Courtesy : Sri. Gopala krishnan
=======================
TENALI RAMA-1
Dear friends
My grand kids are very fond of seeing Tenali Rama storey videos. When they come
on vacation my children are very specific to bring CDs or purchase new CDs of
Tenali Rama for the same story for variety. Any amount of time children is happy
to view Tenali Rama stories. They do not get bored. I thought whether I could
gather something more about Tenali Rama. The result is this article .
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan
1. Tenali Ramakrishna- Introduction
Laughter brings a sense of lightness and freshness and infuses a new spirit. All
people laugh; but only a few can make others laugh. And only a specially gifted
man can make a king, careworn with the burden of administration, laugh! Laughter
mirrors a man's nature. What does a man laugh at, whom does he make fun of and
why-these can show how mature his mind is. Humour enlightens the foolish pride
of others and tries to correct others are relished by all.
In olden times court jesters were appointed to crack jokes and to amuse kings.
Among these jesters the most famous was Tenali Ramakrishna. In any situation he
had the right word and the right action to provoke the king and his courtiers to
laughter. He became so famous that, if we want to praise any man's sense of
humour, we call him a good Tenali Raman. Other way if the joke is poor also we
comment- He think he is younger brother of Tenali Raman !!!
2. Who was Tenali Rama?
Ramakrishna was born in a village called Garlapadu in Andhra State during the
early part of the sixteenth century. His father Ramaiah died when Ramakrishna
was very young. The boy was deprived of his father's love. His mother Lakshmamma
returned to her native place Tenali to live with her brother. Ramakrishna grew
up in his uncle's town and so came to be known as Tenali Ramakrishna.
Ramakrishna's mother was very anxious to educate her son. Those were days when
the Vaishnavas were powerful. They thought one caste was superior and another
inferior; they treated people according to their caste. There were many
Vaishnava teachers in the place; they refused to teach Ramakrishna because he
was a Shaiva.
Ramakrishna was not at all grieved by this. He became carefree. From morning
till night he was in the company of naughty boys; he was quite happy eating the
mango, apple and tamarind he stole from gardens.
Ramakrishna's mother was miserable because her son was utterly illiterate. She
did odd jobs in many houses and fed herself and her boy.
3.The Boy's Yearning
By the time he was ten, Ramakrishna grew a little more sensible. In those days
education meant the study of the Vedas, the Upanishads and religious texts. He
was ashamed and sorrow-stricken because, let alone reading the books, he could
not even read the letters. He realized he was illiterate.
Ramakrishna went to a many pundits and begged them humbly: "Please accept me as
your disciple. I will repay you by rendering service." But he was not accepted
by any
There were only very few Shaivite Brahmins in Tenali. When Ramakrishna
approached them, he was turned away by them also on one reason or other.
4.I shall Get Education
Ramakrishna became very angry with all of them. He had nothing but disgust and
contempt for them. He thought: What a selfish lot! What is the use of their
scholarship when they refuse to impart education? No more will I beg any one for
my education. I shall get enough education for everyday affairs.'
Ramakrishna fell at his mother's feet and said: "Bless me, mother! I am going
out to secure education". The innocent mother rejoiced at this and thought that
some good teacher had agreed, to teach him. She blessed him and said, "Son, try
to become a great scholar and master all branches of knowledge."
5. Ramakrishna tries to learn himself
Ramakrishna did not approach any teacher. The village school wall was his
teacher! Every day he would stand by the wall and attentively listen to the
lessons taught in the classroom. He would return home to repeat before his
mother the lessons he had learnt. This was his daily practice.
All good things are short-lived! One-day a- pupil saw Ramakrishna standing near
the wall and shouted: "A thief! A thief!" The teacher and the pupils rushed out
of the school and surrounded Ramakrishna.
In great anger the teacher questioned him: " Why do you loaf here?" Ramakrishna
touched the teacher's feet and said humbly: I came here to learn." Weeping, he
narrated his story.
When the teacher understood how the boy was yearning for education and how much
he was suffering, he felt proud of him and was full of sympathy. But he could do
nothing. He was also a prisoner of foolish religious prejudices.
He said: "My child, any teacher should be lucky to have a student like you. But
if I accept you, the people of my caste will throw me out! Do not come near the
school; they may harm you... My mind tells me that one day you will be a great
scholar. You have my sincere blessings. That is all I can give you!" So saying,
the teacher placed his hands on Ramakrishna's head and then went away. The boy,
who was yearning for a teacher, became a great scholar and was honoured in a
king's court. Now we will see how it happened.
6.How did Tenali Rama became scholar?
People say that it was due to God's grace. Just as there are stories of miracles
about many great men there are stories of miracles about Tenali Ramakrishna,
too. A popular legend about Tenali Rama is as follows:
6.1 A Sadhu advice Tenali Rama to worship Kali
The teacher warned Ramakrishna not to go near the school, blessed him and went
away, didn't he? Ramakrishna did not know what to do next. He wandered aimlessly
and cursed his misfortune. He entered a thick forest. The boy walked and walked,
and grew very tired. He sat before an old mansion and began to weep. At that
moment a Sadhu came there.
He asked the boy, "Who are you? Why have you come to this fearful forest? Why
are you weeping? What is your difficulty? Tell me. I will try to help you if
possible."
Ramakrishna replied: "Honoured sir, I have no father. I am the only support of
my poor mother. I desire to study. But no one in my village is prepared to
teach me. I beg of you, sir, accept me as your disciple and be so kind as to
educate me." So saying Ramakrishna held the sadhu's feet firmly.
Then the sage said: "My child, it is not possible for you to begin your
education now and become a very learned man. I will tell you what to do. That
will fulfil your desires.
