him. He was led to an open ground and buried him up to the neck in sand. 

 At night, the bandit himself was passing by the place. Tenali Rama recognised him as the bandit. He began chanting a hymn loudly. The curious bandit stopped by. Rama explained: 'By remaining buried and chanting this hymn, one becomes stronger ten times. Please take me out so that I can check whether I've become stronger.' 

 The bandit obliged and was made to believe that Rama had indeed become stronger. The bandit then got himself buried in sand. Rama asked him to chant the hymn, assuring him that he too would become stronger. 

Rama went and brought the king, the police chief, and others to show them the real bandit. He was then arrested. 

Rama was rewarded by the king, who asked him whether he would like to have something more. 'Yes, my lord!' said Rama. 'I would like to punch your police chief on the face for branding me a bandit.' His wish was granted, and the police chief was dismissed from service.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 15 - The Other side of the Portrait

One day, Krishnadevaraya displayed in the court his portrait done by an artist. Those in the court appreciated the painting and the artist. 

 Surprisingly, Tenali Rama remained silent. 

The emperor was intrigued. 'Rama, don't you have anything to say?' 

'My lord, I don't find anything great about this painting. In fact, it is incomplete. It shows only one side of your face. The artist doesn't deserve any credit!' remarked Rama. '

Rama, you don't know how to judge a good painting. A painting need not be complete. One has to imagine a lot to judge the merit of a painting. It's very easy to criticise. Tell me, can you draw anything like this? I doubt whether you can even hold the brush, leave alone paint any object. Well, you draw something and bring it to me.' 

Rama was not seen in the court for some days. One day, he entered with two bodyguards holding a painting. Everyone was confused to see only the rear portion of a horse in the painting. '

What is this Rama? I can see only the tail of a horse,' commented the emperor. 

'My lord, its body is outside the canvas. Didn't you say, one has to imagine a lot to judge the merit of a good painting?' said Rama with a smirk. 

Krishnadevaraya laughed loudly. 'Rama, none can outwit you,' said the emperor, as he reached for his purse to give to Rama.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 14 - Tricksters Humbled

Once while travelling, Tenali Rama found himself in the company of a group of soldiers.

They were all veterans of war and soon they got to talking about their experiences on the battlefield. 

One old soldier told of the time he had single-handedly slain seven enemy soldiers. Another gave a detailed description of the manner in which he had held an entire enemy battalion at bay. When they had finished they looked condescendingly at Rama.
 

"I don't suppose you have any adventure worth telling," said one of the grizzled warriors.
 

"Oh, but I have," said Rama
 

"You have?!" said the soldiers.
 

"Yes," said Rama. "Once while travelling I chanced upon a large tent. I entered and there, lying on a mat was the largest man I had ever seen. I recognised him at once as a dreaded dacoit who had been terrorising that part of the country for years!"
 

"What did you do?" asked the soldiers, their interest now fully aroused.
 

"I cut off his toe and ran for dear life," said Rama.
 

"His toe?" said a soldier. "Why toe? You should have cut off his head while you had the chance!"
 

"Somebody had already done that," said Rama, grinning.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 13 - A New Turban

One day, Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Rama were going on horseback to attend a festival in a nearby village. 

The king happened to notice the tattered and faded turban Rama was wearing. 'Rama! That's a wretched old turban you have! You may get rid of it. I shall pay for a new turban.' '

My lord! It will be a pleasure to get a new turban. But, I'm reluctant to part with this old turban for the simple reason that whatever I do with it, I bet you won't be able to do with your turban!' 

The king felt insulted. 'Don't talk nonsense! I'll give you a hundred gold coins, if you can prove what you say.' 

Soon afterwards, they came to a bridge over a river. Rama untied his turban and threw it into the swollen waters. 'My lord! See I've discarded my turban. Now, could you throw away your turban?' 

Krishnadevaraya burst into peels of laughter. 'Of course, I can't afford to throw away my bejewelled turban into the river. You've won the bet, Rama! You'll get your reward.' 

'My lord! I've not only won the bet, but I've obeyed your orders, too. I've discarded my old turban, and now I'll need a new one.' 

The king laughed again and said, 'You're very clever, indeed! I'll give you money to buy a new turban, too!'

