Story: Tenali Rama & the Jewel thieves

Once the prominent businessman reached Raja Krishnadevaraya's court and cried loudly: "Your Majesty! I'm ruined. The thieves have looted me. They did not leave anything in my safe. I've not even a coin now!"

The king had the inquiry done. The chief of the police informed him that the inquiry was being conducted but still they were unable to trace the thieves.

"Make all efforts to nab the thieves as soon as possible," the king ordered.

But despite the strict security arrangements the theft cases continued to grow. Every night the thieves used to commit thefts merrily without leaving any clue. When the situation became alarming, the king grew worried. Then he consulted Tenalirama and a scheme was secretly thought off. Prior to consulting Tenali, the king contacted his every courtier but all said that only Tenalirama could solve the case.

Tenali then contacted the richest jeweler of the state and asked him to have an exhibition of all the costly jewels and ornaments he had.

The exhibition was a grand success. Many persons attended display of the gems, jewels and precious things.

When the exhibition ended all those precious items were put in a bag and kept in an iron safe under lock and key.

But that night also the theft was committed in the jeweler's house. Hearing the commotion the jeweler raised much hue and cry. At that time the king had also reached there. And by the king's order, Tenalirama asked the soldiers to search all the persons in the locality, and added: "Nab the persons who have their clothes or hands colored red!"

And soon the thieves were caught. On being asked, Tenali disclosed his scheme: "I knew that the thieves would attack and break open the iron safe. So I had the handle of the safe and its body colored deep red. Since the color was not fully dry, the thieves had to have their hands and clothes colored."

"But you could've told us for providing better security arrangements in and around the jeweler's house," said the police chief. "In that case the thieves wouldn't have come there and the mysterious thefts committed earlier would have remained unresolved, because the thieves had their informers in the police ranks also. That's why they could commit the earlier thefts" replied Tenalirama and again proved his master intelligence.

Interesting Matrimonial advertisements

Take a break. This is real fun stuff.

These are profiles taken from a very popular matrimonial site (better not to name)- these are actual ads on the site. Grammar and spelling errors have no place in a profile description as everything is straight from the heart.

Disclaimer: Am not responsible if you forget your basic grammar after reading this post.

Case # 1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello To Viewers My Name is Sowmya , I am single i dont have male,If any one whant to marrie to me u can visite to my home. I am not a good education but i working all field in bangalore .. if u like me u welcome to my heart... when ever u whant to meet pls visit my resident or send u letter..
Thanks
yours Regards Sowmya ~*~
(Truly yours)

Case # 2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i want very simple boy. from brahmin educated family from Orissa state she is also know about RAMAYAN, GEETA BHAGABATA, and other homework

(What Homework???)

Case # 3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Enjoys every moments of life. I love to make friendship. Becauese friendship is a first step of love.

I am looking for my dreamboy who will love me more than i. Because i love myself a lot. If u think that is u then why to late come on ........hold my hand forever !!!

(The dilwale dulhaniya effect)

Case # 4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i am simple girl. I have lot of problem in my life because of my luck. now i am looking one boy he care me and love me lot lot lot

(lots and lots ?)

Case # 5~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i want a boy with no drinks if he wants he can wear jeans in house but while steping out of house he should give recpect to our cast

(by not wearing his jeans? What the hell...)

Case # 6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HYE I AM A GOOD LOKING GIRL,WHO HAS THE CAPABILITY TO MAKE ANY BODY TO LOUGH.I BELIEVE IN GOD AND ACCORDING TO ME FRIENDS ARE THE REAL MESSENGER OF GOD. THE 3 THINGS I AM LOOKING FROM A BOY THEY ARE
1. THEY MUST BELIEVE IN GOD.
2. THEY HAVE TO LIKE MY PROFFESION
3. THEY SHOULD NOT GET BORED WITH ME WHEN I WILL TRY TO MAKE THEM LOUGH.

(all of us are loughing {laughing})

Case # 7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
whatever he may be but he should feel that he is going to be someone groom and he must think of the future life if he is toolike this he would be called the man of the lamp

(Can anyone tell me what this girl wants - she doesn't know wat she wants? A LAMP ?)

Case # 8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i love my patner i marriage the patner ok i search my patner and I love the patner ok thik hai the patner has a graduate ok

(Again clueless, but I liked the use of 'ok'. The person is Suffering from 'Ok-syndrome')

Case # 9~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
iam pranati my family histoy my two brother two sister and father & Mother. sister completely married

(somebody please explain how to get married completely'?)

Case # 10~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

my name is farhanbegum and i am unmarried. pleaes you marrige me pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes

(Height of desperation)

Case # 11~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
iam kanandevi. i do own businas.one sistar.he was marred.

(Plz for gods sake ask somebody's help in framing sentence )

Case # 12~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hello i am a good charactarised woman. i want to run my life happily.
i divorced my first husband. his charactor is not good'. i expect the good minded and clean habits boy who may be in the same caste or other caste accepted ....

(dunno what to say?!)

Case # 13~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am Sharmila my colour is black, but my heart is white. i like social service.

(Zebra model ? black and white..?)

Story: Tenali Rama & the Luxurious Parrot

One day, the king was taking a walk in the garden with Tenali Raman. They talked with each other in a friendly manner and together admired the fleecy white clouds, the luxurious gardens, the colorful fruit laden trees and the flower scents that wafted through the air.

The day was indeed very pleasant and the king couldn’t have been in a better mood. As they walked back to the palace, they heard a screeching noise. The king smiled as he recognized the screech. It came from his beloved and most cherished pet- the royal parrot. Raman also followed the king as he entered the palace.

The parrot had a room of it’s own. Inside the room a beautiful golden cage stood embedded with all the precious stones.The parrot, a very bright colored creature was sitting perched on a tiny swing made of gold. It wore a diamond necklace around its neck. It was beautiful bird and when it saw the king it began to talk like a good old friend.

Raman noticed that the cage was carpeted with a lush Kashmir spread and the silver bowl that contained water for the parrot gleamed in the sun. An assorted selection of nuts and berries from all the corners of the land lay on a golden plate which bore the bird’s name intricately carved in silver on the side.

The king spent a few minutes talking to his dream pet and Tenali stood silently beside them not uttering a word. The king seeing that Tenali remained silent asked him “What are you thinking Tenali?” “I am thinking about this parrot my Lord” he replied.

“So what about him? Isn’t he a beauty?” asked the King.

“Yes, I guess he is Lord” replied Raman.

“Of course he is!” There is no doubt about that’s what are you wondering at?” demanded the King.

“I am wondering my Lord, if….” “Well what are you speculating Tenali? Out with it soon. I am fed up with your long pauses and sighs,” said the King, a little impatient that the usual quick was dragging.