"See, there is a temple. It is the temple of the great Mother, Kalika Devi;
She will be pleased with those who pray devoutly and grant boons. I will teach
you the important holy words, with which you can please the Mother. If you
repeat the mantra a hundred and ten million times with great devotion, she will
appear before you. But do not be frightened by her terrible appearance.
'By Kali's blessings you will become a great scholar. May she grant all your
wishes!" So saying the sadhu whispered the sacred words into Ramakrishna's ears
and went away.
5.2 Ramakrishna pray for blessing of Mother Kali
Ramakrishna bathed in a nearby lake, collected leaves and flowers and entered
the temple. He chanted the words "Jai Mahakali! Jai Jai Kalika Matha He devoutly
offered the leaves and the flowers at the feet of the deity and prostrated
before her. Then he sat before the image of Kali in padmasana posture, closed
his eyes and began to chant the, mantra advised by Sadhu.
After all it was a temple in ruins where snakes, birds, bats and various other
creatures abounded. Being a ruined temple he was very much interrupted by birds,
insects and crawling creatures. But Ramakrisha did not got disturbed by all
these. He continued chanting the mantra. It was the 11th day.
5.3 Mother kali appear to Rama Krishna
As soon as Ramakrishna completed the repetition of the mantra eleven crore and
eleven times, Mother Kalika appeared. She looked terrifying. She said to him:
"Ramakrishna! I am pleased with your devotion. Open your eyes and ask for
whatever you desire." Ramakrishna slowly opened his eyes and looked at the
figure standing before him. He asked her: "Mother! Who are you?"
"I am Kalika Devi, the goddess to whom you have been praying for eleven days. I
am pleased with your devotion and I have appeared before you." When the Great
mother said these words Ramakrishna closed his eyes and prostrated at her feet.
Then he opened his eyes and gazed.
She was the Goddess of Shakthi (Power) seated on a lion! She looked terrified
with 1000 faces and two hands. The goddess was very much surprised. She had
expected that the boy would be terrified when he saw her. But Ramakrishna was
intently gazing at her and the lion!
'Mother, It Occurred To Me....'
All of a sudden Ramakrishna began to laugh! Surprised at his queer behaviour,
Kali asked him, "Ramakrishna, what are you doing? Even the mighty giants shudder
when they see me. How dare you laugh at me?"
TENALI RAMA-2
5.4 Tenali Rama explain the reason for his laugh to Kali
Ramakrishna replied: "Mother, when I saw you with a thousand faces but only two
hands, I remembered something and burst into laughter. Pray forgive me, Mother."
Kalika Devi's curiosity was aroused. She ordered him to explain what he had
remembered to make him laugh.
"Divine Mother! When we catch cold, we feel that two hands are insufficient to
wipe our only nose. If, you catch cold will your two hands be enough to wipe
your thousand noses? The thought made me laugh forgive me, I have been
impudent." So saying, Ramakrishna again fell at her feet and stood up.
The smile and the sense of humour of the boy pleased Kalika Devi. The boy had
performed tapas but had now completely forgotten the very object of his tapas,
and had spoken in such a light vein. The Goddess changed her fierce form and
smiled.
5.5 Kali bless Ramakrishna
"Ramakrishna, you have made even me laugh! So you will master all learning. You
will speak so as to suit the situation, attain fame as a great jester and make
people laugh. You will be famous as the great humorist, the comic poet
Ramakrishna" So spoke Kali and blessed him.
This did not satisfy Ramakrishna. Doubts began to trouble him. 'Can the people
of Tenali be made to enjoy humour? How can I, living in their midst, catch the
king's eye?' These thoughts troubled him.
5.6 Kali directs Rama Krishna to Vijayanagara emire
Kali understood his doubts. She said with a smile: "My child, do not be worried.
Go to the famous Vijayanagar Empire in the South. You will please the king and
you will be appointed as the court poet. You have my blessings." So saying she
disappeared.
This is a popular story about Ramakrishna. This story is an answer to the
question - how could a boy without formal schooling become a scholar? Who knows
what truth there is in it? Later, in the king's court two gifts of Ramakrishna,
namely his sense of humour and his courage, were amply exhibited. He could see
the comic side of any situation. So he was able to see every situation from a
new angle. The second quality was his courage. Even in grave danger he never
lost heart and never gave way to despair. These two traits of Ramakrishna are in
evidence in the story narrated above.
6. Ramakrishna come to Vijayanagarand wait for king
Accompanied by his mother Ramakrishna came to Vijayanagar. The comfort, the
prosperity and the grandeur of the capital filled him with wonder. He made
inquiries and taught that artist, men of letters, scholars and experts enjoyed
royal patronage. Krishnadevaraya (who ascended the throne in 1509) was most
generous to men of genius.
But how was Ramakrishna to catch the king's eye? Who would introduce a total
stranger to the king?
Ramakrishna realized that only his talent had to open the doors of the court to
him. He waited every day near the main gate of the palace waiting for an
opportunity.
Countless days passed, and every day he returned home disappointed.
7. Ramakrishna assume cowhered form
At last he got an opportunity. A famous 'Bhagavatha Mela' troupe (a troupe of
actors in a folk-play) from Tanjore came to Vijayanagar to give a performance
before the king. Ramakrishna learnt that this troupe would stage a play called
'Krishna Leela'. Members of this troupe carried with them the special costumes
required for the play. On seeing this troupe, Rama- krishna thought of a plan.
He returned home and dressed himself like a cowherd boy. Carrying a big churning
stick on his shoulder he returned to the main gate of the palace.
8.Half the Prize given by king for gate keeper!!
There was a guard sporting big moustaches, near the main gate. He stopped
Ramakrishna who was striding in and shouted at him, "You there! Who are you? You
seem to think you're a big man, you don't have to ask for a permission to
enter!"
