Tenali Rama and the Brinjal

Clown, jester, poetTenali Rama, minister in the court of the ruler of Vijaynagar,
Krishnadeva Rai (reign: 1509-30), was a lot of things. Stories, about Tenali Rama
and his practical jokes on everyone around him including distinguished fellow poets
and the emperor himself, abound in south India.
His fame spread beyond Vijaynagar (present-day Andhra Pradesh), to areas that
come in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka today. Tenali Rama was also a great scholar of
several languages that included Marathi, Tamil and Kannada.
King Krishnadeva Rai had some superior quality brinjal or aubergine plants growing
in his private garden. No one was allowed to view the garden without the king's
permission, let alone taste the brinjal.
Once the king invited his courtiers to a feast in which the brinjal was served. Tenali
Rama enjoyed the vegetable so much that he talked to his wife about it on returning
home - so much so that she insisted on tasting it.
"How can I get them for you?" Tenali Rama asked. "The king is so possessive about
the vegetable that he can detect the theft of even one brinjal from his garden. And,
I'm sure that he would want the thief's head chopped off right then, if he caught him
red-handed.
But Tenali's wife begged him to allow her to taste the brinjal.
Tenali Rama was helpless. After much deliberation, he agreed to his wife's demand.
One night he quietly jumped into the king's garden and plucked a few brinjals from
the garden. His wife cooked them with zeal and was all praise for the taste. She
wanted to let their six-year-old son also taste the vegetable, but Tenali Rama asked
her not to.
"Don't make such a mistake", he warned her. "If he happens to tell somebody, we
will be in deep trouble."
But his wife did not agree. "How is that possible? How can we eat something whose
taste we shall remember forever and not share it with our son! Find a way out so
that he gets to taste the vegetable and nobody is able to prove that we stole it from
the king's garden."
Tenali Rama had no option but to nod his head in agreement.
He filled a bucket with water and went upstairs to the roof where his son was
sleeping. He poured the water on the child. Then he picked up the child and said: "It
is raining. Let us go inside the house."
Once in, he got the child's clothes changed and gave him the vegetable to eat. He
again remarked that it was raining outside, and let the boy sleep in the room.
The next day the king came to know of the theft in his garden. The royal gardener
who kept a head count of each vegetable and flower, found one brinjal missing. It
became the talk of the town. The king declared a huge prize on the thief's head.

Chief Minister Appaji suspected that only Tenali Rama was capable of such an
audacious act. He let the king know about his suspicion.
The king said: "I know he is very clever and always gets out of charges on one
pretext or the other. It is better that we call his son. We will find the truth through
him. Tenali will lie to get out of any situation, but he would never ask the child to do
so."
Tenali Rama's son was called. He was asked what vegetable he ate the night before.
The child replied: "The brinjal and it was the tastiest vegetable I've ever eaten."
Chief Minister Appaji told Tenali Rama: "Now you will have to accept your guilt."
"Why should I when I'm not guilty?" replied Tenali Rama. "The boy went to sleep
very early last night and seems to have had many dreams. That is why he is talking
nonsense about brinjals and rain and what not. Ask him if it rained last night or not."
Appaji asked the child: "How was the weather last night? Was the sky clear or did it
rain?"
The child replied: "It rained heavily last night. All my clothes got wet when I slept on
the roof." The fact was, not a single drop of rain had fallen on Vijaynagar that day.
Appaji had no option but to get rid of his suspicions in the face of such apparent
madness.
He apologised to Tenali Rama for having suspected him

The wedding chain

Mother always wore her wedding chain. She wore it indoors and outdoors, she even
wore it in the bath. She never ever took it off. It was a gift to her from father. His
eyes shone with tender love when he had brought her to his home after their
marriage, and put it around her neck. It had been made-to-order to a special design
that father gave to the goldsmith. The chain had bits of twisted gold interspersed
with five black beads, followed by another bit of twisted gold chain.
She loved it not only because it was so beautiful, but also because it had been given
to her with so much of love. Grandmother said, "All married ladies should wear one.
The black beads protected one against the evil eye". Rahul and Ritu had seen it
around their mother's neck for as long as they could remember.
"Where's my chain gone?" asked Mother one day. She had been combing out the
tangles in her hair before making a long plait. "It isn't around my neck." Ritu heard
her and came running. "What's the matter, Mummy?" "I can't find my wedding
chain."
Mother was most upset. Ritu could see tears forming in her eyes. It was a serious
matter. Grown- ups rarely cried in front of children. "Wipe your tears, Mummy," said
Ritu giving her a tight hug. "Don't worry. We'll soon find it for you".
She called out to Rahul. He walked in shaking a loose tooth with his fingers. "What
happened?" he asked. "Ritu what have you lost now?" He was very fond of his little
sister, who was just two years younger to him. She hero-worshipped her brother,
followed him everywhere like a puppy dog and tried to imitate all that he did.
"Ritu, you are always losing something or the other. You don't put things back in
their place and forget where you left them. Or you get a bright idea of keeping things
in a very safe place and then cannot remember the safe place when you need it the
next time. What is it this time?"
"Rahul," said Mother, "it's not Ritu who's lost something, this time, it's me."
"Must be contagious then, this habit, like the chicken-pox I brought home from
school." Rahul had still not grasped the seriousness of the situation.
"I've lost my wedding chain. I can't seem to find it anywhere," said Mother. "Will you
help Ritu to hunt for it?" "Yes, of course," said Rahul. He stopped shaking the loose
tooth.
"When did you see it last?"
"I don't remember," said Mother. "I've got so used to seeing it around my neck, that
I only just noticed when I came to plait my hair." "Have you looked in the bedroom?"
asked Rahul. Ritu at once dived under the bed. She looked all around the floor.
"Nothing but dust here," she said. "The maid is not doing a very good job of
sweeping under the beds."
"That increases our chances of finding it, silly," said Rahul.