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 12 - Tenali Rama and the Magician

One day a magician entertained everyone preasent in the court with his cleaver tricks. Later he challenged the people there to defeat him in magic. No one in the court dared to take up the challenge.

Tenali Rama stood up and asked the magician to take up a challenge.

He said, “I will ask you to perform an act with your eyes open which I will perform with my eyes closed.”

The magician said, “I can definitely do anything with my eyes open which you can do with your eyes closed”.

Tenali Rama whispered something to the guard. In no time the guard brought some sand. Tenali Rama closed his eyes and flung some sand on his eyes.

He then turned to the magician and said, “ Now please do this with your eyes wide open.”

The magician accepted his defeat and left. Krishnadeva Raya praised Tenali Rama and rewarded him.

Cheers!

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Tenali Raman Stories # 11 - Thousand Gold Coins and a Handful Grain

Simhapuri was a prosporous town in the Vijaya Nagar Empire. There lived a very beautiful lady named Vidyullatha. She was a rich and well versed with prose, poetry and composition besides dance and music. Vidyullatha was very proud of herself. A hoarding appeared on the compound wall of the woman’s house quoting as, “A reward of one thousand gold coins would be presented to those who can win over the Lady in the house. The competitors are required to prove their upper hand in humour, wit and scholarship.” This became a prestigious issue for the scholars in the region.

Many responded to the open invitation and barged into her house, individually, to test their fate through the fete. Surprisingly, everyone whoever walked into Vidyullatha’s house lost in the battle and came out with chins down. The list of losers was steadily growing and after sometime there were no takers to the invitation.

One morning, a vendor with a load of firewood on his head started shouting in front of her house, 


“Firewood…strong firewood…excess heat generating firewood…” he continued the sequence for sometime. Vidyullatha thinking that his noise was growing unbearable walked on to the threshold and enquired, “How much do you sell the load for?”

An instant reply came from the vendor, “I will not sell this for money. If you can give me a handful grain I will give you the entire load.”

Assuring him to give more grains, Vidyullatha ordered him to dump the load in the backyard and return to collect the grains.

The vendor unloaded the weight off his head then and there started to argue, “There is no bargain in this deal Madam! I will sell this to you only if you can give me a handful grain, did you get it” he stressed, “a handful grain.”

The rich woman got disgusted with the vendor’s behaviour, “Hey you bloody vendor. Stop crying, I will give you what you wanted.” She said, “Throw them in the backyard and come here.”

The Vendor was adamant and made his firewood load’s price much clearer, “There is no change in the deal Madam. I said a handful grain…that means nothing more or less…it should be a handful grain. If you cannot pay the price, you should pay me one thousand gold coins and wipe the invitation hoarding on the compound wall.”

Vidyullatha yelled at him, “What nonsense are you trying to talk?” The vendor replied on par with her, 

“There is not any nonsense. I told you the price, you agreed for it and now if you cannot pay the price, stand by my wish. You should give the one thousand gold coins. That is it.”

The fire broke out between Vidyullatha and the firewood vendor. Both started arguing and shouting at each other. The local people started gathering in front of the house to witness and know what is happening and why the Lady was having a tiff with an ordinary vendor. Tired of shouting, both resorted to approach the provincial Court of Law for justice.

Vidyullatha presented her argument, “My Lord! This firewood vendor must have gone crazy. He is not ready to accede to my offer, though I wished to pay him more. He is sticking to his senseless argument to have a handful grain. He demands later for payment of a thousand gold coins and wiping away the invitation hoarding. I plead for justice.”

The Judge looked at the vendor and asked him what his problem was. Folding hands the vendor started in a humble manner, “Yes Your Majesty. She was right to some extent. However, I am not crazy. I informed her beforehand that the load of firewood would cost her a handful grain.”

He continued innocently, “When I was clear about a handful grain, she must have understood that I needed handful of grains. That was her mistake to mistake my quote for a handful grain. It means, one grain that fills the hand.”

What more? Vidyullatha was speechless. Obviously, the verdict was in favour of the vendor. Vidyullatha was unable to comprehend that a handful grain meant so much. Shocked with the development and the judgement, she was compelled to pay him one thousand gold coins and wipe off the invitation from the compound wall.