“Well, I was wondering whether the bird was happy, my Lord,” replied Raman.

“Happy? You must be out of your mind Tenali!” thundered the King.

“Look at this parrot. Is he not happy? See the finery with which he is surrounded. No other bird has the opportunity to perch on my fingers. No other bird in the entire universe has a cage like this. How dare you say that he is not happy?”

“Forgive me my Lord for contradicting you,” replied Tenali humbly, “but still I think that he is not happy deep within”

“Why on earth do you think so? Has he expressed anything to you?” asked the King a little concerned.

“No, the parrot doesn’t talk to me as he does to you my Lord. But I know that he is not happy. I do agree that your parrot has indeed everything a man could wish for. But he is a bird my Lord. And birds need to be up in the sky and not in a cage. Look at all those birds outside my Lord. I find your parrot looking at them quite often.”

The King looked at the birds outside and said “He may not have the freedom to fly around like them. But he doesn’t have to go searching for his food and shelter like the rest either. He is not unhappy for sure!”

“I may sound impudent my Lord, but I totally disagree with you on this. Birds should be free to fly and soar up in the sky. Golden cages can’t replace the freedom they long for. It’s very lonely for your parrot hereafter you have gone. Just imagine yourself my Lord in this place all shut up till someone comes to see you? Can you really be happy even if you had the best bed to lie on and the best food to eat?”

The King became angry and shouted “How dare you argue with me Tenali? I know for sure that my parrot is happy. I will not agree with you.”

Unmoved by the angry king, Tenali simply replied, “I’ll surely not agree this time with you either my Lord. Your parrot is downright miserable.”

The King couldn’t bare it anymore. He became furious and screamed “Get out of my sight Tenali. I don’t want to see your face ever again.” The King walked out of the room and shut it with a bang. He didn’t go to the court. He missed his lunch, tea and dinner and none including the queen dared to go near him, afraid of his anger.

The next morning the king woke up tired and hungry. His anger had cooled down to a great extent and he wanted to eat well to makeup for the previous day. He summoned his courtiers for food. After a while he heard a knock at the door. The door opened and in front of him stood a strange creature holding his food tray.

The creature wore human clothes but his head was nothing but a blackened pot with 2 holes for the eyes. The king screamed in fright and yelled for his guards. All of them came and stood around the strange black creature not having courage to catch him.

The king asked him,” Who are you? What brings you here to my place?”

From inside the depths of the pot came a meek voice, “My Lord, your loyal servant Tenali Raman”

“Tenali Raman! How dare you come to me? I told you never to show your face again, isn’t it?” thundered the king.

“I have kept your orders my Lord. That’s why I am wearing a pot on my head- to cover my face,” replied the witty minister.

The king was so shocked to find Raman inside the pot that he stood speechless for a moment.

Then his anger melted away and he burst out laughing. He laughed so hard till tears came rolling down his cheeks.

The guards and courtiers, who were terrified to even go near the king the previous day because of his anger, heaved a huge sigh of relief and grinned at each other, well pleased at the change in the Kings mood.

When he calmed down, the king said “Raman! How clever you are! Remove the pot off your head. I need to talk to you.”

The king dismissed the guards and he pulled Raman to his room and said, “”Raman! Please forgive me. I have realized that I was wrong. I thought over whatever you said all through the night. Yes, birds do need their freedom indeed. The first thing we need to do this morning is to set him free. Please forgive me for being so angry with you. I shall never again do so.”

“I am so glad to hear your decision my Lord,” replied Raman removing the pot off his head.

“I hope and pray that your parrot is happy wherever he is. I am sure my Lord that even if you release him, he will come and visit you often in our gardens. He will not forget your friendship though he is free.”

“I hope so Raman! But I will be happy even if he doesn’t return. After all he belongs to the sky and not to a golden cage. And Raman, here is a bag of gold and gift for opening my eyes. Please do feel free to come to me whenever you wish. I am so proud to have you to advise me.”

Handing Raman the bag of gold, the King headed to the other end of his palace to release the parrot.

Story: Tenali Rama & the Gold Coins with Condition

One day, King Krishnadeva Raya was in a good mood. He gave each of his courtiers a bag containing fifty gold coins. The courtiers were thrilled. Just then the king said, "You have to use these gold coins within one week. At the end of the week, you will show me all that you have bought with these gold coins. But there is a condition. Every time you spend some gold coins, you will have to see my face."

All the courtiers were very pleased. They left for the market to do some shopping. But whenever they decided to buy something, they remembered the king's condition. How could they see the king's face in the market? And if they did not see the king's face, they could not spend the gold coins. The courtiers were puzzled. Some of them roamed the market for the whole week. They thought, "If the king himself comes to the market
to buy something, we might get to see his face. And then we can spend the gold coins."

But the king never came to the market. The whole week passed in this way. When the court assembled after a week, the king asked the courtiers, "Well, what did you buy with the gold coins that I had given you?" The royal priest arose from his seat. On behalf of all the courtiers, he said, "Your Majesty, all of us went to the market with great enthusiasm and excitement. We all had our bags of gold coins with us. And we wanted to buy many things! But we could not buy anything at all... Only because of the condition laid down by you. How and where could we see your face in the market?" Pointing towards the bags of gold coins that all the courtiers had brought back, the royal priest said, "Since none of us could see your face in the market, not a single gold coin could be spent."

Hearing this, the king began to laugh. He then asked Tenalirama, "Did you buy anything?" That day, Tenalirama had come to the court wearing new clothes and ornaments. He said, "Your Majesty, Look at this new dhoti... this silk kurta... this beautiful scarf...And this shining ring... I bought all these things with the gold coins given by you." All the courtiers were pleased to hear this. They thought, "Tenalirama did not see the king's face. Yet he spent all the gold coins. He has not fulfilled the condition laid down by the king. Tenalirama will be surely punished today."

The king said, "Tenalirama! You have not fulfilled the condition laid down by me. You did not see my face in the market. Yet you dared to buy these things!" Tenalirama said, "Your Majesty, I have spent every single gold coin only after I saw your face."

The king was surprised. He said, "How is that possible?" Tenalirama said, "Your Majesty, Have you forgotten that every gold coin bears the imprint of your face ?" "Oh..." said the King, rather pleased. He smiled gently. All the courtiers were rendered speechless.

Story: Tenali Rama & Babar's Durbar

At the time when Krishnadevaraya ruled over Vijayanagar, King Babar ruled over Delhi. Tenali was a famous jester in King Krishnadevaraya's royal court. When King Babar heard Tenali's tales of wit and intelligence, he wished to meet him. So he sent a messenger to Vijayangar to request Tenali to visit Delhi. With King Krishnadevaraya's permission Tenali went to Delhi with the messenger.

