Tenali Ramakrishna stories are like moral stories that teach us ways to deal with life challenges with humor, intelligence, strategy, dharma, and affection.

King Krishna Deva Raya, a prominent ruler of the Tuluva dynasty, reigned over the Vijayanagara empire in India. One morning, after completing his rituals, he called for Tenali Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna arrived at the palace and inquired about the king’s early summons.

“Ramakrishna,” said the king, “Let’s take a tour of the city. I want to make donations to Brahmins.”

“As you command, Your Majesty. Allow me to return home and change into royal attire,” replied Ramakrishna.

Ramakrishna went home, adorned himself in royal clothing, and returned to the palace. Krishna Deva Raya mounted a horse, loaded with a bag brimming with gold, pearls, and other valuables, while Ramakrishna walked alongside.

As they proceeded, the king noticed Ramakrishna lagging behind. Concerned about the weight of the bag, he called out to him. “Ramakrishna, the bag is heavy. It might tear. Please inspect it.”

True to the king’s words, the bag tore under the weight, spilling coins onto the ground. Ramakrishna continued walking without intervening.

Reaching the heart of the city, the king dismounted and tied the horse to a tree. Exhausted, There, by the river’s edge, he took a seat. He wanted to take a bath. He then entered the river. Reciting “Hari Ramakrishna, Hari Ramakrishna” as he bathed was his way of remembering the divine.

It was heard by Ramakrishna. He desired to give the king a fun lesson. He continued to tear the king’s upper silk garment while he chanted Hari Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna had already destroyed the entire garment by the time the king’s bath was done. Since the word “Hari” meant “Tear” to him. The term “hari” has multiple meanings. Hari signifies pluck, cut, tear, and Lord Vishnu. It also denotes flow. such as the fact that various meanings exist.

Oh, said the king to Ramakrishna. Please give me my upper garment, Ramakrishna.

He gave him his upper garment, Tenali Ramakrishna.

“Why are you giving your upper garments, Ramakrishna? I requested you to provide my garments,” he angrily stated.

“Maharaja, your garment is torn into pieces. I gave you my garments for this reason.

“Why are my garments torn into pieces?  Who took it out? Talk.

Maharaja, I obey your command. You mentioned looking at your bags on the way. I completed it. One by one, the gold coins dropped to the floor. You uttered “Hari Ramakrishna, Hari Ramakrishna” while taking a bath. Hari translates to “cut.” I therefore divided your garment into pieces. Have I not done as you asked? Ramakrishna answered, “If I have made any mistakes, you may punish me.” The king felt shame that Ramakrishna had fooled him. The king acknowledged Ramakrishna’s cleverness and rewarded him with the entire bag of gold and pearls.

2. Inquiry resolved – A Tale From Tenali Ramakrishna

Tenali Ramakrishna stories are like moral stories that teach us ways to deal with life challenges with humor, intelligence, strategy, dharma, and affection.

There were several dancers and musicians in Vijayanagar.  They lived in the Empire’s capital. A few of them were dancers too. 

They were attracting the people of Vijayanagar with their dances and music. They were all residing in the same bazaar. People felt that it was prestige to walk in that bazaar. Many rich people and artists were going to their houses to enjoy dance and music.

Krishnadevaraya once in his court was discussing them. The courtiers were present. The scholars were listening to him.

“Maharaja, the dancer’s bazaar in our city has become famous in the whole country. Even foreign visitors like Huent-sang and others are influenced by the hospitality of the dancers and their dances. They have described the supremacy of these women in their articles. By reading those articles many people from nooks and corners of this country have come here and are dwelling. Now the city has become colorful” one scholar said.

“Perhaps, Maharaja, nowhere in this country a city like Hampi is existing. The dance performances of these women have given us spirit. The glory of this city cannot be described in words” another scholar opined.

Like this, the discussion went on for several hours.

The king didn’t hear anything from Tenali Ramakrishna. He asked Ramakrishna to tell the dancers which part of the country is clever and of which part of the country behaves shamelessly.

“My Lord, better ask these hedonist scholars who described them hitherto” replied Ramakrishna.

The king and scholars laughed at his answer. Ramakrishna, I was told that you have never visited the bazaar where dancers live. I too know it. But still, you will know about them. The King had asked him very hard, so you have to say it. Maharaja, as you say, I’ve never been to any dance house or in the whole bazaar where they live. When such is the case how can I tell about their behaviour? I don’t have any experience. I think I will be able to tell you after I see them. Better if you kindly arrange the dance and music performances of the dancers from different places in the country. I witnessed them in different places in the country. I witness them and reply to your questions” Ramakrishna said.

The king arranged the performance of such women belonging to various parts of the country. The Darbar was decorated. People in large numbers gathered to see the program.

The program commenced at the right time on the day fixed. Everybody was enjoying the thrilling performance. The music and dance filled the hearts of the audience. The program almost ended in the evening. The sun was ready to set.  

Ramakrishna asked the woman who had come from the eastern part of the country to tell the time.

“Sir, cool air is there. A fine breeze. There is much time for sunrise” she replied and sat in her seat.

Ramakrishna then asked the lady who had come from the western part of the country the same question.

“Sir, the beads of my necklace have become cold. It means it is the time for sunrise” she replied and joined her friends.

The same question was put to the lady from the north. “ Sir, it’s clear that the stars are bright. Therefore it is the time of sunrise. ‘It’s morning now,’ she said and walked back.

Now it was the turn of the lady from the south. She was also asked to reply to the same question.

She started attracting the stars. Therefore there is still time for sunrise” she replied and stood there.

Then Ramakrishna turned towards the king and said- “Maharaja, perhaps you might have understood what she desires!  Ramakrishna asked her to return to the seat.

Then Krishnadevaraya announced to the audience that the south dancers are shameless and they don’t shy.

Then he gave Ramakrishna presents.