He was imagining himself with a long overcoat and a magnifying glass, one eye like a
miniature Sherlock Holmes. "Let's hunt in the bed clothes." To mother's dismay, the
two of them turned the pillows and bed covers upside down. They didn't find
anything.
"Follow me to the kitchen," Rahul instructed Ritu. "Maybe mother dropped it by
mistake when she was preparing breakfast."
Ritu obediently followed Rahul to the kitchen while mother was settling the bed
again. They looked into each and every nook and corner. Inspected the vessels and
passed some more comments on the quality of work their maid did. The wedding
chain was not in the kitchen.
They looked in the living room. Under the carpet. Behind the television and the
telephone. They shook out books that were lying face down that mother was reading.
They even very nearly ripped apart her knitting.
"Nothing here," said Ritu alarmed at what Rahul was doing. "I can see it's not in her
knitting. Don't drop any stitches, please or she'll be mad at us."
"Merely checking, merely checking," said Rahul. "Must be thorough in our work.
Mustn't leave a stone unturned." "Go turn over stones, then, but leave her knitting
alone," said his sister. Rahul thought it was good advice.
They searched every single room in the house but the wedding chain seemed to have
vanished into thin air. Eventually, mother sent them out to play in the garden.
"Let's play something new," said Ritu.
Like what?" "How about taking these broomsticks, putting them between our legs so
that the brush is at the back, like this, and zooming around like in that dracula movie
we saw the other day?"
Rahul decided to add his own bit to the new game.
"How about you being the only one racing around on the broomstick," he said, "and
I'll be the one running away from you. You've got to catch me. You be the witch on
the broomstick, and I'1l be the goblin who stole your hen which lays golden eggs".
"A witch owning a hen which lays golden eggs? I thought that was a giant who
owned the hen in Jack and the Beanstalk. Mummy's read that story to us so many
times that you can't fool me." Ritu tossed her head to prove her point and show just
how knowledgeable she was.
"This is another story," said Rahul determined to have his way.
"Will you tell me after we have finished playing?" asked Ritu.
"Sure, why not?" said Rahul. He knew quite well that his little sister would be so tired
after running around that she'd go straight off to sleep after her lunch. Maybe even
before her lunch. That would buy him time to squirm out of story telling.

"Then run, Goblin, I'm coming on my enchanted broomstick to catch you. And when
I do, you be my servant and cook and clean for me." Ritu was in the mood.
Rahul put on a burst of speed but it was of no use. Ritu was gaining on him. The end
of the broomstick rammed into Rahul's backside and sent him flying over the lawn.
When he got up, his mouth was bleeding. Ritu rushed to help him.
"I'm so sorry, Rahul. I didn't mean to hurt you," she said. "It was all a mistake."
Rahul nodded his head. He gave her a brave smile. "I'm going to rinse out my mouth
in the bathroom," he said. "Wait here for me."
He went straight to the washbasin, as his loose tooth had come out. Before he could
catch it, it went down the drain.
"Ritu, Ritu," he called from the bathroom window. "Check the drain. My tooth has
come down in it."
"Yes, Rahul," said Ritu. "Come quickly and help me." Ritu lifted off the cover of the
drain. What she saw made her gasp.
You guessed right. She not only found the tooth but also their mother's wedding
chain. It must have come loose when she was bathing. "Rahul, today is my lucky
day," she said.
"How's that? You nearly made me lose my tooth. Then I would not have got the
lucky, shining new one rupee coin from the Tooth Fairy." Rahul was shaken that he'd
nearly lost his tooth.
"Look in my left hand. Here's your silly tooth, and guess what's in my right hand?"
Ritu's eyes were dancing with joy.
"I give up. Show me," said her brother.
"Mother's chain," Ritu was thrilled.
They ran to mother.
"What's for lunch, mother? Can we have noodles?" asked Ritu.
"You'll have to finish all the vegetables I put into it, then," said Mother.
"Ugh, not carrots and beans," said Rahul. "Can't you put only some chicken into it?"
"Give me one good reason, and I will," said Mother. Ritu couldn't hide her surprise
any longer.
"How's this for a good reason?" she asked holding out her mother's wedding chain.
"My darlings," cried Mother, "You found it!"
"It was in the drain," explained Ritu.

"Why were you digging in the drain?" Mother was puzzled. "This is why," said Rahul.
He showed her the gap in his set of teeth, and the tooth in his hand. "I went to rinse
out my mouth and it went down the drain."
"What a good thing for me that boys like you believe in the Tooth Fairy," said Mother.
"I think she is watching us right now and will leave something more than a shining,
new one rupee coin, tonight."
I think so too, don't you?

Tenali Rama the Messenger

Tenali Rama was surprised at the mildness of the punishment. Acts of treachery
against the state earned the offender the death sentence in those days.
The king had his reasons, however. "I have decided on such a mild punishment for
you because of your high stature, and the fact that we have enjoyed the best of
relations thus far. Had it been anyone else, I would have got his head severed."
Tenali Rama did not say a single word in his defence and went away with his head
bowed.
When his enemies heard that Tenali Rama had been expelled from the kingdom their
joy knew no bounds.
Tenali Rama now reached the neighbouring state and met the king there. He recited
a poem in praise of the king. That pleased the king very much. He asked Tenali Rama
who he was and when Tenali Rama revealed his name, the king welcomed him
warmly. He had heard much about Tenali Rama's sagacity.
But the king was surprised to see Tenali Ram in his court. "Raja Krishnadeva Rai
considers me his enemy. So what are you doing here?"
The minister replied: "Majesty, you are a learned man. You have great strength. You
are a good administrator and wish your people well. Our king also possesses all these
virtues. He regards you as a friend and he has send me to remove the existing
misunderstanding between us."
The king was surprised. "Your king considers me a friend? But our spies warned us
that Krishnadeva Rai was thinking of attacking us."
Tenali Rama said: "Our spies have fed our king the same pack of lies. That is why he
has sent me to you. Has war ever benefitted anybody?"
The king was impressed by Tenali Rama's story. He said: "I do not want war, either.
But how can I believe that Krishnadev Rai really wants peace?"
Tenali Rama suggested that the king send a messenger with gifts and a message of
peace to Vijaynagar. And if king Krishnadeva Rai accepted the gifts, it would mean
that he, too, wanted to be friends. But if he returned the gifts, then obviously, he
wanted war.
The king had one doubt. "Won't it be an insult to me if I sent the message first?"
Tenali Rama had a ready answer. "I have come with the message of peace and so it
is us who have made the first move."
The king liked the sound of that and sent his special messenger to Vijaynagar the
next day.

Meanwhile, king Krishnadeva Rai had come to know that Tenali Rama was innocent
and that the courtiers had conspired against him. As soon as the messenger from the
neighbouring state reached him with costly gifts, he was delighted.
He was full of praise for Tenali Ramaa's wisdom and sent his own minister with gifts
to the neighbouring state, with a request that the king send back Tenali Ram.
And when Tenali Rama returned to Vijaynagar, King Krishnadeva Rai warmly
welcomed him and offered him gifts.
He also promised to punish the clique of courtiers who had poisoned his ear against
his favourite minister.