In Delhi, Tenali was welcomed and settled in the royal guest house. The messenger went to King Babar to inform him about Tenali's arrival. The next day's appointment was fixed between King Babar and Tenali. Babar told his courtiers, "Tenali, the great witty jester from Vijayanagar has come to Delhi. Tomorrow in the royal court none of us must smile or laugh at his jokes. I want to test him as to how he will make us laugh and win a reward."

The courtiers of Dilli Durbar promised not to smile or laugh that day in the court before the guest. At the given time Tenali also arrived in the Dilli Durbar. He told many witty tales and jokes to courtiers and King Babar, but all remained silent. No one even smiled at the jokes. This went on everyday for 15 days. From the sixteenth day Tenali stopped going to Dilli Durbar. He disguised himself and followed the King Babar everywhere to note his daily routine. Babar used to go for stroll by the river Yamuna with his prime minister every morning. On the way they would give gold coins to the poor and the needy beggars. After observing this Tenali made a plan.

Next morning, Tenali dressed up as an old man. He took a spade and a mango sapling and stood by the river Yamuna waiting for Babar's arrival. Seeing him at a distance Tenalis tarted planting the sapling. King Babar came to him and said ,' Old man, you are very old indeed. You wont live long enough to enjoy the fruits of the tree you are planting. Why are you taking so much trouble?' 'Your Majesty, I enjoyed the fruits from the trees planted by my ancestors. This tree's fruits will be enjoyed by the others . I find joy in giving to others. I am not planting this to myself.'

The king was impressed by the reply and gave a bag full of gold coins. The old man thanked him and said,' Your Majesty you are indeed a great and kind king. People get the fruits when the tree has grown but you have given me the fruit of my labors even before I had planted the sapling. The thoughts of helping others has really benefited me.'

"I like this thought of yours. You can now take this second bag of gold coins as a reward", King Babar said. Raman replied "Oh, Your Majesty, This tree will bear fruits once in a year only but before it has been planted you have filled my arms with fruits of joys twice". King Babar said, "I like your thoughts and impressed by them" and gave the third bag too to old man.

Now the prime minister got worried and said to king, "Your majesty let's leave now, this man is too intelligent. His witty remarks will claim all the royal wealth from you". King Babar laughed and got ready to walk away. At this time the old man said, "Your Majesty, can you give me just a look?".

When Babar turned to look, he saw Tenali holding a false beard in his hands. King Babar burst out in laughing on seeing what Tenali had been up to. He said, "I am pleased, Tenali. You have truly proved that you are witty and a great jester".

King Babar called Tenali to the court and gave him many more royal rewards. When Tenali returned to Vijayanagar, King Krishnadevaraya was proud to see how Tenali had saved grace. Tenali smiled and said, "So, Your Majesty I am fit for a reward from you too". King Krishnadeva Raya agreed with a smile and gave Tenali ten thousand gold coins as a reward.

Story: Tenali Rama & the Promoted Barber

The Royal Barber's only task was to give king Krishnadeva Raya his daily shave.

One day when he arrived to do his job, king krishnadeva Raya was still asleep. The barber gave him a shave even as he slept. On waking up, the king was happy at the barber's skill of shaving a sleeping man.

The king was pleased and told the barber to ask for anything of his choice. To this, the barber said , " Your Majesty, I would like to serve you as a minister in the Royal court." The king agreed to the barber's wish.

As the news of the barber spread around, the other ministers became worried. They thought that an uneducated man at the minister's post may misuse the powers he held. They went to Tenali with the problem. Tenali assured them of his help.

Next day when the king went by the river, he was surprised to see Tenali scrubbing hard bathing a black dog. When the king asked what he was doing, Tenali replied, "Your Majesty I am trying to convert a black dog into a white one by scrubbing it hard just as a barber took the post of the minister."

On hearing this, the king realized what Tenali was hinting at. That day, in the court, he appointed barber back into his position.

Story: Tenali Rama & Krishnaleela drama

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

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

Tenali agreed and rushed to the audience hall. There another guard blocked his way and Tenali promised him half of the reward the king gives to him. Finally he reached the hall and saw the dance program going on.

He ran up to the artists and picking up a stick began to hit the chief actor. On seeing this, the king got annoyed and ordered a hundred lashes to Tenali.

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

Raman whispered something into the attendant's ear. He returned with the two guards. Raman proceeded " I am honor bond to share with them what you wish to give me ". And he told the king how he gained entry in to the hall.

The king was at once angry and amused. He ordered fifty lashes each to the attendants and dismissed them. Then he turned to Raman and said " I am grateful to you for exposing these rogues. you shall receive a bag of gold for your efforts."

Story: Tenali Rama & the Horse Trader

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

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

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

Two weeks passed and the King saw no sign of the trader. He was growing a little impatient and went out into his garden for a stroll to take his mind off the trader. He saw Raman sitting in the corner of his gardens, feverishly writing something on a sheet of paper.

" What are you writing Raman?" he asked. Raman continued to write without looking up. The King was very curious and demanded " I command that you show me what you are writing immediately." "Well sir, you may not like it, but I'm making a list of greatest fools in the empire", said Raman.

The Emperor was astonished at the reply. "Hand over the paper to me" he said." I need to see the names in there. I am sure that the list you have written must be quite sensible and true.

Raman handed over the paper and within a moment he heard the Kings voice thundering, " How dare you write my name on top of the list Raman? Isn't this the height of impudence to your King? I demand an explanation. You think I am a fool indeed!"

"Any man who would give 5000 gold coins to a complete stranger and expect him to return, is a fool!" replied Raman.

"Oh! so that's what is troubling you" said the Emperor." You think the man won't return. What if he does? You are wrong then"

"In that case", said Raman with a twinkle in his eye," I'll scratch out your name and put his there" The King understood the wise words behind Raman's wit and never again made any major decisions without consulting his beloved courtier.

Story: Tenali Rama & the dream palace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Story: Tenali Rama & the Messenger

The kingdom of Vijaynagar had not been enjoying good relations with its neighbouring state for a very long time. Jealous opponents of Tenali Rama, the king's minister, found it the perfect opportunity to damage his reputation. So they went about poisoning Krishnadeva Raya's mind against him.

One day, when the king sat in his chamber pondering over the affairs of the state, one of his courtiers came up and whispered into his ear: "Your Majesty, have you heard the latest?"

The king was surprised and exclaimed: "No, I have not! What's going on?"

In his gravest voice, the courtier answered: "Your majesty, I will tell you only after you promise not to harm me."

"Don't be silly," laughed the king. "Say whatever you want to; you need not be afRayad of me."