 

The people of the region knew about this and told themselves that the years old proud of Vidyullatha was shattered to pieces in a single stroke. 

By the way, the vendor was none other than Tenali Rama.

Cheers!

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Tenali Raman Stories # 10 - Royal Mother's Last Wish

Once when King Sri Krishna Deva’s mother fell sick and was bedridden, the best possible medical professionals were consulted. It was declared that there was no chance for her to survive and that her immune system was too weak to respond to any medication. 

One morning, she summoned Sri Krishna Deva to her presence and said “My Dear Son! I realise that I am close to death’s door. I also do not have any hopes that my health would become better. However, I have a last wish.” 

She paused and asked, “Can you accomplish it for me before my soul is taken away?”

Sri Krishna Deva was the King of Kings. His mother was on the deathbed, expressing her last wish. How could he turn away from it?

He gently said, “Mother! Please tell me I will definitely accomplish your last wish” he assured.

“I…” she added, “…wish to eat a mango, can you get me one?” in a feeble tone the mother asked Sri Krishna Deva.

It was early summer. Trees had just started bearing tender fruits. There was no guarantee that royal mother would live until the tender ones ripened on the tree. It was also an insult to his kinghood, if he was unable to fulfil his mother’s last wish. 

Sri Krishna Deva ordered his soldiers to scan through the fields of the kingdom and bring some ripe mangoes at any cost. The soldiers plunged into action. They did their best and returned with a basket filled with ripe mangoes. Eventually, just before the soldiers could place the basket before their King, king’s mother breathed her last. 

The King was taken aback, for being unable to fulfil the last wish more than for her demise. He was shook deeply with the thought that his mother was dead even before her quench for mangoes was fulfilled. He slowly started to sink day after day with the thoughts that were ripping him.

The King invited Royal Master Thathacharya, explained his struggle, and sought an advice that would take the suffering off from him.

Thathacharya thought for a while and told the King, “My king! Your mother was fond of giving alms to the poor and needy. Her soul would rest in peace, if you can fulfil her last wish through donations. Ask the royal jewellers to prepare golden mangos in finest gold and distribute them to Brahmins of the country.”

The news spread like wildfire in the kingdom that the King was doling out golden mangoes to Brahmins in the memory of his mother. Brahmins from all over the empire started flooding into the capital to accept the golden mango from the King. Day in and out, long queues were always seen only to add people to its tail. 

With this, the gold reserves in the King were melting down rapidly. The King not bothering about the consequences was incessantly involved in donating golden mangoes to the Brahmins. He never heeded to the pleas and warnings of the Chief Minister Thimmarusu in this regard.

Thimmarusu was in confusion and did not know how to stop the King. He then approached Tenali Rama and urged for a solution to this in the interest of the kingdom and its people. Tenali Rama assured Thimmarusu that he would come up with some resolution at the earliest. “Don’t worry now, Chief Minister. I shall set everything right by tomorrow evening” Tenali Rama sent off Thimmarusu. 

Next morning, Tenali Rama went near the long queues and watched what was happening. He then asked solders in charge of managing the crowd to send each of the Brahmins to him before sending him to the King for the golden mango. 

Everyone knew that Tenali Rama was one of the close associates of the King. They thought that Tenali Rama was doing so on the orders of the King and started sending the Brahmins first to Ramalinga before sending them into the palace. 

Ramalinga told every Brahmin that there was a slight amendment to the donation process. “The King wished to donate the golden mangoes to those who bore a blister from him” told Tenali Rama. So, all brahmins desirous of the golden mango got their back burnt before going to the King.

This went on until afternoon. In the later afternoon, one Brahmin pleaded Tenali Rama to give him two burns becasue he wished two golden mangoes. Tenali Rama immediately fulfilled the Brahmins wish. 

Then the Brahmin approached the King. As usual, the King handed him one mango. The Brahmin immediately requested the King, “My Lord! I had two burns please give me two golden mangoes.” 

The King did not understand what was happening. He enquired, “What burns?”

Then the Brahmin narrated the entire story about Tenali Rama and burns.

The King was red in anger asked his solders to call Tenali Rama.