Tenali raman and the difficult task

Tenali Raman was a very wise and witty man in the court of King Krishnadeva Raya.
Krishnadeva Raya was the ruler of the Vijayanagar kingdom. Tenali Raman was the
court
jester, and many stories are told about him.
One day, King Krishnadeva Raya asked his courtiers, You are wise and learned men.
Tell
me, which is the most difficult job in the world?
The courtiers had a ready answer. They said, Your Majesty, everyone knows that
the job of ruling the country is by far the most difficult job in the world.
The king was pleased with their answer. But he noticed that Tenali Raman was
smiling
to himself, as if he found this answer funny.
The king asked him why he was smiling. Perhaps you dont agree with your friends
that my job is the most difficult job in the world. Is that why you are smiling?
Tenali Raman said, Your Majesty, I agree that it is difficult to rule a country well.
But I dont think that it is the most difficult job in the world. There is another job
which is much more difficult.
Tell us what that job is, Raman, said the king.
A mothers job, said Raman, It is much more difficult to keep a child happy than
to look after a kingdom.
The whole court broke into loud laughter, and of course Raman was asked to prove
the truth of his words.
So Raman brought a woman and her young son to the king.
Now ask the kind Raja for anything that you want, he told the little boy.
An elephant, said the little boy at once.
An elephant was immediately brought for him.
Put him into my basket, the boy said, I want to take him home.
But he wont fit into your basket, son. Hell come walking behind you when you go
home.
The little boy was stubborn. I want him in my basket, he said, My friends wont
know that he is my elephant if I dont take him home in my basket.
He started crying, and nothing that anyone said would make him change his mind.
The king and his courtiers tried everything they could. But the boy just did not listen.
He cried and cried and cried. Then the mother said something to Raman, and he
immediately sent for a toy elephant. She turned to her son and said, Look, my son.
Heres a small elephant which is much more beautiful than the big elephant. It is
wearing a gold chain, and there is a golden umbrella on top of its head. It has wheels
so that you can pull it behind you wherever you go. It will fit easily into your basket.
Tell the man to take away the big elephant - your basket will break if you put him in
it, and you cant take him to your friends house because he is so big.
The boy stopped crying. The mahout led away the elephant, and the little boy and
his
mother went away happily.
Then the king wiping the sweat from his brow, said, Raman, I agree that a mothers
job is the most difficult job in the world.

Tenaliraman and the great pundit

Once a great Pundit visited the Vijayanagar court. He told the king that he was a
great expert in everything known in the earth. He wanted to argue with all learned
people and defeat them. Many great pundits tried but failed miserably. By that time,
news about this reached Tenaliraman. He took a small bundle from his house. He tied
it to look like a book, He went to the court and said that he was prepared to argue
with the learned man, but the subject of argument would be based on the great
book, Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam. The great Pundit had never heard of any
such book. So he asked one nights time to prepare for the debate. That entire night
he could not sleep. He never wanted to be defeated and so he ran away before
morning writing to the king that he never knew anything of that great book. Next
day, only Tenaliraman came for the argument. The king who was also very
intelligent, wanted to read this great book called Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam.
Tenaliraman told that king, that there was no such book. In the bundle he had only
til (gingelly) called Thila in Sanskrit, some sheeps dung called Kashta in Sanskrit and
the entire thing was tied by a rope made of the hide of Buffalo (Mahisha). The king
and the court appreciated the intelligence of Tenaliraman.

No Mooli, No Recipe
"I've never eaten anything more tasty in my life!" declared Raman, who had just
returned from his friend's house.
"What did you eat?" asked his wife.
"Mooli (radish) halwa," Raman said, smacking his lips.
"Mooli! Whoever has heard of halwa being made from mooli! It must have been
something else," said his wife disbelievingly.
She just could not understand how anyone could make halwa out of mooli.
Nevertheless, her curiosity was aroused and next day she asked him to get her the
recipe from his friend and some moolis from the market.
"Where are the moolis?" she asked, when he returned.
"You see," he explained, "while I was returning from the market, a goat snatched the
moolis away."
Annoyed at his carelessness, she said "Have you brought thr recipe?"
"Well, I thought," said Raman with a shrug, "The recipe is of no use without moolis,
so I let the starving animal eat that too."

Raman the Boy Wonder

When Raman was a boy, his neighbour once took him to the house of a rich and
powerful landlord.
"He's a prodigy," the neighbour told the landlord.
"I've never seen a more intelligent boy. He has an answer for everything!"
The landlord was a proud and haughty man who thought himself the only intelligent
person in the country. He was not at all pleased to hear his visitor praise Raman.
"He doesn't look very intelligent, " he said, glancing at Raman. "In any case the more
intelligent a boy is, the duller he becomes as a man!"
"Is that true?" asked Raman, with an air of innocence. "Then, sir, as a boy you must
have been even more intelligent than I am!"

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."

Raman and the Sadhu

The villagers were delighted. A sadhu who performed miracles, had come to their
village. Every morning and evening they would gather at the temple with specially
prepared delicacies as offerings to the sadhu.
When Tenali Raman heard of this, he smelt a rat. He went to the temple and sat near
the holy man. The sadhu began reciting shlokas. To Raman's surprise, he went on
repeating the same shloka over and over again.
Raman realised that he was a fraud. Suddenly, 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.
"This sadhu is so great that if I keep the hair from his beard with me, I will be
blessed forever!" said Raman.
Immediately there was a scramble as the villagers 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.

The Story of Tenali Raman and the cat

Long long ago there was a man called Tenali Raman. He was minister to a great king
called Krishna Deva Raya. He was supposed to be very clever
Once in that city there was lot of problems due to rats. Rats were everywhere. They
were eating all sorts of books and papers. They also used to make holes in wooden
shelves and also eat rice. Sometimes they even nibbled the ears of little clever girls.
Everybody knows that Cats Kill rats. But there were so many rats in the city but very
few cats. So the king asked every house in the city to grow cats. But cats need milk
to drink. Most of the houses did not have cows. So the king gave cows to every
house and asked them to grow them too. All people were happy and used to give
cats lot of milk to drink
Tenali Raman was a lazy man and liked to drink milk. So the first day he boiled the
milk and poured it in a pan. He gave the piping hot milk to the cat. The cat, which
was hungry came and sipped the milk from the pan. Since the milk was hot it burnt
its mouth. The cat ran away. The next day and the next Tenali Raman did the same
thing. After a few days he stopped giving milk to the cat and started drinking it
himself
Tenali Ramans cat was lean and hungry and all other cats were stout and happy.
One day the king wanted to see all the cats given by him and give prize to the fat
cat. He was very angry with Tenali Raman for not growing his cat properly. Then
Tenali Raman told the king that he was not lucky since his cat did not drink any milk.
The king wanted to put Tenali Raman in Jail for telling a lie and wanted him to prove
what he said
Then Tenali Raman brought the pan of milk and his cat. The cat on seeing the milk
ran away. It thought that it was being given again hot milk. The king pitied Tenali
Raman and let him away. The clever Tenali Raman lived happily forever drinking lots
and lots of milk.