"Your Majesty, Tenali is on the payroll of the neighbouring king. He has been spying on us for them."

"What are you talking about?" asked the king angrily.

"I told you, your Majesty. This has been going on for a long time. But you would not listen to a word against Tenali. He has cast such a spell on you that you refuse to even think that he might betray you."

"Tenali Rama is faithful to the kingdom. He cannot do this. You have been misinformed," the king replied with confidence.

But the courtier convinced the king to regard the statement with some gravity and not dismiss it outright. Those were times of great intrigue.

"Your majesty, I am fully confident about the truth of my information. Do you think I would have spoken to you without verifying such the information?" said the courtier.

Now the king was obliged to turn the statement over in his mind. He promised to get the matter investigated and said that if Tenali Rama was found guilty, he would be punished.

The king sent for Tenali Rama the following day. Without wasting time on preliminaries, he asked the minister whether he was in league with the neighbouring state.

The question shocked Tenali Rama so much that he was stunned and could not say anything.

When Krishnadeva Raya found him silent, he became angry and thundered: "Your silence says you accept the charge."

Deeply hurt that the king could doubt his loyalty, Tenali Rama said he refused to answer to such a preposterous charge.

This made the king even more angry. He ordered Tenali Rama to leave his kingdom.

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 pRayase 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 Rama in his court. "Raja Krishnadeva Raya 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 Raya 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 Raya 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 Raya 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 Raya 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 pRayase 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 Raya 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.

Story: Tenali Rama & the Brinjal

King Krishnadeva Raya 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.

Eddie Murphy in Nutty professor

We all speak so great about one actor doing double roles.. and here you see Eddie Murphy doing not just one, SEVEN roles.. and believe me, it was not until years after i saw the movie that i realised this factor. He was just so natural and so fitting in every one of those roles - man, woman, stout, lean, old, young and what not..

Just sharing a clip from my fav movie..so you get to see Eddie .. watch out for the slide in between which shows the names of seven different characters he does, and see them all in this short clip as well. Hope you enjoy this beauty!

Cheers
P.K.Hari

Story: Tenali Rama & 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 Raya, 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 Raya 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.

Story: Tenali Rama & the Rayalu's poem

Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu and his court Bhuvana Vijayam comprising Ashta Diggajas was taken as a model by many kings and kingdoms in and out of the Indian sub-continent. Rayalu was known for his fondness towards literature and his patronage towards poets and composers.

The Ashta Diggajas in Bhuvana Vijayam are Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Dhurjati, Madayya Gari Mallana, Pingali Surana, Tenali Rama Krishnudu, Ayyala Raju Rama Bhadrudu and Rama Raja Bhushanudu.

Rayalu was compared to one of the greatest ever kings of the country King Bhoja, for his inclination towards developing literature and composition. Rayalu himself was a scholar in Sanskrit, Telugu (Andhra) and Kannada. Most famous among the Telugu compositions of Rayalu were Amuktha Malyada, and Vishnu Chitheeyamu. Both the compositions were based on God Vishnu’s devotees.

Life sketch of devotee Vishnu Chitha, Goda Devi’s devotion and God’s testing were the key elements. Goda Devi was a devotee of Lord Krishna right from her childhood. She adored Him ad finally she marries Lord Krishna. The heartfelt expressions of Goda Devi about the Lord Krishna and her lifestyle were decoratively in Amuktha Malyada. Though Amuktha Malyada was written in Telugu, it was majorly filled with usages of Sanskrit language and was not generally understandable by the common people. However, the scholars and persons with proficiency in Sanskrit applauded the book. They appreciated the expression of feelings, narration style and presentations of grammar and usages.

A criticism was in circulation about Amuktha Malyada during those days. It was said that Allasani Peddana authored it and named to be written by Rayalu. Critics also cited a line from sonnets written in both Amuktha Malyada and Manu Charithram starting with “Neela Meghamu Daalu Deelu Cheyu Gajalu…”.

Allasani Peddana wrote Manu Charitram, sometime later to Rayalu writing Amuktha Malyada. There was also a discussion that Allasani Peddana with high regards to King Rayalu took the sonnet and presented it as it was written in Amuktha Malyada. Anyway, the criticism and discussion for and against Amuktha Malyada went on for quite sometime.

One day, Rayalu during the literature discussion in Bhuvana Vijayam asked the present poets and experts to comment over Amuktha Malyada. No one knew what the King actually wished to hear from the gathering. Almost all the renowned poets and scholars did not dare comment either for or against the book of Rayalu, thinking not to lose the place and position in the Bhuvana Vijayam.

Waiting for some time, Raman raised. In a single sentence he said that he carried no two feelings about the book.

He furthered, “My Lord! A right critic will never bother who the author was. The critic will always be concentrating about the subject, presentation, narration and standards of language. Any criticism should be based on the occasion. It is also to be recalled that for any matter there definitely will be both constructive and destructive criticism in the world.”

Rayalu asked Raman to first explain the lacunae in the book. Raman commented there were one or two usages that were irrelevant to the context of the situation. Rayalu was irritated on listening this. “Ramakrishna! Don’t you note the circumstances to wit on? I’m not convinced with your sarcastic comment. Refer to the text and pass the comment carefully quoting it,” roared the King.

The whole court was silent and the King’s tone echoed in. Raman took out a copy of Amuktha Malyada and recited a stanza from the text,

“Aanishtha nidhi geha seema nadu reyalinchinan mroyunem,

the nagendra sayananu punya kathalum divya prabandhanu sam,

dhana dhyanamu naasthi sakaluhuthansthushna thanasthapu va,

po nasthyo danaleshtavam chaknapaya bhokthavya mastalkulu”

“Referring to the last two lines of the above stanza I recited, I feel that it was like asking a guest to have lunch from a plate that is not served with any eatables. The situation is different here and this explains something different, which is irrelevant” said Raman. All the members of the Bhuvana Vijayam looked at Raman appreciating. Still, they were worried what would be the reaction of King Rayalu on this straight criticism on his book.

Rayalu reacted strange to the expectations of the courtiers. With his natural affection and inclination to constructive criticism and especially scholars, “Raman! That was good to note your evaluation style. You are right. There definitely will be constructive and destructive criticisms on any material. I request all the members of the Bhuvana Vijayam to take Raman as model and express their comments freely on any book or composition. There is no need to consider who is the author and what is his or her status.”

The courtiers continued to shower their appreciations long even after the court was adjourned for the day.

This was the courage, cleverness and presence of mind Raman had.

Story: Tenali Rama & Rama Raja Bhushana

It was one of those finest days at Bhuvana Vijayam. King Rayalu along with his Ashta Diggajas was enjoying the literary discussion session that day.