Ramakrishna replied, I belong to the drama troupe, which just went in. You know
they are staging a play before the king; I am a cowherd boy in it. Look at my
churning stick."
Ramakrishna was trying to slip in -but the guard stopped him and said, "You have
come so late. I will allow you only if you pay the penalty."
What could Ramakrishna offer? His ingenuity came to his rescue. Giving a display
of a comic role before the guard, Ramakrishna said: "Look, I am a great jester.
The king will appreciate my performance and give me a special prize. I will
share it with you, and then leave the palace. Agreed?
The guard asked: "Will you give half of what the king grants you?"
"Yes. Yes . . . . . certainly", replied Ramakrishna. "Then, get in." So saying
the guard let him in.
Full of joy Ramakrishna ran forward. But at the entrance to the Durbar Hall
there was another enemy! Another whiskered guard! And again an obstacle in
Ramakrishna's way. Like the first guard, this guard, too, let in Ramakrishna
after getting a promise from him to share half of what he got from the king!
9.Ramakrishna appear in 'Krishna Leela'
The play 'Krishna Leela' was in progress in the presence of the king himself.
Krishna in the company of the cowherds, Krishna's plunder of milk and butter,
Krishna over coming Kalinga, the slaying of the evil enemies Shakatasura,
Dhenuka'sura, Aghasura and Puthani, and finally killing Kamsa himself, all these
the actors had presented. With Krishna before them the other characters were
singing songs in praise of Lord Krishna's valour.
10 Tenali Rama make the king laugh
At that moment Ramakrishna struck the actor who was playing the role of Krishna
on the back. The actor sank to the ground in agony. Tenali Ramakrishna,
imitating the Bhagavathas, began to sing and dance keeping time: "What sort of
valour is yours? They say you slew Kaleeya and Kamsa.
"But you could not withstand a single blow with the churning stick! 'What a
valiant hero! Are you Krishna or a worthless sinner?"
Krishnadevaraya and the courtiers had been bored with the play and sleepy; but
they went into peals of laughter at the comic role of Ramakrishna.
Ramakrishna replied: "Mother, when I saw you with a thousand faces but only two
hands, I remembered something and burst into laughter. Pray forgive me, Mother."
Kalika Devi's curiosity was aroused. She ordered him to explain what he had
remembered to make him laugh.
"Divine Mother! When we catch cold, we feel that two hands are insufficient to
wipe our only nose. If, you catch cold will your two hands be enough to wipe
your thousand noses? The thought made me laugh forgive me, I have been
impudent." So saying, Ramakrishna again fell at her feet and stood up.
The smile and the sense of humour of the boy pleased Kalika Devi. The boy had
performed tapas but had now completely forgotten the very object of his tapas,
and had spoken in such a light vein. The Goddess changed her fierce form and
smiled.
5.5 Kali bless Ramakrishna
"Ramakrishna, you have made even me laugh! So you will master all learning. You
will speak so as to suit the situation, attain fame as a great jester and make
people laugh. You will be famous as the great humorist, the comic poet
Ramakrishna" So spoke Kali and blessed him.
This did not satisfy Ramakrishna. Doubts began to trouble him. 'Can the people
of Tenali be made to enjoy humour? How can I, living in their midst, catch the
king's eye?' These thoughts troubled him.
5.6 Kali directs Rama Krishna to Vijayanagara emire
Kali understood his doubts. She said with a smile: "My child, do not be worried.
Go to the famous Vijayanagar Empire in the South. You will please the king and
you will be appointed as the court poet. You have my blessings." So saying she
disappeared.
This is a popular story about Ramakrishna. This story is an answer to the
question - how could a boy without formal schooling become a scholar? Who knows
what truth there is in it? Later, in the king's court two gifts of Ramakrishna,
namely his sense of humour and his courage, were amply exhibited. He could see
the comic side of any situation. So he was able to see every situation from a
new angle. The second quality was his courage. Even in grave danger he never
lost heart and never gave way to despair. These two traits of Ramakrishna are in
evidence in the story narrated above.
6. Ramakrishna come to Vijayanagarand wait for king
Accompanied by his mother Ramakrishna came to Vijayanagar. The comfort, the
prosperity and the grandeur of the capital filled him with wonder. He made
inquiries and taught that artist, men of letters, scholars and experts enjoyed
royal patronage. Krishnadevaraya (who ascended the throne in 1509) was most
generous to men of genius.
But how was Ramakrishna to catch the king's eye? Who would introduce a total
stranger to the king?
Ramakrishna realized that only his talent had to open the doors of the court to
him. He waited every day near the main gate of the palace waiting for an
opportunity.
Countless days passed, and every day he returned home disappointed.
7. Ramakrishna assume cowhered form
At last he got an opportunity. A famous 'Bhagavatha Mela' troupe (a troupe of
actors in a folk-play) from Tanjore came to Vijayanagar to give a performance
before the king. Ramakrishna learnt that this troupe would stage a play called
'Krishna Leela'. Members of this troupe carried with them the special costumes
required for the play. On seeing this troupe, Rama- krishna thought of a plan.
He returned home and dressed himself like a cowherd boy. Carrying a big churning
stick on his shoulder he returned to the main gate of the palace.
8.Half the Prize given by king for gate keeper!!
There was a guard sporting big moustaches, near the main gate. He stopped
Ramakrishna who was striding in and shouted at him, "You there! Who are you? You
seem to think you're a big man, you don't have to ask for a permission to
enter!"
Ramakrishna replied, I belong to the drama troupe, which just went in. You know
they are staging a play before the king; I am a cowherd boy in it. Look at my
churning stick."
Ramakrishna was trying to slip in -but the guard stopped him and said, "You have
come so late. I will allow you only if you pay the penalty."