When Tenali Rama arrived, the King questioned him, “Tenali Rama, what is non-sense happening. Why are you doing this brutality on these poor and innocent Brahmins?” 

Tenali Rama very politely and innocently, as if nothing was amiss, explained. “My Dear King! I am an unlucky person. Recently my mother succumbed to a chronic disease. She wished all during her bed ridden period to cauterise her back so that she could become healthy and live longer.” 

Wiping the tears dropping on his cheeks, Ramalinga continued, “Probably she would have lived. Nevertheless, I did not heed to her requests. She died with it on her lips. I thought of presenting it to the Brahmins, as I failed to fulfil my mother’s last wish.

However, me being a poor man cannot invite such huge number of Brahmins. Anyway, all of these had come on your invitation and I am trying to fulfil my mother’s last wish in this manner. With all due respects to the King, I beg for pardon for my deeds, if I am wrong.”

The King analysed that Tenali Rama was attempting to teach his a lesson. He then recalled Thimmarusu’s pleas about the drastically dropping gold reserves in the exchequer. 

Appreciating the presence of mind and loyalty, the King immediately stopped the programme.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 9 - The Four Cheats and the Old Woman

Once upon a time there lived a old woman in Vijaynagar. She was known for her honesty. There came across four cheats hearing of this woman with foul intentions. They asked the old woman to keep a little bundle for them and told her to give it back only when all four were present. 

 

One of them, however, returned alone and successfully tricked the old woman into giving him the bundle.
Later the other three came to collect the bundle. She explained she had given it to the man who had come earlier. They were very angry and took her to court.

The King Krishnadeva Raja listened to the complaint. The three cheats cried, “So, you see, Sir, she has to pay us compensation now!”

Tenali Rama requested the King to given him the opportunity to solve the case.

With King’s permission Tenali Rama spoke, “The old woman will give you the bundle itself,” and pausing a little, he added, “provided all four of you are present together.”

There was laughter in the court and the three men realized that they had lost the case.

Cheers!

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Tenali Raman Stories # 8 - Tenali Rama and the Sadhu

These were the days when the King Krishnadava Raja ruled Vijay Nagar, a self proclaimed Sage came to the town. He mesmerized all the citizens of the town with his magical triumphs.
Every morning and evening people would gather at the temple with specially prepared delicacies as offerings to the Sadhu.

The news also reached the royal court. When Tenali Raman heard of this, he smelt a rat. He went to the temple and sat near the Sadhu. The Sadhu began reciting shlokas. The Sadhu went on repeating the same shloka over and over again.

Tenali Raman realized that he was a fraud. Tenali Rama intended to teach the fraud sadhu a lesson and also did not want to hurt the sentiments of his people. Thoughtfully, he leaned forward and plucked a strand of hair from the Sadhu’s beard.

“I have the key to Heaven!” he shouted triumphantly.

The villagers looked startled. The villagers looked startled.

“This Sadhu is so great that if I keep the hair from his beard with me, I will be blessed forever!” said Tenali Raman.

Immediately there was a scramble as everybody rushed to get hold of a hair from the Sadhu’s beard. The frightened Sadhu ran for his life and was never heard of again.

Tenali Raman Stories # 7 - Tenali's Reward

One day the King and his Queen were about to view a special performance by a Krishnaleela troupe. The King ordered his minister not to disturb him. A special guard was posted at the main gate of the palace and another at the door to the hall. 

Meanwhile Raman came to the palace and was prohibited entry by the kings guard. TenaliRaman thought that there is something special going on and I have not been invited. I must see what it is. So he returned to the guards and said " I must see the king, he has promised me a reward ". The guard thought the reward must be a bag of gold as usual. So he demanded half of the reward the king gives to Tenali.  

Tenali agreed and rushed to the audience hall. There another guard blocked his way and Tenali promised him half of the reward the king gives to him. Finally he reached the hall and saw the dance program going on. He ran up to the artists and picking up a stick began to hit the chief actor.  On seeing this, the king got annoyed and ordered a hundred lashes to Tenali.
 

As an attendant raised the whip, Tenali pleaded " Please wait, your majesty. I have two friends outside who want to share the lashes. " The king was astonished. " Who are these fools? Have them brought in."