Tenali Raman and the Doctor

Once Tenali Raman fell sick. His wife was worried and asked a peacocky rich doctor
to cure her husband of the disease.
The doctor said,
"I can cure your husband of the disease. But you will have to pay me a hundred gold
coins."
Tenali Raman's wife agreed but said,
"I don't have that much money now. But my husband has an expensive horse. I will
sell it and will pay you off."
The greedy doctor knew that the horse cost at least two hundred gold coins. He
forced Raman's wife to promise that she will give him all the money she is going to
get for the horse. They struck hands and all people heard that.
Only then the doctor started treating the sick man for his diseases. Either Raman's
prayers were granted or the drugs were good for his disease, but some time later
Tenali Raman was well again.
After that the doctor demanded the reward.
Tenali Raman found out quietly the sum doctors used to take for curing of such a
disease. Then, together with the doctor, who was rubbing his hands in expectation of
unheard-of reward, they went to the market to sell the horse. Raman also took a cat.
When they came to the market, he shouted loudly:
"I am selling a cat and a horse! I am selling a cat and a horse! The cat is going for
90 and the horse for 10 gold coins! Listen to me, people!"
The horse was of a rare Arab breed and soon a purchaser turned up who paid the full
sum for the cat and the horse. Raman took the money giving 10 gold coins to the
doctor.
"I am giving you what I got for the horse."
The doctor was upset and from that day on his avidity started to wane

Tenali Rama and the Jinx

It was well known in the town of Vijaynagar that anyone unfortunate enough to look
at a man called Ramaya first thing in the morning, would not be able to have food
that day. That was why no one in Vijaynagar liked encountering Ramaya in the
morning, if they could help it.
King Krishnadeva Rai, too, came to know of this and wanted to try it out on himself.
He called Ramaya to the palace and made him stay the night in a room adjacent to
his bedchamber. The next morning, the first thing he did after waking up, was to
take a look at Ramaya.
After finishing a few important duties in the durbar or court, the king went to the
dining hall to eat. The food arrived piping hot. The king had hardly picked up the first
morsel when he caught sight of a fly in the food. He left the table in disgust. And
when the food was prepared for him the second time, he found that he had lost his
appetite.
King Krishnadeva Rai could not eat anything at all that day, as a result.
The king was convinced that Ramaya was really jinxed. An angry king ordered that
Ramaya be hanged.
In those days the king's word was law. The soldiers had no option but to take
Ramaya to the gallows. While on their way to the gallows, they met Tenali Rama. He
heard the story from the condemned man and then whispered something in
Ramaya's ears. Ramaya nodded before being whisked away.
When the soldiers asked Ramaya about his last wish, he told them he wanted to
convey a message to the king. He also requested that he be hanged only after
hearing of the king's response.
"Tell the king while it may be true that anyone who sees my face first thing in the
morning does not get anything to eat that day, it's also true that if anyone sees the
king's face first thing in the morning, as I did, he has to lose his life. So who's the
greater jinx - the king or I?" said Ramaya.
On hearing the message, the king was stunned. Then he felt ashamed. He ordered
the execution to be stopped, called Ramaya over and offered him gifts. He also asked
Ramaya not to say anything about the incident to the public. He was sure that the
people of Vijaynagar wouldn't take well to the idea of having a jinxed person for a
ruler.
God in the Mirror
One day during a conversation Tenali Raman declared to the king. Your majesty,
people always like to lie whenever they get a chance to.
How can you say that ! Tenali I have been a ling for so many years but I have never
lied. As far as I Know, people lie under certain situations. They do not lie always as
you said.
Your majesty, I have a point that there is no one in the world who has never lied.
Tenali you are generalizing. I being the king I have never and can never lie.
I can prove otherwise your majesty. If so I will challenge you, the king said.

Your Majesty I need a thousand gold coins and a years time to prove my theory to
you.
Thus the King agreed. After taking the money, Tenali did not appear in the court for a
whole year. He engaged himself in constructing a large palatial and beautiful house.
Its interiors where colourful and attractive. The house had a room with a large
mirror affixed to a wall. The other walls were adorned by beautiful paintings.
At last a great and beautiful house was ready. After a year Tenali disguised himself as
a sage. He went to the kings court. No one, not even the king could recognize him.
The sage approached the king and said, Your majesty I have built a beautiful house
for myself. I stay and pray there. My devotion has impressed God, He appears to me
everyday in one of the rooms. I request you to feel free to see God for yourself. But
he is only visible to those who lead a righteous life and have never lied in their lives.
The king agreed to visit the sages house. To test the sages words, the king first sent
a minister into the house. The minister admired the beautiful house and then
reached the room fitted with the mirror. When he stood before the mirror he saw his
own reflection. He did not see any God. Now he was afraid to tell the truth to the
king. He came our of the house and lied. He said you majesty the sage is correct. I
saw the God in the wall. I am so overwhelmed with emotions.
To confirm once more the king sent another minister to go in. The second minister
also saw his own reflection. He did not see God but was not courageous enough to
tell the truth. He, too came out and lied.
Oh your majesty It was the glorious experience. I have no words to describe the
words exactly. Now the king thought, Hmmm, now I must go and check the truth
so the king went to the sages home and when the king stood before the mirror, he
too was faced by his own reflection, At this he thought, According to the sage, only a
person who has never lied, can see God in this wall. Now if I tell them I did not see
God, theyll think that I am a liar.. The king went out of the room. He went to the
sage and said, you are right sir I saw God in that wall of the room. I am feeling so
blessed.
Your majesty are you sure you saw the God?? Asked the sage. Yes I did replied the
king.
You see God in that wall of the room, didnt you? The sage asked again. The king
replied positively yet the sage posed the same question again. This angered the king.
How dare you suspect my answer? If you were not a holy person then I would have
never forgive you.
The sage smiled and pulled out his beard. Tenali Raman now stood before the king.
He said, Your majesty you had insisted and I have believed that you as a king would
never lie. Your ministers were liars but you too, behaved like them. Now do you
accept that everyone is a liar sometime or the other. King accepted his defeat and
felt ashamed of his conduct

Tenali Rama saves his brother-in-law

In the palace garden of Emperor Krishna Deva Raya, trees, brought from the
endmost lands of the earth, were laden with fruit. It was prohibited to pick it off
under pain of death. But the brother-in-law of the Emperor's fool Tenali Raman,
Picheya, who was guesting at his place, ignored the prohibition, picked off some
fruits and started to twist down. That's where the palace guard clapped him by the
heels.
"You must save my beloved brother anyhow," said Raman's wife.
When Raman appeared at the Council Board, Emperor Raya guessed immediately
what he was going to ask him for.
"Don't take much trouble to petition for your brother-in-law!" he exclaimed, "I know
what you are going to ask me for! To forgive and not to punish him! No use talking!
You can't convince me! I will never do what you want!"
"Sire," said Tenali Raman, "I know that you will not go back on your word. I ask you
to be rough with my brother-in-law and to sentence him to death."
Emperor Raya was amazed at his mental agility that allowed him to remake his
words so cunningly.
"Well, I forgive your brother-in-law," said the Emperor calming himself. But let him
go away and never come here again.