What could Ramakrishna offer? His ingenuity came to his rescue. Giving a display
of a comic role before the guard, Ramakrishna said: "Look, I am a great jester.
The king will appreciate my performance and give me a special prize. I will
share it with you, and then leave the palace. Agreed?
The guard asked: "Will you give half of what the king grants you?"
"Yes. Yes . . . . . certainly", replied Ramakrishna. "Then, get in." So saying
the guard let him in.
Full of joy Ramakrishna ran forward. But at the entrance to the Durbar Hall
there was another enemy! Another whiskered guard! And again an obstacle in
Ramakrishna's way. Like the first guard, this guard, too, let in Ramakrishna
after getting a promise from him to share half of what he got from the king!
9.Ramakrishna appear in 'Krishna Leela'
The play 'Krishna Leela' was in progress in the presence of the king himself.
Krishna in the company of the cowherds, Krishna's plunder of milk and butter,
Krishna over coming Kalinga, the slaying of the evil enemies Shakatasura,
Dhenuka'sura, Aghasura and Puthani, and finally killing Kamsa himself, all these
the actors had presented. With Krishna before them the other characters were
singing songs in praise of Lord Krishna's valour.
10 Tenali Rama make the king laugh
At that moment Ramakrishna struck the actor who was playing the role of Krishna
on the back. The actor sank to the ground in agony. Tenali Ramakrishna,
imitating the Bhagavathas, began to sing and dance keeping time: "What sort of
valour is yours? They say you slew Kaleeya and Kamsa.
"But you could not withstand a single blow with the churning stick! 'What a
valiant hero! Are you Krishna or a worthless sinner?"
Krishnadevaraya and the courtiers had been bored with the play and sleepy; but
they went into peals of laughter at the comic role of Ramakrishna.
TENALi RAMA - 3
11. Tenali Rama again raises the churning stick
Encouraged by this Ramakrishna raised the churning stick at Krishna once again!
Krishna fell at the feet of Ramakrishna and prayed to be spared! At this all
burst into laughter again.
Raising the actor, Ramakrishna said to him: "Don't boast of your valour; and
don't let others praise you. Pray for the grace of Mother Kali, who protects all
living creatures." The frightened actor began to sing hymns in praise of Mother
Kali!
12.Krishnadeva raya impose Tenali Rama hundred Lashes for imposing
Krishnadevaraya who laughed to his hearts content said: "I am giving a special
prize to the cowherd boy who entertained us with his humour today."
The leader of the troupe was aghast at this announcement. With folded hands, he
said to the king: "Your Highness! That jester does not belong to our troupe. I
thought he was a member of the audience. There is some sort of deception."
Then with folded hands Ramakrishna said humbly, "Your Highness! It is true that
1- do not belong to this troupe. But I tried to relieve your boredom. I seek
your forgiveness." At this Krishnadevaraya became angry and ordered, "Give this
impostor a hundred lashes! That is his reward!"
The servants got ready to Ramakrishna.
13. Krishnadevaraya excuse Tenali Rama
Ramakrishna begged of the king "Please wait for a while, Your Highness. The
palace guards have to be summoned." The king thought this was strange but yet
ordered the guards to be brought to his presence. When they were ushered in,
Ramakrishna asked them: "Did I not promise to give each of you half of whatever
the king gave me?"
"Yes," said the two guards.
Then Ramakrishna said to the king: "Did you hear, Your Highness? They are to
share the hundred lashes!" The two guards were shocked. The others roared with
laughter. The shrewd king suspected there was a background to this drama enacted
by Ramakrishna and said, "Tell me the true reason for your behaviour. I have
excused you, as you have made me laugh." Then Ramakrishna narrated the entire
story of his life.
14. Krishna Deva raya accept Tenali Rama as the 8th scholar of the court
On hearing his story, Krishnadevaraya said "Ramakrishna, there are seven mighty
scholars in my court. But there is yet a place for one who can provide mirth and
laughter. Accept the place, be our Comic Poet and one of the eight famous
Poets." So saying, the king honoured Ramakrishna with the special robes of his
court.
15. Tenali Rama attains fame and become adviser of King Krishna devaraya
Tenali Ramakrishna has attained fame as a great jester. He was equally a great
scholar and a poet. He was the author of one of the five great Telugu classics
'Panduranga Mahathme' (The Greatness of Panduranga). A man who composed poetry
in the king's court and won such fame must indeed have been a great scholar. He
was also the author of 'Ghatikachala Mahathme'. It is said he wrote 'Linga
Purana', too.
Ramakrishna was one of the advisers to Krishna- devaraya. The king used to
discuss problems with him. Thus Ramakrishna had learning and sound common sense,
and could also consider a problem seriously.
16 Tenali Rama- jester
But by nature Ramakrishna was a jester. He knew that laughter is a powerful
weapon and could be used to expose foolish pride and stupidity. That is why many
stories , which highlight his love of humour, have gained currency.
There are several stories, which illustrate his resourcefulness, his daring and
his methods of teaching proud people a lesson.
Some of the stories said to be of Tenali Rama are of cheap and crude humour.
There is every possibility these are additions by some body since a king like
Krishna Devaraya would encourage a buffoon of crude and vulgar tricks. Some good
stories of Tenali Rama are told below in brief. Some children may like to hear
them.
17.The Scholar from Kashi Humbled
Once a great scholar of Kashi came to Vijayanagar along with his disciples. He
had toured North India and had defeated famous scholars in debates related to
the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Shasthras. In Vijayanagar the king welcomed
him as his guest.
The scholar entered the court with an air of importance. He said to the king,
"Your Highness, I have heard that there are eminent scholars in your court. Let
them argue with me. If I am defeated, I will surrender my titles to them. If
they are defeated, they must accept me as their master and must admit it in
writing."