Raman whispered something into the attendant's ear. He returned with the two guards. Raman proceeded " I am honor bond to share with them what you wish to give me ". And he told the king how he gained entry in to the hall. The king was at once angry and amused. He ordered fifty lashes each to the attendants and dismissed them. Then he turned to Raman and said " I am grateful to you for exposing these rogues. you shall receive a bag of gold for your efforts."

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 6 - The Horse Trader

Krishnadevaraya was very fond of horses. He never spared any thought or money when it came to buying well bred horses. He was known for owning some of the country's best horses.

One day a horse trader, a foreigner from an Arabian Country, came to his court and announced, " I have some fine horses for sale . They are the best Arabian steeds you can get in the whole world. I have brought one horse to show you. If you like him I can send in for the others ". 

The Emperor was very excited by the offer, as the only breed he didn't have in his stables were the Arabian steeds. He saw the majestic horse standing outside his palace and immediately offered to buy the whole lot of them. The man took an advance of 5000 gold coins and promised to return with the whole set of horses in 2 days and went away.

2 weeks passed and the King saw no sign of the trader. He was growing a little impatient and went out into his garden for a stroll to take his mind off the trader. He saw Raman sitting in the corner of his gardens, feverishly writing something on a sheet of paper.
 
" What are you writing Raman?" he asked. Raman continued to write without looking up. The King was very curious and demanded " I command that you show me what you are writing immediately." "Well sir, you may not like it, but I'm making a list of greatest fools in the empire", said Raman.

The Emperor was astonished at the reply. "Hand over the paper to me" he said." I need to see the names in there. I am sure that the list you have written must be quite sensible and true. Raman handed over the paper and within a moment he heard the Kings voice thundering, " How dare you write my name on top of the list Raman? Isn't this the height of impudence to your King? I demand an explanation. You think I am a fool indeed!"
 
"Any man who would give 5000 gold coins to a complete stranger and expect him to return, is a fool!" replied Raman.
 
"Oh! so that's what is troubling you" said the Emperor." You think the man won't return. What if he does? You are wrong then"
 
"In that case", said Raman with a twinkle in his eye," I'll scratch out your name and put his there" 

The King understood the wise words behind Raman's wit and never again made any major decisions without consulting his beloved courtier. 

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 5 - Honest Opinion

A poet visited Tenali Raman hoping to impress him with some poems he had written.

Raman asked him to leave the poems with him and promised to read them later. The man, however, insisted on reading out the poems to him. 

As the poet droned on Raman fell asleep. When he woke up, the poet asked: "Sir, shall I read the poems again?"

"Why? I've already given you my opinion, haven't I?"

"No, Sir," said the man. "You fell asleep."

"That's right," replied Raman. "When I fell asleep I gave my opinion."

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 4 - Ramalinga attempts to turn a Dog Into a Cow!!!

The first rays of Sun were spreading on the world driving away all the evil and darkness from. Just then King Rayalu woke from deep sleep. Yawning he came out of his palace room and clapped calling, “who is there?” Running came a soldier, “Yes My Lord!” bowing his head to the King.

“Go right away and bring the barber along” ordered Rayalu. Taking the instruction, soldier left saluting the King. Rayalu re-entered his room and just rested in the easy chair in there. Immediately he went into sound sleep again. The barber rushed in on hearing the call of King Rayalu. Eventually, he slowly entered the room of the king to find Rayalu sleeping in the armchair. Sensing the King to be too tired the barber never wanted to wake him up. Putting all his experience and expertise, barber completed his job shaving the beard and cutting hair. Finishing his work barber left the place in all silence.

After sometime, Rayalu opened his eyes. He did not find the barber waiting by the door. Angrily he clapped for the attendant and shouted at him to bring the barber in a moment. Slowly he got off the armchair and casually put his hand on the chin, Surprise! It was like a freshly done. Rayalu grew suspicious and walked in front of the mirror and looked at his image in there. The hair was cleanly cut and beard was neatly shaved.

Meanwhile the attendant brought the barber before him. Rayalu was impressed about the barber’s job and appreciated him, “You Barber! I am satisfied for your job. I wish to bestow a boon, go on ask one I will accomplish.”