Imperial Ban
Tenali Raman was the favorite fool of the Emperor and often presumed to make fun
of proud nobles. Sometimes, he even had no respect for the Emperor himself. For
fear of his jigs advisors told the Emperor, Krishna Deva Raya, about some of his acrid
jokes and prevailed on him to forbid the fool to enter the palace at least for the
period of the spring festival.
The Emperor took their advice and said strictly,
"You must not even look into the palace! If you go against my wish, you will be given
a sound beating."
On the next day, just before the festival began, the advises reported to Emperor
Raya that Tenali Raman was in the palace and was amusing courtiers with jokes.
"Ah! He broke his ban!" burst out the Emperor with indignation and hurried to the
hall. Clasping the baculus and gathering his brows, he ranged his eyes round the hall
andburst out laughing. The Emperor's fool was pacing the hall with a big pot on his
head. The pot fully covered his eyes. Tanali Raman was immediately forgiven and
amply rewarded by the Emperor

Tenali Rama and the 2 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.
Its alright thieves. First let me know about your expertise in the art and then
decide. You both have to burgle at Ramalingas 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 Ramalingas 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.
They never thought it would be so easy to rob Ramalinga. Meanwhile, the couple
went inside the house and closed the door. After sometime, snores were heard from
the bedroom of the house. Slowly the thieves drew themselves out of the bushes,
taking care they do not make any noise and went close to the well. While one of
them stood guard, the other one slipped into the well. In a minute, the thief came
out of the well and discussed with the other that there is much water in the well. The
jewellery bundle cannot be taken out as it is. It would be better if some water was
drawn out to snatch away the bundle, they decided.
Immediately they started drawing water from the well one after the other bucket.
Water started flowing continuously in the backyard spreading all the ways. In the
shade of trees and darkness, Ramalinga covering his head with a shawl took one
farm tool and started guiding the water to the plants and trees in the yard. As it was
too dark and the thieves were concentrating on drawing the water alone, they did
not notice Ramalinga doing this.
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 chillies on the wounds of
burglars.
Both of them were stunned on hearing Ramalingas 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

How an Elephant's foot stuck in a mosquito's throat?

Among the Ashta Diggajas in the Bhuvana Vijayam of Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu, the
King for his ingenuity, quick wittedness, and fast filling of stanzas when at test
particularly favoured Ramalinga. Rayalu was renowned as Andhra Bhoja and Poets
Paradise. With his inherent qualities of wit and sarcasm, Ramalinga was growing big
and closer to Rayalu day after day.
With no change in the rule, the more you grow the more envious you become, the
other courtiers like Rama Raja Bhushana were against the growth of Ramalingas
association with the King Rayalu. Whenever there is a possibility, those courtiers, and
Rama Raja Bhushana had been working out for damaging Ramalingas image and
sling mud on him before the King. Ramalinga efficiently countered these efforts and
trials of courtiers all the time.
At one stage, as these personalities were unable to compete with Ramalinga in wit
and ingenuity decided to humiliate Ramalinga. They handed over the responsibility of
insulting Ramalinga to the main entrance guards. Those poor soldiers were lured by
the bribe amount courtiers had offered them. A line was given to those guards for
stopping Ramalinga at the entrance itself. The line was Kunjara Yudhambu Doma
Kuthuka Jochen meaning an elephants fleet is stuck in a mosquitos throat.
Ramalinga as usual was walking into the Bhuvana Vijayam premises and the guards
stopped him. He questioned why were they blocking the way. The soldiers told
Ramalinga about the line and asked him to enter the premises only after reciting the
first three lines for the last line they recited to him. Ramalinga boiled and trembled
with anger on those soldiers. Immediately he understood what and who was behind
the soldiers. With harsh words he completed reciting,
Ganjayi Thravi Thurakala
Sanjathamu Goodi Kallu Chavi Gonnava?
Lanjala Kodaka! Yekkadara!
Kunjara Yudhambu Doma Kuthuka Jochen.
Long before those guards could understand the meaning of the poem, Ramalinga
walked stiff into the main court hall.
After sometime, while the King Rayalu was into one of the pleasure rounds of literary
discussions, the guards entered the hall and complained that Ramalinga disgraced
them with the poem at the main entrance. After listening to all the details narrated
by the guards, Rayalu ordered Ramalinga to extempore compose a poem taking the
same end line with a situation in Mahabharatha.
Ramalinga raised from his seat and after salutations to the King Rayalu recited,
Ranja Chedi Pandavulari
Bhanjanulai Viratu Golva Palapadirakata!
Sanjaya! Vidhinemandunu
Kunjara Yudhambu Doma Kuthuka Jochen!
Pandavas in Mahabharatha are like a fleet of powerful elephants. Losing in the
gamble with Kauravas, they had to live incognito for some time. During this period
they served a weak ruler Virata. By all Gods! It is the fate of those Pandavas to serve
such a weak person in spite of being renowned warriors. This is similar to a fleet of
strong elephants being stuck in the throat of a small mosquito.
Rayalu clapped in all praise of Ramalinga for his ingenuity and wit filled narration. In
the full house, Rayalu hugged Ramalinga and appreciated him agreeing that
Ramalingas words are like double-edged swords. This state of affairs brought
Ramalinga more close to Rayalu.

All the attempts to trap Ramalinga and cut down his image before the King Rayalu by
the envied courtiers and poet Rama Raja Bhushana blew off like a piece of raw cotton
in Ramalingas intelligence whirlwind