The challenger's air of supreme confidence, the documents of victory he flaunted
and his ringing tones filled the court scholars with dismay.
Krishna- devaraya said to the scholar from Kashi, "Learned sir, let us have the
contest tomorrow," and sent the scholar to the guesthouse. Then he sent for his
scholars. He said, "Which of you is ready for this debate?"
The scholars were frightened by the man's airs and his titles and testimonials
they bent down their heads in silence.
The king was furious. "So this is the worth of the scholars in my court!" he
exclaimed and walked away. Then Ramakrishna said, "Why should we be alive if we
cannot save the prestige of the king? I am ready for this task." At this, the
other seven scholars gladly offered their titles to him and agreed to be the
disciples of Ramakrishna.
Krishnadevaraya was surprised at the decision of Ramakrishna; but he made all
the arrangements for the contest.
Next day, Ramakrishna entered the court in great splendour. He was wearing a
Kashmir silk dhothi and a laced shawl. He displayed medals studded with precious
stones. His forehead shone with vermilion and vibhuthi (sacred ash). Before him
walked the seven great scholars proclaiming his greatness; behind them came
Ramakrishna stepping on bricks of gold which the servants placed on the floor.
The scholar from Kashi was dumbfounded at the sight.
Ramakrishna was carrying a big book covered with laced silk. He put it on a
desk, looked around and asked in an arrogant voice ': "Who is he, the scholar
who wants to face me in a debate?" Ramakrishna's show had already astounded the
scholar from Kashi; he stood up and said, I am the man."
The king indicated that the debate might begin. Forthwith Ramakrishna pointed
his finger at the book on the desk and said, "Let us argue about this book known
as 'Tilakashtamahishabandhana."
The opponent perspired in fear.
The books he had read were countless. But he had never heard of this book! He
wanted to ward off the immediate blow. He said to Krishnadevaraya, "I remember
to have read this book long ago. I shall study this book tonight and discuss it
tomorrow." With this submission he withdrew to the camp with his disciples.
The scholar from Kashi spent the entire night thinking about the book.
'Tilakashta mahisha bandhana' remained a riddle! He had never heard of that
book! He was afraid he would be disgraced if he stayed, and left with bag and
baggage that very night.
The news both surprised and delighted the king. He called in Ramakrishna and
said to him: "if the very name of the book made the scholar from Kashi run away,
it must be a mighty work. Well, let me see it." Ramakrishna removed the silk
cover and replied, "Your Highness, this is no classic. Please look here is a
small stick of the plant sesame this is 'Tilakashta'. Here is the rope to tie
the buffalo with. That is the 'Mahisha bandhana'. I have just tied the sesame
stick with the rope that is all! "On hearing this explanation Krishnadevaraya
went into peals of laughter. In appreciation of Ramakrishna's Cleverness he gave
him a big prize. (In Sanskrit, 'tila' means sesame, 'kashta' means a stick, a
buffalo is a 'mahisha', and 'bandhana' is that which binds.) .
11. Tenali Rama again raises the churning stick
Encouraged by this Ramakrishna raised the churning stick at Krishna once again!
Krishna fell at the feet of Ramakrishna and prayed to be spared! At this all
burst into laughter again.
Raising the actor, Ramakrishna said to him: "Don't boast of your valour; and
don't let others praise you. Pray for the grace of Mother Kali, who protects all
living creatures." The frightened actor began to sing hymns in praise of Mother
Kali!
12.Krishnadeva raya impose Tenali Rama hundred Lashes for imposing
Krishnadevaraya who laughed to his hearts content said: "I am giving a special
prize to the cowherd boy who entertained us with his humour today."
The leader of the troupe was aghast at this announcement. With folded hands, he
said to the king: "Your Highness! That jester does not belong to our troupe. I
thought he was a member of the audience. There is some sort of deception."
Then with folded hands Ramakrishna said humbly, "Your Highness! It is true that
1- do not belong to this troupe. But I tried to relieve your boredom. I seek
your forgiveness." At this Krishnadevaraya became angry and ordered, "Give this
impostor a hundred lashes! That is his reward!"
The servants got ready to Ramakrishna.
13. Krishnadevaraya excuse Tenali Rama
Ramakrishna begged of the king "Please wait for a while, Your Highness. The
palace guards have to be summoned." The king thought this was strange but yet
ordered the guards to be brought to his presence. When they were ushered in,
Ramakrishna asked them: "Did I not promise to give each of you half of whatever
the king gave me?"
"Yes," said the two guards.
Then Ramakrishna said to the king: "Did you hear, Your Highness? They are to
share the hundred lashes!" The two guards were shocked. The others roared with
laughter. The shrewd king suspected there was a background to this drama enacted
by Ramakrishna and said, "Tell me the true reason for your behaviour. I have
excused you, as you have made me laugh." Then Ramakrishna narrated the entire
story of his life.
14. Krishna Deva raya accept Tenali Rama as the 8th scholar of the court
On hearing his story, Krishnadevaraya said "Ramakrishna, there are seven mighty
scholars in my court. But there is yet a place for one who can provide mirth and
laughter. Accept the place, be our Comic Poet and one of the eight famous
Poets." So saying, the king honoured Ramakrishna with the special robes of his
court.
15. Tenali Rama attains fame and become adviser of King Krishna devaraya
Tenali Ramakrishna has attained fame as a great jester. He was equally a great
scholar and a poet. He was the author of one of the five great Telugu classics
'Panduranga Mahathme' (The Greatness of Panduranga). A man who composed poetry
in the king's court and won such fame must indeed have been a great scholar. He
was also the author of 'Ghatikachala Mahathme'. It is said he wrote 'Linga
Purana', too.
Ramakrishna was one of the advisers to Krishna- devaraya. The king used to
discuss problems with him. Thus Ramakrishna had learning and sound common sense,
and could also consider a problem seriously.