“Master!…” hesitantly barber presented his good old desire, “Since long, My Lord…I carry a wish to become a Brahmin. Kindly bless me with this, I do not need any thing, as my family and me do not have anything short with the your Lord’s mercy.”

Rayalu was stunned to know barber’s desire. However, he assured, “This is not any big boon, tomorrow itself your wish will be fulfilled.” He waved the barber to leave, and summoned for some Brahmins.

“Dear Brahmins! I promised the barber to transform him as a Brahmin. You should do it with all your knowledge and keep my word. All of you will be rewarded suitably,” Rayalu ordered. On hearing the sound of ‘rewarded’ Brahmins were lured and told the king, “As you wish My Lord! We will transform the barber into a Brahmin.”

The news of barber turning a Brahmin spread in the city and all the Brahmin community whimpered silently, because if they speak louder the King might know of it and they would face punishment. They thought, ‘it is not fair for the King Rayalu to order so for transforming the barber into a Brahmin. This might give way for many others to long for the wish…this is against Dharma.’

Thinking long in vain what to do, they approached Tenali Ramalinga seeking a solution. Understanding the whole episode, Ramalinga tried to inject some confidence into the members of the Brahmin community. He told them, “All of you have some peace and rest. I will try my best to avert this extreme incident from happening.”

The next morning, the Brahmins who were ordered on to the job took the barber to the Coast of Suvarna Mukhi River and started chanting some hymns standing around him. King Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was watching the performance sitting at a distance and was supervising what was happening.

At the same time, a little far from this place, Ramalinga was chanting something or the other standing by the side of a black dog. He was pretending to ignore what was taking place near the place. While the Brahmins continued chanting the hymns, Rayalu slowly walked close to Ramalinga and asked, “Ramalinga! What are you doing to the dog?” With all natural submission Ramalinga told, “I am transforming this black dog into a white cow.”

Rayalu laughing sarcastically, “Ramakrishna…hahahah…hahahaha…how can this black dog, perhaps, any dog turn into a white cow if you chant some hymns after giving it a dip in the holy river?”

Innocently Ramalinga said, “King of Kings! Kindly forgive me for my foolishness. But, why can’t this black dog be turned into a white cow, when a barber is being transformed into a Brahmin?”

King Rayalu stopped laughing and started to think. He understood that Ramalinga was doing this to open his eyes. Immediately he called the barber and told him, “Hey You barber, it is not possible to turn you as a Brahmin. Leaving this desire ask for another one.”

The barber submissively saluted, “Master! I am happy with your kindness, I do not need anything” and left for home. Rayalu as usual, felicitated Ramalinga for opening his eyes and protecting from doing things against the Dharma.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 3 - Tenali Ramalingam and the Two Thieves

It was the practice of King Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu to visit the jails once a while and review the living standards of the convicted. During one of his visits, two of the jail inmates pleaded for cutting down their punishment period.

They explained that theft was one of the 64 arts in the epics and Vedas and started defining the art of stealing. However, they argued that they would shed the lifestyle and shift for one or the other profession to eke out their living. Rayalu thought for a moment brushing his moustache royally.

“It’s alright thieves. First let me know about your expertise in the art and then decide. You both have to burgle at Ramalinga’s house and return. If you emerge successful, then you will be set free immediately” Rayalu ordered them. “Hey you both listen. You should not deliver any physical blows to the households, take care” he added one condition.

The same night they were ‘officially’ let out for robbing Ramalinga’s residence. Ramalinga was nurturing a beautiful backyard garden fondly. The thieves’ duo crossed over the backyard compound wall and took shelter in the bean bushes to watch the surroundings first.

Ramalinga was not just another ordinary man in the crowd. He spotted the duo hiding in the bushes. He called his wife loudly, “My dear wife! Come here fast. The whole town is on fire with the news about some convicts jumping jail and are said to be at large well within the town. We should immediately protect all our jewellery and other valuables…” watching carefully around the bushes, increasing the pitch “…bring that bundle with all our gold and jewellery.”