Ramalinaga and Ramayana Recital

Vikrama Simhapuri (presently Nellore town) was part of Vijaya Nagar Empire under
the rule of Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu. This place was famous for wicked and cunning
women. These women with their uncommon intelligence added to their beauty and
appeal used to defeat scholars and experts to transform as their domestic slaves and
servants.
A prostitute Kanchana Mala among them was too notorious in this regard. In the
name of satisfying Ramayana recital, she framed twisty and wicked rules, which
made all the competitors lose in their battle against the woman. The ladys
reputation along with her condition filled Ramayana recital issue spread all over the
region and no one was dared to step into her house to compete with her. In case any
one ventured, lured by the stunning beauty of Kanchana Mala they too were definite
to lose and become either a slave or a servant to her.
One day, Ramalinga visited Vikrama Simhapuri on his personal accomplishments.
Completing his job, he sat with some scholars, reputed persons of the locality, and
enquired about the happenings and specialities of the town. The gathering in a
synchronised tone explained Ramalinga about Kanchana Mala and her urge for
satisfactory recital of Ramayana epic. One of the associates there said that, it was
her celestial beauty and the quantity of reward that was driving scholars to her, who
are finally seen serving her losing the competition.
One of the senior and aged poet of the region told Tenali Ramalinga cursing her, she
is not at all a woman, and she is wicked of the wicked. It is you, the right person, to
defeat and smash her proudness.
He continued, You should teach her a right lesson and release all the scholars
suffering in her service.
Ramalinga thought, Oh! Kanchana Mala is that highly impious. He said to the
persons around him, That being the case, I should definitely compete with herby
the waywhat is the test she is winning on? he questioned. One of them explained
that she demands the competitor to recite Ramayana and satisfy her. Every time she
says the recital was not satisfactory and orders the competitor to become her slave.
Poor fellows, what they can do? The condition of the test was to take out a word
satisfied from her after the performance.
Enough! It is alright! Ramalinga told all of them, She just needs to be satisfied
with a Ramayana concert, I will do it. One of you keep her informed about my
willingness to satisfy her Ramalinga said and headed towards his accommodation.
Not one, but all of them got up to inform Kanchana Mala about Ramalingas
compliance to recite Ramayana at her residence thinking, Yes! Now the time has
come for breaking her.
Ramalinga, in the evening attired in a disguise went to Kanchana Malas residence.
Welcome! Hearty Welcome! O learned man, Welcome Kanchana Mala invited him.
He told Mala, I have come to recite Ramayana as if it is happening in front of your
eyes.
That was good. Then, are you aware of the reward and punishments? Mala
questioned.
I am aware of those Kanchana Mala! I have a request paused Ramalinga. Please
tell me Sir Mala immediately responded, Before I complete the total recital you
should not say anything. You should do what ever I say as part of the presentation.
After I complete the narration you can reward me if you are satisfied or punish
otherwise Ramalinga sarcastically stated. She agreed to it and the story began.
Ramalinga started with the birth of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha, and Sathrughna. It
continued with Rama Lakshmana accompanying with Sage Vishwamithra to protect

the celestial sacrifice, killing Thataka, releasing Ahalya from curse, Ramas marriage
with Seetha breaking Lord Shivas bow, and Ramas migration to forests along with
Seetha and Lakshmana on stepmother Kaikas wish.
Ramalinga was narrating the episodes with an excellent expression and mannerism
in a right modulation. Nowhere, Kanchana Mala looked to be satisfied as she was
commenting You are not satisfying me. He advanced with the story narration about
Ravanasura kidnapping Seetha, Rama killing Vali, deploying Hanuman to Lanka with
the assistance of Sugreeva. Again Mala screamed, I am not satisfied with your
performance.
Controlling himself from exploding with anger, Ramalinga convinced her Kanchana
Mala! You are telling me that you are not satisfied with my performance. However,
this would be the best of performance on earth. OK. Let us leave that. Now get
ready, you will witness Ramayana happening in front of you.
Heheheheyeah please continue, I am in fact waiting for that, she said.
Ramalinga jumped on to her selectively decorated cot and said, This is how
Hanuman jumped on to the Peak of Mahendra Mountain. Standing erect on the bed
he took another flight and landed on another cot, Like this Hanuma jumped on to
another mountains peak. From there he jumped close to Kanchana Mala and started
throwing powerful fists on her back, this was how Hanuman hit Lankini, who blocked
his way from entering Lanka.
Mala started shouting to the top of her voice, Oh God! Mother! This man is killing
me. Ramalinga in a commanding tone, I told you not to hinder me in the middle.
Now shut your mouth, Listen completely jumping like an ape, Ramalinga took out a
lighted wisp hanging from the wall. Hanuman returning from the Ashoka garden
after visiting Seetha started torching Lanka and its men like this he gave fire to
Malas clothes and ignited almost all the clothes and inflammables in the house.
While Mala was attempting to extinguish fire on her clothes, Ramalinga repeated
beating her all over stating that was how Hanuman thumped the demons in Lanka.
Mala other than shouting loudly and protecting her from the fire could not do
anything.
Few seconds later, after lighting all the household material, Ramalinga coolly went to
the backyard stood near the well, this is how Hanuman put out the fire set to his tail
by the demons and started taking bath drawing water from the well.
Looking at the house in fire, Kanchana Mala went astray and ran out of the house
like a mad woman. Ramalingas sarcastic comments irked her further more, Who
else can narrate Ramayana so lively Kanchana Mala, did you enjoy that?
Cursing, yelling, screaming Kanchana Mala said, fraud, cheat, he said he will recite
Ramayana for me and set the house on fire. With disturbed clothes and hair, she ran
to he local Court of Law and approached the judge. She sought justice from the
judge explaining the whole episode. Meanwhile, Ramalinga reached there without
any tension appearing on his face.
The Judge questioned Ramalinga, What is your answer to her allegations?
Ramalinga folded hands at the Judge and appealed, Your Majesty! I do not bear any
fault with me. It was she, who wished to witness a lively Ramayana recital to her
satisfaction. Describing all the past and present deeds of Kanchana Mala,
Ramalinga said, Mr Justice! I believe I am not at fault. In case the honourable court
finds any, I am ready to take the punishment. The Judge understood that it was the
wicked and proud nature of Kanchana Mala, which brought her to this turn of life. He
scolded her for cheating and humiliating scholars and learned persons in the name of
Ramayana recital and rewards. The judgement made it clear that Ramalinga did not
have any fault to punish and freed him. In addition to this, the verdict released all
the learned men who were serving her as servants and slaves. Ramalinga received
all the appreciations from the people of the town.

Ramalinga Wins the War Before Drawing Swords!

