Tenali Raman stories.

Tenali Raman was a famous poet and jester in the court of King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire, which existed in South India. Born into a poor Brahmin family in a small village in Andhra Pradesh around 480 years ago, Tenali Raman lost his father at a young age. He and his mother then lived under the care of his maternal uncle in the village of Tenali.


Although he was sent to school, he had no interest in formal education. However, he developed a talent for witty speech from a young age, earning the title of "Vikatakavi" (jester poet) later in life. He received the divine grace of Goddess Kali and became renowned for his wit and humor.


Tenali Raman served as a court poet and jester in the Vijayanagara Empire, where he entertained King Krishnadevaraya and his subjects with his cleverness and humor. The king frequently rewarded him with gifts for his amusing and intelligent performances. Tenali Raman's life events have been retold in many stories that continue to be popular and cherished by people today.


A Birthday Gift


It was King Krishnadevaraya’s birthday celebration. The entire city was decorated with streamers and lights, and people celebrated the king's birthday with as much joy as they would their own.


The celebrations started the previous night with music, dance performances, and fireworks in the streets. A grand feast was held in the palace for the dignitaries from foreign lands.


The next day, a royal assembly was held where officials from foreign lands presented gifts sent by their kings. Following this, the king's ministers and the public presented their gifts and paid their respects to the king. Finally, the king's close friends offered their presents. It was then that Tenali Raman entered with a large bundle, causing everyone, including the king, to be curious.


The king, having received gifts from others, asked Tenali Raman to unwrap his large bundle, as everyone was eager to see what it contained. Tenali Raman began unwrapping the bundle, which seemed to go on and on, with layer after layer of wrapping, but no actual gift in sight. The anticipation grew among the courtiers.


Finally, Tenali Raman unwrapped a small package, which contained a single, well-ripened tamarind fruit. The courtiers laughed, thinking it was a joke.


When the laughter subsided, the king, with a smile, asked, "Raman, this small gift may have a significant explanation. What is the reason for choosing this tamarind fruit as a gift?"


Tenali Raman replied, "Your Majesty, this tamarind fruit represents the qualities of a king. A king should be like a tamarind fruit on a tree in the world. He should be as sweet and pleasing as the fruit itself. At the same time, he should not be encumbered by attachments, just as the tamarind fruit is covered with an outer shell that separates easily from the flesh."


The assembly applauded loudly. The king, deeply moved, stood up and embraced Tenali Raman. He said, "Raman, you have given me wise counsel. Such extravagance for a birthday celebration is unnecessary. I have wasted both the royal treasury and the public’s money on these lavish events. Stop all the special arrangements immediately. From now on, only temple prayers should mark my birthday. We should not spend money unnecessarily on extravagance."


Everyone praised Tenali Raman's courage and wisdom. In appreciation, the king gave Tenali Raman the most valuable gifts he had received that day.

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