A minute later, Ramalinga and his wife with great effort brought a heavy bundle into the backyard and dropped it into the well. Dhhhhhhhhhhhabbbb….spppppplsh sounds of a heavy weight dropping into the water in the well echoed for few seconds. The thieves looked at each other with sparkles in their eyes.

After drawing water from the well for three to four hours continuously, the thieves were tired. One of them again went into the well and came back, “You, come I need help to bring the bundle out, it is too heavy.” Both of them slipped into the well together again. With great effort both of them brought the bundle out and fell on the ground like logs of woods after opening it.

To their dismay, it was not a bundle of jewellery but a bundle of small boulders and rocks. They never understood until then that Ramalinga hid his precious items somewhere in the house and dropped this into the well.

Ramalinga called them, “Hey dear thieves! Please draw few more buckets of water from the well. Only two of the plants are to be watered. Please hurry up it is close to dawn. Kindly help me quick and little more” like sprinkling chilies on the wounds of burglars.

Both of them were stunned on hearing Ramalinga’s voice. They told each other, “Run! It is Ramalinga!” and sped away crossing the wall with all the tired bodies.

The so-called argument of the thieves about the art of stealing and their expertise did not work on Ramalinga at least.

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 2 - The Secret of Weaving Invisible Fabric

A gorgeous woman entered the royal court of Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu when he was busy with the courtiers. With all her pleasing manners, attire and conversation, she attracted the gathering that day. After a little dialogue with the King and his prime staff, she took out the most delicate and flimsiest sari from a small box that would hardly be sufficient to place a pair of ear-tops.

Exhibiting the saree to the royal court attendants, she addressed the king, “King of Kings! A group of divine weavers are working for me. They can weave similar delicate, thinnest and beautiful saris. They are capable of weaving celestial fabric, which cannot be seen with the naked eye.

“If we have your majesty’s blessings and support in addition to appropriate allocation of funds, they can do wonders and exhibit before the honorable King.”

Satisfied with the exhibit, Rayalu believed her words. Allotting required funds for weaving the celestial fabric, Rayalu asked her to get the job done with thorough research and of course within the year.

The gorgeous woman and her weavers enjoyed the comforts and treatment extended by the King to the royal court guests for one year. Even after the lapse of one year, there was no news from the woman about the research nor the weavers exhibited any products before the King.

Rayalu ordered some of his employees to inspect the weavers’ guesthouse and enquire about the weaving of celestial fabric that was fit to be worn by the Gods. The royal employees at once left for the guesthouse.

The woman welcomed the inspectors and took them to the location where the weavers were working seriously not even noticing the presence of guests in the room. The inspectors were aghast when they entered the room. There were no looms, no thread spools, not even a string of thread in the room. All the weavers sitting there were pretending to draw threads and weave. Every act was as if they were weaving something, with empty hands. The inspectors could not realised what was happening there. They asked the woman about the invisible fabric. She threw a lovely smile at them and told in a low husky voice. “Gentlemen, the invisible or celestial fabric is visible to only those who are pure along with purity of their parents. Of course, I believe that you can see the clarity of design and beauty of the craftsmanship of our weavers.”

The inspectors were worried of being branded as sinners, if they spoke truth about what they saw. They did not dare to probe against the guests. Moreover, they appreciated the delicacy, accuracy, and what not about the work being done at the guesthouse. They stood by the roles they played at the guesthouse, in front of the King Rayalu too.

The feedback of the employees augmented the enthusiasm of Rayalu. He was eagerly waiting for the finished products to be exhibited before him and the royal court members. Some days later, Rayalu ordered his men to bring the weavers to his court along with the finished products.

An unusually big gathering assembled in the royal court to witness the celestial fabric exhibition. As part of the introductory speech, the weavers addressed the gathering. They pointed out that the fabric was made from various divine materials. Hence, they would be visible only to those who are clean by soul along with purity of their parents. The whole gathering went silent for a moment, as no one could see any fabric in the hands of the weavers. Still, they maintained, out of fear of humiliation, that they were able to view the exhibit, started applauding the beauty, and praised the weavers.

Just then, King Rayalu accompanied by Ramalinga, entered the court to witness the exhibition. Weavers repeated their standard phrases. Rayalu stared at the hands of the weavers for a moment and whispered to Ramalinga, “I regret to say, I cannot see any material in their hands. Is that my own sin or my parents’?” “Nothing comes to be visible in thin air, My Lord!” replied Ramalinga.