Rama Raja Bhushana was known to be a romantic poet, authoring prose and poetry reciting women and their beauty. Rayalu asked Rama Raja Bhushana to frame a stanza on the beauty of women, extempore.

Rama Raja Bhushana rose from his seat and thought for a second or two and immediately composed,

“Naanaa soona vithavai vaasanala naa ghraaenchu saarangame
Laa nannolla datanchu gandha phalithabal, kakan bondiyo
Shaa naasaa kruthii booni sarva sumassourabha samvasamai
Poonen brekshana maalika madhukaree punjambui lirvankalakun”
Rayalu was impressed about the way Rama Raja Bhushana described the beauty of woman instantly. Pleased over, Rayalu appreciated him and felicitated him with one thousand gold coins.

Raman, as everyone knows is not for sitting quite on any happening. He sprung off his seat to say, “My Lord, Rama Raja Bhushana bought this poem from Nandi Thimmanna for one thousand gold coins. It is surprising how come you know the exact price of the deal. It would not be profitable to him if you pay him exactly the same price at which he purchased…”

Hearing this the total gathering immersed in laughter. Rama Raja Bhushana had no way to counter Raman, though he wished to, as the damage was already done. He could only manage sitting calm grinding his teeth on Raman.

Some days later, one fine evening Rama Raja Bhushana along with his disciple was passing through the street in which Nandi Thimmana’s residence was located. A subject discussion was going on in Thimmana’s house during that time. Rama Raja Bhushana could locate Raman from distance, participating in the discussions.

Loudly Rama Raja Bhushana told his disciple describing the session as,

“Vaakila Kaavali Thimmana
Vaakita Kavi Koti Maadhavakitakaade”
The sarcastic poetry described that the session was like an assembly of pigs that gathered near the threshold of Nandi Thimmana.

Hearing this, Raman picked up the tone in which Rama Raja Bhushana was speaking. Immediately he stopped the discussion and said,

“Prakrutha, Sanskrutha, Ghaarjhura
mookee krutha kukavi thunga mustha thathikin
Vaakila Kaavali Thimmana
Vaakita Kavi Koti Maadhavakitakaade”

This meant that the discussion session would resemble similar to the gathering of pigs, for those who composes prose and poetry with a mixture of nonsense, brutal language, and irrelevant issues.

Rama Raja Bhushana taking the meaning immediately rushed off the place along with his disciple.

That was how Raman humiliated Rama Raja Bhushana.

Lion King - Circle of Life

Is there any better way of depicting the need for peaceful co-existence? This certainly is one of my favories.. Am sure all would just love this inspirational piece.

Story: Tenali Rama & the poem on fleet of elephants

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 Raman. Rayalu was renowned as Andhra Bhoja and Poets’ Paradise. With his inherent qualities of wit and sarcasm, Raman 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 Raman’s association with the King Rayalu. Whenever there is a possibility, those courtiers, and Rama Raja Bhushana had been working out for damaging Raman’s image and sling mud on him before the King. Raman efficiently countered these efforts and trials of courtiers all the time.

At one stage, as these personalities were unable to compete with Raman in wit and ingenuity decided to humiliate Raman. They handed over the responsibility of insulting Raman 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 Raman at the entrance itself. The line was “Kunjara Yudhambu Doma Kuthuka Jochen” meaning an elephants’ fleet is stuck in a mosquito’s throat.

Raman 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 Raman 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. Raman 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, Raman 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 Raman disgraced them with the poem at the main entrance. After listening to all the details narrated by the guards, Rayalu ordered Raman to extempore compose a poem taking the same end line with a situation in Mahabharatha.

Raman 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 Raman for his ingenuity and wit filled narration. In the full house, Rayalu hugged Raman and appreciated him agreeing that Raman’s words are like double-edged swords. This state of affairs brought Raman more close to Rayalu.

All the attempts to trap Raman 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 Raman’s intelligence whirlwind.

Funny speech from 3 Idiots

So wonderful, that you would not come out of the fun even hours after watching this... :)

For those who have not seen the movie, just keep this in mind - before the speech begins, Aamir Khan does a couple of Find & Replace in the prepared speech - like "Chamatkaar" to "Balaatkaar" and so on.. and the guy who is to carry out the speech, unaware of the changes and their intended meaning, just goes ahead to deliver this master speech without understanding the consequences.. :)

Story: Tenali Rama & Thilakashta Mahishabhandanam

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. Sastry’s 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 Raman was seated in all ease and pleasant. Raman 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 Raman. However, recollecting that he is present in the royal court of King Rayalu stopped himself from doing so.

Gazing Raman top to bottom sarcastically said, “Do you think that I am no good at that stupid…verses? Do you consider even that a scholarship?”

Instantly replied Raman, “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, “Raman, are there two categories as stupid poetry and bright poetry?”

“That was your statement, Rama Sastry!” Raman bounced back, “you asked me whether I think you are no good in stupid verses. That’s 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.

Raman 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 don’t have to hesitate any more.”

“What is the grammatical rule and theory to be followed for a word, ‘Thriyambaka’” Raman furnished his suspicion.

Rama Sastry moved his body as if he was in laughter within. Later, he said that “is that a doubt? Don’t 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?” Raman 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 Raman 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. Raman was not seen, and noticing this Rama Sastry grinned within. Sastry thought Raman was scared and was not present. Just then, Raman 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 Raman surprisingly. After the King waved for continuation of the debate and discussion, Rama Sastry questioned, “Raman can I know what is the title of the book you carried in?” Raman 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!” Raman said, “Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam! Haven’t 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, Raman 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! Raman 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, “It’s 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 competitor’s 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 Raman, Rayalu said it was an excellent performance.

“Raman!” Rayalu asked, “Recite to the court some good contents of the book you brought along, Thilakashta Mahisha Bandhanam, to the court.”

“Hahahahah…Hahhahaha…” Raman 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.

Raman 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 Raman and felicitated him for protecting the reputation of Bhuvana Vijayam. That was how, Raman won the battle long before drawing any sword!

Story: Tenali Rama & 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 Raman. In a group all the learned people went to Raman’s residence to see him.

Raman was little surprised to see all of them together at his threshold. Clipping some smiles on his lips, Raman 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,

“Raman! 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 Raman. You should plunge into action for a right solution to this problem.”

Raman 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…” Raman assured them, “All of you had put a heavy and burdensome job on my shoulders…Let me see what can I do about this. This is all the blessings of the Goddess Kali. You don’t worry; I will take care of Thathacharya and his Vaishnavite proudness.”

Though Raman personally watched Thathacharya’s 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?’ Raman 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 Raman to his private chamber in the palace.

Raman was present before the King as quickly as possible after hearing the call.

“Raman!” King Rayalu said in a low tone, “I wish to discuss an important issue with you.”