Rama Sastry was a renowned scholar in reasoning, logic, and grammar. A wish lied in
his heart to compete with Ashta Diggajas in Bhuvana Vijayam of Sri Krishna Deva
Rayalu. The wish strengthened with the passage of time. With the desire in him, he
appeared before the King Rayalu, one day when he was in his usual literary sessions
with the eight jewels of his court.
Hey King of Kings, Rama Sastry presented salutations to Rayalu, You are the
beacon of the Vijaya Nagar Empire! With your pleasant looks poetry, literature and
composition are flourishing in this region. I bow to you with all respects. Sastry
continued, The hear and say about the Ashta Diggajas in your Bhuvana Vijayam,
their command over various divisions of literature. They all are reputed and their
names are uttered with respect in the scholars and learned circles. I seek your kind
permission to question them and know about their efficiency in their concerned
arenas.
King Rayalu on listening to the humble request of the visiting intellectual, Dear
learned person! I too carry a thought to know the standards and excellence of our
Ashta Diggajas. I would be happy if that wish is accomplished through you Rama
Sastry. You attend the court tomorrow and let there be a professional competition.
Rayalu ordered his courtiers to arrange a guest accommodation to the visitor.
Satisfied Rama Sastry presenting salutations to the king again and left Bhuvana
Vijayam.
The next day, Rama Sastry presented himself in the court with all preparation.
Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Rama Raja Bhushanudu, Madaya Gari Mallana,
Dhoorjati, Ayyala Raju Rama Bhadrudu, Bhattu Murthy, and Tenali Ramakrishna
besides full house attendance to watch the competition fill the Bhuvana Vijayam. All
the seven among the Ashta Diggajas were tensed with the reputation they heard
about Rama Sastry about his command and expertise in logic, reasoning, and
grammar. Sastrys name is taken with scare and respect, as he defeated those
personalities who were graded to be aces in that division of literature. All the seven
were nervous thinking whether there is a possibility of winning the visiting scholar or
not.
While Sastry was sitting in all comfort, confidence and the seven of the Ashta
Diggajas were worried; Tenali Ramalinga was seated in all ease and pleasant.
Ramalinga after salutations to the King Rayalu and taking his permission started
speaking, Mr Rama Sastry! Are you good in poetry. Rama Sastry thinking that as an
insult to him was about to enrage on Ramalinga. However, recollecting that he is
present in the royal court of King Rayalu stopped himself from doing so.
Gazing Ramalinga top to bottom sarcastically said, Do you think that I am no good
at that stupidverses? Do you consider even that a scholarship?
Instantly replied Ramalinga, That was good to know Mr Rama Sastry that you are
good in stupid poetry. We understood that very well with your words. So nice of you.
Sastry questioned, Ramalinga, are there two categories as stupid poetry and bright
poetry?
That was your statement, Rama Sastry! Ramalinga bounced back, you asked me
whether I think you are no good in stupid verses. Thats all right. Let us keep that
aside for now, I request you to keep us informed what are you scholar in?
I am reputed for my scholarship in logic and grammar. On both the subjects I have
excellent command, replied Rama Sastry.
Ramalinga innocently said, Mr Sastry! For quite some time, I have a doubt in a
grammar sequence. Can you clarify, if I ask you that?

Sure! Sastry answered with all pride and proud filled tone, you dont have to
hesitate any more.
What is the grammatical rule and theory to be followed for a word, Thriyambaka
Ramalinga furnished his suspicion.
Rama Sastry moved his body as if he was in laughter within. Later, he said that is
that a doubt? Dont you know even that? Thri + Ambaka= Thriyambaka. This is
known as Dwigu Samasam (A theoretical regulation in Telugu (Andhra) Grammar for
combining two meaningful words into one.) God! How is that you are placed so high
without knowing such a common basic, strange! commented Sastry.
Hey! Is that all? Ramalinga was ready for another bout of sarcasm, If this is what
you know, and can define then your scholarship is like a dead wood.
When the two were about to get into the actual and real round of debate and
discussion, King Rayalu stopped them and adjourned the competitive session for the
next day, as he was to take care of administrative and other affairs.
News spread in the city like wildfire that Ramalinga and Rama Sastry are about to
have a literary war in the Bhuvana Vijayam, the next day enthusiasts, scholars,
poets, composers and others flooded into the galleries of the court.
When almost all the distinguished personalities of Bhuvana Vijayam including the
visitor Rama Sastry, King Rayalu entered the court and occupied the royal throne. All
those present in the court saluted the King and took their respective seats.
Ramalinga was not seen, and noticing this Rama Sastry grinned within. Sastry
thought Ramalinga was scared and was not present. Just then, Ramalinga carrying
something fastened in a nice cloth entered in a hurry and sat after saluting the King
and the court.
Those present in the galleries whispered among them looking at Ramalinga
surprisingly. After the King waved for continuation of the debate and discussion,
Rama Sastry questioned, Ramalinga can I know what is the title of the book you
carried in? Ramalinga not hesitating a moment replied, This is king of standard
books titled, Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam. Rama Sastry puzzled on hearing
such title, curiously he leaned forward and repeated, What? Thilakashta Mahisha
Bandhanam?
Yes! Mr Rama Sastry! Ramalinga said, Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam! Havent
you read this book earlier? Presuming that this standard book would be helpful for
our debate and discussion, I brought this along.
Rama Sastry could not figure out what to do. First, he never knew that such books of
standards existed, secondly, Ramalinga brought that along with him. What to do if
he countered my argument and presented one or the other citations from the book in
support of his counter-argument? I will be closed and my skills and expertise,
command would never be respected again. Rama Sastry thought for a while and
decided to do something. Turning towards the King Rayalu he said, My Lord!
Ramalinga brought Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam with him to standardise his
argument and counter-argument in the session. That being the case, I should also
bring some standard books to support my logic and reasoning. If the King kindly
grant me permission to bring those from my guest accommodation, I would return
immediately
King Rayalu acceded his plea and consented, Its alright, proceed. Rama Sastry
threw himself out of the court like a whirlwind.
Time was passing by and Rama Sastry did not return. Rayalu was compelled to
postpone the session for the next day, as the session cannot continue without the
competitors presence.
The next morning, again the court was waiting for Rama Sastry. He never appeared.
King Rayalu ordered his soldiers to verify and inform the court about the
disappearance of Rama Sastry. Soldiers returned like a ball hit to the wall and

explained that Rama Sastry in the dark of the night went away with his luggage.
Probably this could be the result of the realisation that, he is definite to lose in the
debate and discussion. From protecting himself from the humiliation, Rama Sastry
should have left not informing anyone.
The total presence in the Bhuvana Vijayam including King Rayalu could not stop
getting into laughter. Looking appraisingly at Ramalinga, Rayalu said it was an
excellent performance.
Ramalinga! Rayalu asked, Recite to the court some good contents of the book you
brought along, Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam, to the court.
HahahahahHahhahaha Ramalinga said, with all due respects to the King, is that
you also mistook this bundle to be a book? Look at this and opened the bundle.
Again there was hilarity in the court, as it was a book, it was a tender Sesamum
plant tied with reign rope for buffalos. Both were fastened in a nice cloth. Looking at
the contents of the bundle, there was amusement for the courtiers and onlookers.
Ramalinga explained, Thilakashta means a Sesamum plant and Mahisha
Bandhanam, a rope used for tying a buffalo, both put together, Thilakashta Mahisha
Bandhanam. That is it all. No standards and no books. Rama Sastry fell into dilemma
on hearing this name, he did not try to take the title and think. In all confusion, he
fled the city.
King Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu appreciated the intellect of Ramalinga and felicitated
him for protecting the reputation of Bhuvana Vijayam. That was how, Ramalinga won
the battle long before drawing any sword!

