This is the story of Tenali Rama, the famous court jester of the renowned Vijayanagar am Empire of Krishna Devanagari. The empire was famous for its glory and wealth, and it was in the State of Andhra Pradesh of modern India. The Vijayanagar am Kingdom was established in 1336 AD. The period of Krishna Devarayar is considered as the Golden Era of the Vijayanagar am Empire.
Rama was born in Garlappad village in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. His father Ramayya died when Rama was very young. Later, his mother took him to Tenali. Thus, he became Tenali Rama. After completing school education, Rama returned to his village. Rama was a very intelligent boy, but he was very naughty. He was not willing to do any work and was in the grip of starvation. Even in the midst of poverty and hunger, he used to ridicule his neighbors and friends. There are many incidents to prove his wisdom and intelligence. Once Denali Rama, the green village was under severe drought. All the ponds and wells were dry. All the vegetation vanished. Famine spread throughout the village. The cry of hunger and thirst echoed everywhere. Drinking water became scarce and some villagers fled for other villages.
During this time a monk reached the village. The moment he set foot on the soil of the village, it began to rain. People thought that it was the arrival of the monk that caused the shower. Everyone except Rama hailed the monk and touched his feet as a sign of reverence. Raman was hesitant to accept this logic. His rational mind believed that it was not the arrival of the monk that caused the rain. It would have rained, even if the monk had not arrived. This was his attitude and he told this truth to others. The villagers advised him not to provoke the monk. But Rama wished to tell the truth to the monk. He came near him and told, ‘Hello, Swami, have you seen a palm tree? Once, a tired crow wanted to perch on a tree. It saw a palm tree and perched on it. At that moment, a nut fell down from the tree. Some people, who saw this simultaneous incident commented, ‘it was the crow that caused the nut to fall down.) But I think it is nothing but a superstition. Is it not a superstition, Swami?’ Rama asked the monk. The ripe nut would have fallen, even if the crow did not perch on the tree. But the villagers were reluctant to accept Rama’s arguments. When the people dispersed, the monk called Rama and told, ‘You are very intelligent. I will teach you a number of mantras. You should recite it daily in praise of Kali. The goddess will bless you, and she would make you famous throughout this land. The coming generations will remember you for your wit and glory.
Tenali Ramakrishna was an Indian poet, scholar, thinker and a special advisor in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya who ruled from C.E. 1509 to 1529. He was a Telugu poet who hailed from a village called Tenali located at what is now the Andhra Pradesh region, generally known for the folk tales which focus on his wit.
You must be logged in to post a comment.