16 Tenali Rama- jester
But by nature Ramakrishna was a jester. He knew that laughter is a powerful
weapon and could be used to expose foolish pride and stupidity. That is why many
stories , which highlight his love of humour, have gained currency.
There are several stories, which illustrate his resourcefulness, his daring and
his methods of teaching proud people a lesson.
Some of the stories said to be of Tenali Rama are of cheap and crude humour.
There is every possibility these are additions by some body since a king like
Krishna Devaraya would encourage a buffoon of crude and vulgar tricks. Some good
stories of Tenali Rama are told below in brief. Some children may like to hear
them.
17.The Scholar from Kashi Humbled
Once a great scholar of Kashi came to Vijayanagar along with his disciples. He
had toured North India and had defeated famous scholars in debates related to
the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Shasthras. In Vijayanagar the king welcomed
him as his guest.
The scholar entered the court with an air of importance. He said to the king,
"Your Highness, I have heard that there are eminent scholars in your court. Let
them argue with me. If I am defeated, I will surrender my titles to them. If
they are defeated, they must accept me as their master and must admit it in
writing."
The challenger's air of supreme confidence, the documents of victory he flaunted
and his ringing tones filled the court scholars with dismay.
Krishna- devaraya said to the scholar from Kashi, "Learned sir, let us have the
contest tomorrow," and sent the scholar to the guesthouse. Then he sent for his
scholars. He said, "Which of you is ready for this debate?"
The scholars were frightened by the man's airs and his titles and testimonials
they bent down their heads in silence.
The king was furious. "So this is the worth of the scholars in my court!" he
exclaimed and walked away. Then Ramakrishna said, "Why should we be alive if we
cannot save the prestige of the king? I am ready for this task." At this, the
other seven scholars gladly offered their titles to him and agreed to be the
disciples of Ramakrishna.
Krishnadevaraya was surprised at the decision of Ramakrishna; but he made all
the arrangements for the contest.
Next day, Ramakrishna entered the court in great splendour. He was wearing a
Kashmir silk dhothi and a laced shawl. He displayed medals studded with precious
stones. His forehead shone with vermilion and vibhuthi (sacred ash). Before him
walked the seven great scholars proclaiming his greatness; behind them came
Ramakrishna stepping on bricks of gold which the servants placed on the floor.
The scholar from Kashi was dumbfounded at the sight.
Ramakrishna was carrying a big book covered with laced silk. He put it on a
desk, looked around and asked in an arrogant voice ': "Who is he, the scholar
who wants to face me in a debate?" Ramakrishna's show had already astounded the
scholar from Kashi; he stood up and said, I am the man."
The king indicated that the debate might begin. Forthwith Ramakrishna pointed
his finger at the book on the desk and said, "Let us argue about this book known
as 'Tilakashtamahishabandhana."
The opponent perspired in fear.
The books he had read were countless. But he had never heard of this book! He
wanted to ward off the immediate blow. He said to Krishnadevaraya, "I remember
to have read this book long ago. I shall study this book tonight and discuss it
tomorrow." With this submission he withdrew to the camp with his disciples.
The scholar from Kashi spent the entire night thinking about the book.
'Tilakashta mahisha bandhana' remained a riddle! He had never heard of that
book! He was afraid he would be disgraced if he stayed, and left with bag and
baggage that very night.
The news both surprised and delighted the king. He called in Ramakrishna and
said to him: "if the very name of the book made the scholar from Kashi run away,
it must be a mighty work. Well, let me see it." Ramakrishna removed the silk
cover and replied, "Your Highness, this is no classic. Please look here is a
small stick of the plant sesame this is 'Tilakashta'. Here is the rope to tie
the buffalo with. That is the 'Mahisha bandhana'. I have just tied the sesame
stick with the rope that is all! "On hearing this explanation Krishnadevaraya
went into peals of laughter. In appreciation of Ramakrishna's Cleverness he gave
him a big prize. (In Sanskrit, 'tila' means sesame, 'kashta' means a stick, a
buffalo is a 'mahisha', and 'bandhana' is that which binds.) .
18.A Lesson to the Greedy
Ramakrishna earned the affection and the esteem of the king and the people. He
was a comic poet and looked, sometime like an ignorant man; but he was pious and
on the side of justice. If injustice was done in the court or outside, he used
his weapon of humour to set things right.
Krishnadevaraya's mother was a very orthodox woman. She had visited many holy
places and had performed religious rites; she had given much in charity. She
thought that if, in her old ages, she gave away fruits as gifts her charity
would be perfect. She told her son of her desire.
Krishnadevaraya who had great respect for his mother immediately got delicious
mangoes from Ratnagiri. But alas! On the auspicious day when she was to present
those fruits to Brahmins, the king's mother her sad demise.
The religious rites connected with her death went on for several days. Mean
while, the king called a few Brahmins and said, "My mother's last wish was to
offer mangoes to Brahmins. But she died before the wish could be fulfilled. What
should I do now that she might earn the merit for giving away the fruits?"
The greedy Brahmins replied: "Your Highness, only if you offer mangoes made of
gold to Brahmins will your mother's soul rest in peace."
Ramakrishna came to know of this. The next day he went to the houses of those
Brahmins, and said, "My mother's ceremony is on the same day as that of the
king's mother. Please come to my house straight from the palace."
The Brahmins came to Ramakrishna's house after receiving the mangoes of gold
from the king. Ramakrishna's servants closed all the doors of the house. They
brought red-hot iron bars and stood before the Brahmins!