Rayalu grew suspicious, “What do you mean?” he asked. Ramalinga in a low tone audible only to the King said, “King of Kings! These weavers are cheating our eyes and brains with their deceptive speech.”

Rayalu urged Ramalinga to make public, the cheating of the weavers. Ramalinga turned towards the gorgeous woman and in an astoundingly inquisitive tone told her, “What a beauty! How rich are these textiles, Lady. The King of Kings Rayalu is anxious to view your stepped up decorum, if you wear those celestial material.”

The lady understood that Ramalinga deciphered the secret of invisible weaving. She was confused for a moment. She could neither disregard the King’s order nor stand nude in the crowded court in the guise of wearing something, which actually was nothing. She thought that the only way out would be to fall on the King’s feet pleading mercy. Immediately she did so begging for pardon. 

Cheers!

Tenali Raman Stories # 1 - Intro

Tenali Ramakrishna was a famous and known poet of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century CE. He was one of the popular eight poets or ashtadiggajas who were patrons of Krishnadeva Raya, the famous Vijayanagara emperor. He was full of wisdom and had good sense of humour. Even today his stories are popular among kids and adults.

Ramalinga was mischievous during his childhood. His childishness cheered some and troubled some. His activities were pleasure to some and humiliation to others. Once, while Ramalinga was pursuing his academics, the provincial ruler visited the school as part of checking the standards of the school.

He questioned the children in the classroom, “Who among you is the most intelligent?”

Silence spread in the class. No child dared to give reply to the King’s question. Meanwhile, Ramalinga sprung up from his seat and answered with confidence, “I am the intelligent student in the class.” The King appreciated Ramalinga’s confidence and courage. Calling him closer, the King enquired him about several things and blessed him, “You will go places my child.”

Similarly, Ramalinga grew big and made his presence felt in history.

Ramalinga practiced poetry and composition along with command on language and grammar. Mingling with a group of minstrels, he learnt the art of spontaneous poetry composing techniques at Tenali.

He made himself a perfectionist in Sanskrit and Telugu (Andhra) languages. Gradually, in the natural process of growing up, he was married and was blessed with children. From then onwards, he was compelled to find ways to earn a living and feed his family.

He learnt that Vijaya Nagar ruler Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was a revered patron for poetry and poets besides being a scholar in Kannada, Andhra and Sanskrit languages on par. Every poet and scholar with some skill in the vast Vijaya Nagar empire was longing for getting into the Bhuvana Vijayam, the royal court of Rayalu. Ramalinga headed for Vijaya Nagar with a similar thought and wish in him.

First, he approached the royal priest Thathacharya and laid his heart before him, after exhibiting his skills. Thathacharya promised Ramalinga to introduce him to the King Rayalu. Satisfied Ramalinga spent many a days in vain, waiting for the opportunity.

Ramalinga was vexed and started hunting for alternative ways that would gain entry into the court. He then located Nandi Thimmana, another scholar who had a permanent place in the royal court. Ramalinga approached Thimmana and appeased him with his expertise in spontaneous poetry.

Thimmana felicitated Ramalinga by presenting him with a Kashmir Shawl, which was presented to him by King Rayalu the previous day for his performance.

The next day, Ramalinga adorning the Kashmiri Shawl on his shoulders walked into the royal court. King Rayalu was discussing various issues with the courtiers at that time. Rayalu was surprised to see a stranger in the Shawl that was presented to Thimmana couple of days before. A straight question came from the King Rayalu, “Where did you get this shawl?”

With all humbleness Ramalinga replied, “My King! Thimmana could have satisfied you with his proficiency. I was fortunate enough to please that great personality with my poetry. Thimmana, pleased with my expertise…” he continued, “presented me this shawl felicitating me at his residence. I am wearing this to exhibit my competence.”

Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was impressed by the way Ramalinga presented himself in the court. The King also appreciated the intelligence and presence of mind Ramalinga had. Immediately Rayalu offered a position to Ramalinga in his court.

Thus was the entry of Ramalinga into Bhuvana Vijayam.

Cheers!