“Yes My Lord, as you Please!” Raman 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 Raman.

Raman 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, Raman was overwhelmed with joy. He was waiting for a right opportunity and it has come through his way in the form of King’s order. The next morning Raman went to see Thathacharya. No sooner Raman approached the main gate, he could see Thathacharya coming out of the house. While approaching the gate, Thathacharya watching Raman standing there took his upper garment and started covering his face. Raman 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?”

“Raman!” 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 don’t reveal anywhere.”

Raman 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 don’t have to worry about this. Now, if you permit me I will take leave” “Go ahead”, Thathacharya sent him off.

On way home, Raman 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 Raman waiting for an opportunity. On the eleventh day, King Rayalu along with Thathacharya, Ashta Diggajas and other scholars visited a garden on the outskirts 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, Raman 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, “Raman 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 Thathacharya’s brother-in-law. That one his grandfather, that stout one is his maternal uncle and the one with those spots is Thathacharya’s father.”

Raman 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 Raman in his private chamber for treating the royal master with a right lesson.

Note: This story is only meant to be taken as a punishment to someone who has a stained vision and divides the Smarthas and Vaishnavas, and not as something to create enmity between these two classes.

Story: Tenali Rama & Wedding of the wells

During the period when Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was ruling the Vijaya Nagar Empire with Hampi as his capital, Mohammedan Sultans were ruling Delhi. The Sultans were powerful and were ruling many parts of Northern India. They were always attempting to invade on Hindu ruled kingdoms and grab them into their fold. For declaring war the Sultans used to find one or the other ploy.

The Delhi Sultan once got an idea to insult and instantly he sent a wedding invitation to Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu. Going through the contents of the invitation, the royal court Bhuvana Vijayam and the King Rayalu went speechless. The invitation read as:

Wedding Invitation
We propose to perform marriage to the newly dug Well in our kingdom. We have the pleasure of inviting all the wells in your kingdom to attend the ritual and their (the wells) presence is solicited.
Sd/-
The Sultan of Delhi.
Delhi
Date:XX/XX/XXXX

The tremor did not stop there. A warning letter was attached along with the invitation. The warning letter said that in case the King failed to send all the wells in the concerned kingdom, such action would be treated as an insult and will be liable to face the fury of the Delhi sultan.

Rayalu, on receiving the invitation along with the letter through a personal messenger from the Sultan of Delhi could not understand what to do about this invitation. This is because; everyone knew that sending wells from one place to another is practically above impossible. Rayalu was in total confusion what to do and what to reply. Thinking for sometime to find a solution to this problem, in vain, Rayalu forwarded the puzzling wedding invitation and warning letter to the Chief Minister Thimmarusu and sent a message to come out with a viable solution.

Thimmarusu found the invitation to be too strange and the problem like a complex puzzle. What an invitation? Thimmarusu thought, inviting wells of Vijaya Nagar Empire to the wedding of a well at Delhi! Even Thimmarusu could not draw out any thought close to solution that can be effective in avoiding any rift between the two kingdoms.

Thimmarusu approached King Rayalu and expressed his inability to draw out any solution. Rayalu was much more tensed on hearing his Chief Minister. Then, Thimmarusu convinced Rayalu that there was no need to get so much worried, as there is a man in the service of the King, who can draw a best amicable equation. Rayalu asked about the person Thimmarusu was referring to. Immediately, Thimmarusu told the King that it was none other than poet Ramakrishna.

Taking the King’s permission, Thimmarusu headed to Ramakrishna’s residence and explained the whole sequence along with the worries of the King Rayalu. Ramakrishna in a cool fashion studied the invitation and the warning letter. He told Thimmarusu, “Dear Chief Minister Thimmarusu! The Delhi Sultan must be attempting to humiliate the Hindu rituals and customs. You know Hindus have a ritual of performing enlivening (Prathistha) to the newly dug wells. A wonderful thought must have struck the Sultan’s mind to perform marriage to the well instead of prathistha to the well.”

He continued thinking for a moment, “There is no problem either with the invitation or the warning letter. There is nothing to worry. You go home peacefully and relax.” Ramakrishna assured Thimmarusu, “I will give out the best solution to this problem in the Bhuvana Vijayam tomorrow.”

As usual, the Bhuvana Vijayam started its session the next morning, but there was no charm or shine in anyone’s face including the King Rayalu. All of them were worried about the solution to the Delhi Sultan’s created problem. Amid the gloomy atmosphere, Ramakrishna rose from his seat and started reading a reply prepared by him on behalf of King Rayalu to Delhi Sultan,

To His Excellency, the Sultan of Delhi…
We acknowledge your invitation inviting our wells for the wedding of a well in your kingdom. We are glad and grateful that you remembered us for the memorable occasion. On receiving your invitation, we immediately read the message to all the wells in our Kingdom. Those wells are resenting your wells, as they did not attend their (wells in Vijaya Nagar Empire) wedding.

Hence, we keep you informed that if your wells personally come to Vijaya Nagar and invite, our wells will definitely oblige the invitation. Therefore, you are requested to send your wells here to invite our wells personally to the wedding ritual. Once your wells come here, our wells and we together will come to Delhi for the wedding.

Hoping to welcome your wells at the earliest,

Yours' sincerely,
Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu,
"Vijaya Nagar Ruler"
Vijaya Nagaram (Hampi)
Date:XX/XX/XXXX

The total gathering of the Bhuvana Vijayam cheered at once on hearing the reply intellectually composed by Ramakrishna and appreciated him.

This reply was sent to Delhi Sultan with a personal messenger. Sultan of Delhi was shocked with the reply received and questioned the messenger, “how can we send the wells with you?” Receiving no reply from the messenger, without any second thought Sultan dropped the proposals of humiliating Hindu rituals along with the thought of waging war unnecessarily on Hindu ruled kingdoms.

Moreover, the Sultan appreciating the intelligence and wit King Rayalu had in replying his invitation and warning, sent many gifts with the messenger to Rayalu.

Tenali Raman once again proved that any tough situation can be handled easily, if you approach it with a calm mind, rather than by getting worked up.

Software Process & Thiruvilayadal

Another nice piece of fun..once more, spoof of a tamil movie..

Part 1 of 2



Part 2 of 2

Story: Tenali Rama & Thathacharya

Tenali Raman clearly understood that Thathacharya was furious on him. He is just a court poet, while Thathacharya is the royal family teacher and priest. If Raman tried to confront directly with Thathacharya, that might ruin him similar to the situation, a lamb smashing her head when it collided with a mountain to knock it down.

Analysing all the situations in detail and taking comparison of the strengths, Raman decided to encounter Thathacharya with intelligence and not directly waging a war in the open.