The Brahmins were taken aback. Then Ramakrishna told them: "Venerable ones, my
mother suffered from rheumatism. One day, unable to bear the pain, she called me
and asked me to burn her skin with a red-hot iron bar; she said that would
relieve her rheumatic pain. I could not disobey my mother's command. But before
I could fulfil her last wish, she died. I want to burn your skin with these red
hot iron bars so that her soul may have peace." He and his servants approached
the Brahmins. The Brahmins began to cry and run about. They thundered at
Ramakrishna: "How unjust! Ramakrishna, are we not your guests? Do you want to
insult us?"
Ramakrishna replied: "There is nothing unjust in this. Have you not accepted
golden mangoes from the king, to fulfil the last wish of his mother? In the same
way is it not your duty to fulfil my mother's last wish?" Then wisdom dawned on
the Brahmins. They felt ashamed of their greed and begged Ramakrishna to forgive
them. They left golden mangoes in his house and went away.
Later, Krishnadevaraya asked Ramakrishna: "Why did you insult those Brahmins?"
Pat came his reply: "Your Highness, the palace treasury should not be exploited
by these selfish people; it is not there to feed lazy follows. It is there to
serve the people."
19.How Does the Water Appear?
Ramakrishna was not afraid of the king, inspire of his patronage. He spoke the
truth without fear and sometimes he taught the king himself a lesson.
Once Krishnadevaraya, accompanied by his eight scholars, went to inspect a newly
built reservoir. Looking at the vast expanse of water, he put a question: "How
does the water in this reservoir appear?"
One scholar replied: "This water appears like a pure-minded nymph!" Another
said: "It is dazzling like a crystal!" the third one told the king: "The water
appears like a serene man whose mind is spotlessly pure."
When the king turned towards Ramakrishna, his answer was simple, "Your Highness,
the water appears to be contained in the reservoir you built." He did not
indulge in flattery and gave a simple, direct answer. The king praised him for
his outspokenness.
20 'Hide Your Head'
One day, Ramakrishna was looking at coloured pictures newly painted on the walls
of the royal ladies' apartments. He saw the picture of a nymph. He thought she
was scantily dressed. So, taking hold of the brush and colours, he made some
changes.
The Chief Minister happened to go there just then. He exclaimed: "Ramakrishna,
what a foolish thing you have done! You have daubed the picture specially
painted under the king's own supervision! The king will be angry and will surely
punish you severely. You had better hide your head somewhere."
The next morning, Krishnadevaraya was taken aback to see a person, whose face
was covered with a mud pot, waiting at the door of the apartments.
The king asked: "Who are you? Why are you standing here with the face covered?"
"Ramakrishna replied: "Your Highness, I am Tenali Ramakrishna. I committed a
small offence; the Chief Minister said you would have my head cut off and that I
should hide my head. Therefore ........"
The Chief Minister narrated the incident to the king; he appreciated
Ramakrishna's plan and forgave him.
21. Family life of Tenali Ramakrishna
Ramakrishna had a good wife. She knew her husband was generous, and adjusted
herself to his ways.
The king got a big house built for Ramakrishna. In spite of this, usually
Ramakrishna was short of funds. But he was a man of self-respect and he would
never beg the king for money.
Occasionally Krishnadevaraya used to go about in the city in disguise at night.
One night, he went to Ramakrishna's house and peeped through the window. He saw
Ramakrishna sitting before a grinding stone, engrossed in powdering the grains!
Touched by the poverty of Ramakrishna, he granted a raise in his monthly salary.
Ramakrishna's wife was a clever woman. Once a gang of thieves wanted to steal
the little money and gold he had. They entered Ramakrishna's house and were
hiding in the back yard. Ramakrishna sensed their presence and secretly informed
his wife. Then they said to each other: "Thieves are active in the town. So let
us hide our valuables in the well at the back of the house." The thieves heard
their words clearly. Ramakrishna and his wife filled a trunk with stones and
dropped it into the well with a splash, which the thieves could hear.
The thieves were convinced that the trunk contained the jewels. They wanted to
get the trunk. The entire night they drew water from the well and poured it into
the garden. All plants in the garden got plenty of water! Early next morning,
Ramakrishna cried aloud, "Our plants have had enough water; you can stop now!"
On hearing these words the thieves fled. Ramakrishna and his wife enjoyed their
practical joke!
Ramakrishna had a son by name Bhaskara Sharma. He was as intelligent as his
father. It is said that he helped his father on several occasions to knock sense
into the heads of vain people.
22. Humor without Malice
Ramakrishna's life fills us with wonder. He was yet a boy when he lost his
father.
Because of the narrow-mindedness of the teachers of the day he was denied
education. By his own efforts he acquired education and attained fame as a
scholar and poet in the court of Krishnadevaraya. He used humour to teach
arrogant people a lesson. He corrected any one - a rich man or a learned man or
a minister - who did wrong; he corrected even the king.
Life demands serious thought, it is true. But laughter, too, is necessary.
Humour lightens the mind. But our object in laughing at others should not be to
wound others; our object should be to correct them. Laughter should be gentle
and friendly. Such was the humour of Tenali Ramakrishna.
(Concluded)
=====
Ramakrishna earned the affection and the esteem of the king and the people. He
was a comic poet and looked, sometime like an ignorant man; but he was pious and
on the side of justice. If injustice was done in the court or outside, he used
his weapon of humour to set things right.
Krishnadevaraya's mother was a very orthodox woman. She had visited many holy
places and had performed religious rites; she had given much in charity. She
thought that if, in her old ages, she gave away fruits as gifts her charity
would be perfect. She told her son of her desire.
Krishnadevaraya who had great respect for his mother immediately got delicious
mangoes from Ratnagiri. But alas! On the auspicious day when she was to present
those fruits to Brahmins, the king's mother her sad demise.
The religious rites connected with her death went on for several days. Mean
while, the king called a few Brahmins and said, "My mother's last wish was to
offer mangoes to Brahmins. But she died before the wish could be fulfilled. What
should I do now that she might earn the merit for giving away the fruits?"