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 barbers 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 LordI
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 Lords mercy.
Rayalu was stunned to know barbers 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 wishthis 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, Ramakrishnahahahahhahahahahow 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 cant 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.

Ramalinga's Prostrate Adoration to "Donkeys"

Thathacharya was the royal teacher to the King Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu. He was a
Vaishnavite (Vaishnavites believe Sri Maha Vishnu as the Supreme God) by practice
and was having a defiant opinion and behaviour towards the Smarthas (Smarthas
follow the tradition instituted by Sri Adi Sankaracharya).
While moving out, he used to cover his head and face with his upper garment (cloak)
to avoid seeing Smarthas in the town. People watching Thathacharya doing this time
and again titled him unofficially as stupid ritualist. The learned category of Smarthas
and other practices were finding ways to teach a lesson to Thathacharya.
They could not decide upon how and when to make tit for tat. The scare spread
among them was that Thathacharya is the royal teacher to the King Rayalu and his
family. If something goes wrong and kindles fury in the King, who should face it?
With all these thoughts, they started searching who is efficient to do this job for
them. Their search ended after touring and scanning through all the faces in the
kingdom. That face belonged to Ramalinga. In a group all the learned people went to
Ramalingas residence to see him.
Ramalinga was little surprised to see all of them together at his threshold. Clipping
some smiles on his lips, Ramalinga invited them folding hands to the scholars
battalion,
Welcome to you all the learned personalities of the capital city. Welcome. It is my
pleasure to see you all together.
Dhurjhati took the initiative to explain the problem that was boggling their minds,
Ramalinga! We are all here to discuss a problem with you seeking a solution. The
royal teacher Thathacharya is behaving beyond limits and is humiliating the
Smarthas regularly. This might end up elsewhere, if he is not taught a right lesson.
We all strongly believe that you are the right man who can do it in a sensible way.
Please do not dishearten us. You should take this matter up.
Rama Raja Bhushana seconded supporting Dhurjhati,
Dhurjhati was right Ramalinga. You should plunge into action for a right solution to
this problem.
Ramalinga thought for a while, when all the other members of the group were
coming out with one or the other statement against Thathacharya.
Dear friends Ramalinga assured them, All of you had put a heavy and
burdensome job on my shouldersLet me see what can I do about this. This is all the
blessings of the Goddess Kali. You dont worry; I will take care of Thathacharya and
his Vaishnavite proudness.
Though Ramalinga personally watched Thathacharyas misbehaviour towards
Smarthas, he could not do anything. Now, the time has come. Nevertheless, how to
go about this? What would happen if King Rayalu is irked on taking Thathacharya to
task? Ramalinga was waiting for the time tuning.
While all this was going on, King Rayalu learnt about the indecent mannerism of
Thathacharya. He was hurt with the behaviour of Thathacharya and thought that if
this continued, it might give way to communal differences in the kingdom. Thinking
so, Rayalu summoned Ramalinga to his private chamber in the palace.
Ramalinga was present before the King as quickly as possible after hearing the call.
Ramalinga! King Rayalu said in a low tone, I wish to discuss an important issue
with you.
Yes My Lord, as you Please! Ramalinga replied.
This is a matter that should be handled completely undercover. I thought you are
efficient to handle this matter. I am assigning this job to you. Are you ready? Rayalu
questioned.

Yes my king, every word of yours is an order for me.

It came to my knowledge that the royal teacher Thathacharya is humiliating
Smarthas. I also noted that people are disgusted with him for this, in fact some of
the courtiers also pleaded me to handle him and stop him from doing so. He is my
family master and an elderly person. What and how should I tell him to correct his
deeds? Now, it is up to you. Think wise and do something to check him from
continuing with this Rayalu ordered Ramalinga.
Ramalinga promised the King, My Lord! I will do my best to solve the problem and
bring some change in the ideology of Thathacharya about Smarthas.
Leaving the palace, Ramalinga was overwhelmed with joy. He was waiting for a right
opportunity and it has come through his way in the form of Kings order. The next
morning Ramalinga went to see Thathacharya. No sooner Ramalinga approached the
main gate, he could see Thathacharya coming out of the house. While approaching
the gate, Thathacharya watching Ramalinga standing there took his upper garment
and started covering his face. Ramalinga immediately said in a loud tone,
Hey Master! I am the beloved disciple for you. Why is that you are covering your
face on seeing me?
Ramalinga! Thathacharya replied, I will tell you a secret, just because you are my
beloved disciple. Smartha culture is a sin filled one. Anyone who sees a Smarthite
will be born as a Donkey in his or her next birth. That is why I protect myself by
covering my face from attracting the sin of seeing a Smarthite. Keep this to yourself
and dont reveal anywhere.
Ramalinga was more humble then, My dear master! You know me. If I hear
something, that totally remains within me. That will not come out even after my
death. You dont have to worry about this. Now, if you permit me I will take leave
Go ahead, Thathacharya sent him off.
On way home, Ramalinga was almost jumping with joy. All these days he was
breaking his head to find ways to teach a lesson. That was a fine day, because
Thathacharya himself guided for an excellent way.
Ten days passed off. Coolly, with Ramalinga waiting for an opportunity. On the
eleventh day, King Rayalu along with Thathacharya, Ashta Diggajas and other
scholars visited a garden on the ouirts of the city as part of his relaxing routines. The
day was spent off in a pleasurable manner.
While all of them were returning a herd of donkeys were seen coming in the opposite
direction. Immediately, Ramalinga ran from behind the King and started paying
prostrate homage to the donkeys falling on the ground before the herd.
King Rayalu was completely surprised with his behaviour. He shouted, Ramalinga
have you gone mad? Why are you saluting those donkeys?
My Lord! Kindly pardon me. I did not go mad or crazy. This donkey is
Thathacharyas brother-in-law. That one his grandfather, that stout one is his
maternal uncle and the one with those spots is Thathacharyas father.
Ramalinga continued, I am blessed to see all these persons reborn as donkeys.
There are here in this form for the sin of looking at Smarthas in their previous birth.
I am pleased to see all of them together. Please My King do not mistake me. I am
not lying. You can confirm this with the respected royal teacher Thathacharya. He
does practice to cover his face to protect himself from the sin of seeing Smarthas.
King Rayalu looked at Thathacharya, who already had hung his chin down in shame.
Since then, Thathacharya stopped both humiliating the Smarthas and covering his
face on looking at people, belonging to other traditions and cultures. The King
felicitated with a great gift to Ramalinga in his private chamber for treating the royal
master with a right lesson.