Since then, Raman started enquiring about the weaknesses of Thathacharya. In this process, one day Raman managed to speak in isolation with Thathacharya’s night watchman Bhadrudu. Carrying a small package in hand, Raman addressed him, “Hey you, Bhadrudu! If you can give me a small information, all the 100 Varahas in this package will be yours.”

Bhadrudu’s eyes sparkled on hearing ‘100 Varahas’. It was equal to his two months salary and instantly he started calculating about what he could do with that sum. Raman intercepted his thinking, “What are you thinking?”

“Nothing Sir! What should I reveal to you?” he asked in a humble tone. Bhadrudu carefully caught the package thrown at him while Raman asked him, “Nothing very important. Tell me what is the schedule of our master Thathacharya after dusk, that’s all.”

Bhadrudu did not smell anything wrong about Raman enquiring about Thathacharya and immediately replied, “There is no daily night routine for the Master Sir. However, twice a week, he goes towards the East Street after its dark and returns in the early hours. Ah! By the way, this night he will go on his way to the East Street.”

“That’s alright Bhadrudu! Keep this matter within you, as a secret,” stating this Raman left the place briskly.

That night Raman reached the East Street before Thathacharya passed through and stood under the shade of a big tree by the side of the street. After waiting for sometime, he could spot Thathacharya walking into the street from a distance. Raman started shadowing him in the darkness until he walked into the house of a sex worker. Reaching close, Raman could hear the door being locked from inside in the silence of the night. This was what I am waiting for, Raman said to himself and sat in front of the house.

While Raman was waiting, Thathacharya came out of the prostitute’s house just before the dawn when it was still little dark. Immediately, Raman rushed and stood before him. “Good Morning! Master Thathacharya! I now understood the saying ‘Demons chanting hymns’. I will make your secret to everyone and expose your real nature,” he threatened Thathacharya.

Thathacharya started shivering on hearing Raman. It would be the end of respect if he exposed this matter before the elite class, he should be persuaded not to do so. Thathacharya thinking so said, “My Dear Raman! You are my dearest of the disciples. Please do not remember this after we leave this place. I will do good to you. I will give you whatever you wish for.”

Jumping with joy within himself, Raman thought that was the time to take revenge out of him. “Dear master! I have a wish to sit on your shoulders for a distance, since long. Please carry me on your shoulders for a distance and I will forget about all this,” Raman announced.

‘If I don’t do what he says, I should lose hopes on retaining the reputation. Then, it will be like swimming all the seven seas and dying in the pothole in the backyard. I am little blessed, it is still dark, I cannot be so easily spotted by people if I carry him now itself.” So went on Thathacharya’s thinking and making Raman sit on his shoulders started walking down the street and was passing through a street close to King Rayalu’s bedroom in the palace.

Exactly during that time King Rayalu woke up early and was strolling in the balcony. In the loosening darkness, the King identified Thathacharya carrying someone on his shoulder. Immediately he called his gatemen and ordered them, “you fellows! Look at the man carrying another man down there on the street. Bring the person sitting on the shoulders of the carrying man kicking and hitting him from there, to me.” Immediately, the soldiers sprung into action. The always alert and wise Raman understood the situation and got off the shoulders. “Master Thathacharya! Kindly pardon me. I am a sinner by riding your shoulders, a learned man. Now, let me be relieved of at least part of the sin by carrying you on my shoulders.” Somehow, though Thathacharya was hesitant, Raman managed to convince, shouldered Thathacharya, and started walking.

Hardly walking a few yards, the soldiers appeared before them and threw Thathacharya on the ground from Raman’s shoulders. From there, they started dragging him to the King’s presence kicking and hitting him mercilessly. Raman with a great effort managed to stop his joy flowing from inside, said to the soldiers, “What are you doing soldiers? Whom do you think you are beating up? He is Royal Family teacher Thathacharya. It is not fair for you to do so with him. You leave him, hear my words…”

The soldiers replied Raman with a rough tone, “Go on! Go your way! Get away from here. We are doing this on the King’s orders” and pulled Thathacharya to the presence of the King.

Rayalu was furious on noticing Thathacharya being booted by the soldiers. “You Stupids! What did I tell you and what are you doing? You all should be beheaded for humiliating revered Thathacharya.”

Shivering soldiers bowed to the King and pleaded, “Oh My Lord! It was not our mistake, when we entered the street taking your order; Thathacharya was on the shoulders of poet Raman and we following your orders dragged him here. That is it all. You can confirm this with Master Thathacharya before beheading us.”

Thathacharya was in a big soup. If the whole story was narrated, it again links with the night haul. If that comes out, it is the beginning of the end. With great pain Thathacharya told, “My Dear King! They were right Raman was carrying me on his shoulders.”

Rayalu regretted for the happening and asked the soldiers leave the place without punishing them. Later, he got Thathacharya treated for the wounds he suffered on taking the beating of the soldiers.

Raman crookedly was in all laughter the whole day for giving Thathacharya a right lesson.

Vivek's wonderful creative piece

Such a wonderful performance by Vivek - posing as Vairamuthu and narrating the age old crow story. Rib-tickling fun !!

Titanic Movie Spoof by GCT

Another wonderful piece by GCT Coimbatore - this spoof is a mix of Titanic and Ghilli (Tamil Movie). Enjoy.. !

Story: Tenali Rama & the 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 by name 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 lady’s “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, Ramakrishna 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 Ramakrishna 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 Ramakrishna 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.”

Ramakrishna thought, ‘Oh! Kanchana Mala is that highly impious.’ He said to the persons around him, “That being the case, I should definitely compete with her…by the way…what 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!” Ramakrishna 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” Ramakrishna said and headed towards his accommodation. Not one, but all of them got up to inform Kanchana Mala about Ramakrishna’s compliance to recite Ramayana at her residence thinking, ‘Yes! Now the time has come for breaking her.’

Ramakrishna, in the evening attired in a disguise went to Kanchana Mala’s 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 Ramakrishna. “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” Ramakrishna sarcastically stated. She agreed to it and the story began.

Ramakrishna 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, Rama’s marriage with Seetha breaking Lord Shiva’s bow, and Rama’s migration to forests along with Seetha and Lakshmana on stepmother Kaika’s wish.

Ramakrishna 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, Ramakrishna 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.”

“Hehehehe…yeah please continue, I am in fact waiting for that,” she said.

Ramakrishna 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 mountain’s 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.” Ramakrishna in a commanding tone, “I told you not to hinder me in the middle. Now shut your mouth, Listen completely…” jumping like an ape, Ramakrishna 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 Mala’s clothes and ignited almost all the clothes and inflammables in the house. While Mala was attempting to extinguish fire on her clothes, Ramakrishna 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, Ramakrishna 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. Ramakrishna’s 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, Ramakrishna reached there without any tension appearing on his face.