The greedy Brahmins replied: "Your Highness, only if you offer mangoes made of
gold to Brahmins will your mother's soul rest in peace."
Ramakrishna came to know of this. The next day he went to the houses of those
Brahmins, and said, "My mother's ceremony is on the same day as that of the
king's mother. Please come to my house straight from the palace."
The Brahmins came to Ramakrishna's house after receiving the mangoes of gold
from the king. Ramakrishna's servants closed all the doors of the house. They
brought red-hot iron bars and stood before the Brahmins!
The Brahmins were taken aback. Then Ramakrishna told them: "Venerable ones, my
mother suffered from rheumatism. One day, unable to bear the pain, she called me
and asked me to burn her skin with a red-hot iron bar; she said that would
relieve her rheumatic pain. I could not disobey my mother's command. But before
I could fulfil her last wish, she died. I want to burn your skin with these red
hot iron bars so that her soul may have peace." He and his servants approached
the Brahmins. The Brahmins began to cry and run about. They thundered at
Ramakrishna: "How unjust! Ramakrishna, are we not your guests? Do you want to
insult us?"
Ramakrishna replied: "There is nothing unjust in this. Have you not accepted
golden mangoes from the king, to fulfil the last wish of his mother? In the same
way is it not your duty to fulfil my mother's last wish?" Then wisdom dawned on
the Brahmins. They felt ashamed of their greed and begged Ramakrishna to forgive
them. They left golden mangoes in his house and went away.
Later, Krishnadevaraya asked Ramakrishna: "Why did you insult those Brahmins?"
Pat came his reply: "Your Highness, the palace treasury should not be exploited
by these selfish people; it is not there to feed lazy follows. It is there to
serve the people."
19.How Does the Water Appear?
Ramakrishna was not afraid of the king, inspire of his patronage. He spoke the
truth without fear and sometimes he taught the king himself a lesson.
Once Krishnadevaraya, accompanied by his eight scholars, went to inspect a newly
built reservoir. Looking at the vast expanse of water, he put a question: "How
does the water in this reservoir appear?"
One scholar replied: "This water appears like a pure-minded nymph!" Another
said: "It is dazzling like a crystal!" the third one told the king: "The water
appears like a serene man whose mind is spotlessly pure."
When the king turned towards Ramakrishna, his answer was simple, "Your Highness,
the water appears to be contained in the reservoir you built." He did not
indulge in flattery and gave a simple, direct answer. The king praised him for
his outspokenness.
20 'Hide Your Head'
One day, Ramakrishna was looking at coloured pictures newly painted on the walls
of the royal ladies' apartments. He saw the picture of a nymph. He thought she
was scantily dressed. So, taking hold of the brush and colours, he made some
changes.
The Chief Minister happened to go there just then. He exclaimed: "Ramakrishna,
what a foolish thing you have done! You have daubed the picture specially
painted under the king's own supervision! The king will be angry and will surely
punish you severely. You had better hide your head somewhere."
The next morning, Krishnadevaraya was taken aback to see a person, whose face
was covered with a mud pot, waiting at the door of the apartments.
The king asked: "Who are you? Why are you standing here with the face covered?"
"Ramakrishna replied: "Your Highness, I am Tenali Ramakrishna. I committed a
small offence; the Chief Minister said you would have my head cut off and that I
should hide my head. Therefore ........"
The Chief Minister narrated the incident to the king; he appreciated
Ramakrishna's plan and forgave him.
21. Family life of Tenali Ramakrishna
Ramakrishna had a good wife. She knew her husband was generous, and adjusted
herself to his ways.
The king got a big house built for Ramakrishna. In spite of this, usually
Ramakrishna was short of funds. But he was a man of self-respect and he would
never beg the king for money.
Occasionally Krishnadevaraya used to go about in the city in disguise at night.
One night, he went to Ramakrishna's house and peeped through the window. He saw
Ramakrishna sitting before a grinding stone, engrossed in powdering the grains!
Touched by the poverty of Ramakrishna, he granted a raise in his monthly salary.
Ramakrishna's wife was a clever woman. Once a gang of thieves wanted to steal
the little money and gold he had. They entered Ramakrishna's house and were
hiding in the back yard. Ramakrishna sensed their presence and secretly informed
his wife. Then they said to each other: "Thieves are active in the town. So let
us hide our valuables in the well at the back of the house." The thieves heard
their words clearly. Ramakrishna and his wife filled a trunk with stones and
dropped it into the well with a splash, which the thieves could hear.
The thieves were convinced that the trunk contained the jewels. They wanted to
get the trunk. The entire night they drew water from the well and poured it into
the garden. All plants in the garden got plenty of water! Early next morning,
Ramakrishna cried aloud, "Our plants have had enough water; you can stop now!"
On hearing these words the thieves fled. Ramakrishna and his wife enjoyed their
practical joke!
Ramakrishna had a son by name Bhaskara Sharma. He was as intelligent as his
father. It is said that he helped his father on several occasions to knock sense
into the heads of vain people.
22. Humor without Malice
Ramakrishna's life fills us with wonder. He was yet a boy when he lost his
father.
Because of the narrow-mindedness of the teachers of the day he was denied
education. By his own efforts he acquired education and attained fame as a
scholar and poet in the court of Krishnadevaraya. He used humour to teach
arrogant people a lesson. He corrected any one - a rich man or a learned man or
a minister - who did wrong; he corrected even the king.
Life demands serious thought, it is true. But laughter, too, is necessary.
Humour lightens the mind. But our object in laughing at others should not be to
wound others; our object should be to correct them. Laughter should be gentle
and friendly. Such was the humour of Tenali Ramakrishna.
(Concluded)
=====
knr
--
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God
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