The Judge questioned Ramakrishna, “What is your answer to her allegations?” Ramakrishna 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, Ramakrishna 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 Ramakrishna 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. Ramakrishna received all the appreciations from the people of the town.

Story: Tenali Rama & Mahabharata

In olden days, Mohammedans ruled parts of the sub-continent with Delhi as their capital for over two centuries. Few of the Mohammedan rulers maintained patience towards Hindu rituals and maintained communal harmony encouraging Hindu scholars and prophets.

Delhi was in Adil Shah’s rule concurrently while Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was ruling Vijaya Nagar. A war broke out between the two kingdoms for supremacy over one another. At one stage, both the rulers felt there was a need to establish peace in the region. Adil Shah invited Rayalu to Delhi for finalising the peace treaty.

Hoping to utilise the opportunity to establish a cordial relation between the two empires, Rayalu headed for Delhi with a big team comprising of poets, dancers, scholars and others. At Delhi, Adil Shah gave red carpet welcome to Rayalu. During the pleasant rounds of discussions, Adil Shah urged the scholars and poets from the Rayalu band to recite some sequences from the epic Mahabharat.

The visitors recited several sequences to please the Delhi Sultan. It was then that trouble shot up for the Vijaya Nagar ruler. Adil Shah expressed his wish and requested Rayalu to make his men rewrite the Mahabharat portraying him and his friends as Pandavas and his rivals as Kauravas. The total visiting team was shocked to hear the Sultan. They somehow managed to close the day’s meeting immediately.

Rayalu was worried about the development. He called for an emergency meeting with the learned persons of his team. In the meeting, he sought suggestions from them to avert the problem. Everyone started scratching their heads to find an amicable solution. None could come out with any concrete proposal. After watching all this, suddenly Ramakrishna raised and put his proposal before Rayalu.

He said, “My Lord! I think there is not much for you or us to get so much worried and burdened about the Delhi Sultan’s wish about Mahabharat. You please leave the problem onto my shoulders and have a relaxed sleep. I will solve the problem without any problem.” The King Rayalu had his own doubts about the safety of the kingdom and its people.

“Ramakrishna…” Rayalu said, “…I am aware that you are a genius. However, it is not a common situation. Dealing with the Delhi Sultan is not an easy job. It is similar to fete on the edge of a sword. You should be very careful!” He was worried that if the problem was not dealt properly, there was a chance that Delhi Sultan might declare a war on Vijaya Nagar.

Ramakrishna was stiff to his argument and assured everyone to leave the matter to him. The big heads of the meeting could not comprehend how Ramakrishna was confident that he could solve this ‘so easily!’ Anyway, they told each other, as we could not come out with any proposal for the solution, let him handle this. The meeting finally nominated Ramakrishna to take care of the situation.

Next morning, the court was packed with both the rulers and their henchmen. Adil Shah recalled his wish about re-composing of the Mahabharat. Ramakrishna rose from his seat and saluted the Sultan. “Huzoor! All of our poets are into the job assigned by your majesty’s wish. However, every one of us is stuck at one specific issue. It is not proper for us to discuss the subject in the court. If you can kindly permit me, I wish to present the poking issue before you in private.”

Adil Shah thought that there should really be some problem and consented for the one-on-one meeting with Ramakrishna in a separate room. Ramakrishna folding hands and presenting all respects to the Sultan in his words started, “Your Highness! You are the king of kings! It was our pleasure to know about your inclination about our epics like Mahabharat. The poets and scholars started re-composing the whole epic, in accordance to your majesty’s wish. You are being portrayed as Dharmaraja, eldest of Pandavas and your friends as Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.”

Ramakrishna paused a second and continued, “This is where we had to scratch our brains…” However he was not forth coming with the problem. Adil Shah waited and when it was clear that he has to get it out of Ramakrishna he ordered, “What is the problem? Tell me clearly and quickly."

“You are aware Huzoor! That Pandavas are five. All the five were married to Draupadi and were sharing her equally…” Ramakrishna stressed, “We are unable to portray your image as Dharmaraja in this regard, thinking about the prestige of the King of Kings….”

Long before Ramakrishna could complete, Adil Shah hastened to say, “Stop this nonsense now. I cannot take this anymore. Stop rewriting Mahabharat immediately. I can never accept this.”

Ramakrishna tried to say… “Huzoor! We started to work as per your wish…now, how can we turn away from the word given to you by us…we…” “Look Poet!” Adil Shah raised his voice, “you should drop the Mahabharat topic as of now if you wish the friendship and co-operation between the two kingdoms to last long. Is that clear” and walked off the room.

Ramakrishna bubbling with joy returned to his King Rayalu and his bandwagon of delegation and explained the whole sequence. Everyone including Rayalu appreciated the sharp intelligence and presence of mind Ramakrishna had in solving the toughest problem just like that!

Yet again, Ramakrishna proved that timely sense of wit can be very handy in problem-solving.

Kakka Kakka Spoof by GCT Coimbatore

Part 1 of 3


Part 2 of 3


Part 3 of 3

Story: Tenali Rama & Thousand Gold Coins

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

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

Days were passing like this. One morning, a vendor with a load of firewood on his head started shouting in front of her house, “Firewood…strong firewood…excess heat generating firewood…” he continued the sequence for sometime. Vidyullatha thinking that his noise was growing unbearable walked on to the threshold and enquired, “How much do you sell the load for?”

An instant reply came from the vendor, “I will not sell this for money. If you can give me a handful grain I will give you the entire load.” Assuring him to give more grains, Vidyullatha ordered him to dump the load in the backyard and return to collect the grains. The vendor unloaded the weight off his head then and there started to argue, “There is no bargain in this deal Madam! I will sell this to you only if you can give me a handful grain, did you get it” he stressed, “a handful grain.” The rich woman got disgusted with the vendor’s behaviour, “Hey you bloody vendor. Stop crying, I will give you what you wanted.” She said, “Throw them in the backyard and come here.”

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

Vidyullatha yelled at him, “What nonsense are you trying to talk?” The vendor replied on par with her, “There is not any nonsense. I told you the price, you agreed for it and now if you cannot pay the price, stand by my wish. You should give the one thousand gold coins. That is it.”

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

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

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

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

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

The people of the region knew about this and told themselves that the years old proudness of Vidyullatha was shattered to pieces in a single stroke. By the way, the vendor was Tenali Ramakrishna.

On hearing about the problem Vidyullatha created with her hoarding, Ramakrishna took due permission from the King Rayalu to take her to task. In the guise of firewood vendor, Ramakrishna fulfilled his responsibility in all success.