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

In a small village, there lived a simple and honest man. He was hardworking and had saved some money over the years. One day, he decided to go on a pilgrimage to visit sacred places and seek blessings. However, the journey was long, and he had to travel on foot. He worried about carrying his money with him because the roads were dangerous, and there was a constant threat of thieves and dacoits.

After thinking it over, the man decided to leave his money in the care of a wealthy man in the village whom he trusted. But instead of handing over the money at the rich man’s house, he gave it to him under a mango tree in the village. With that, he began his pilgrimage, feeling relieved that his money was in safe hands.

Months passed, and the innocent man safely returned to the village after completing his pilgrimage. He was grateful for the journey and was eager to retrieve his money. He went straight to the rich man’s house and politely asked him to return the money he had left in his care.

The rich man, however, had different intentions. He had assumed the poor man would either die during his journey or never return. Seeing the man alive and standing before him, the rich man decided to deny everything.

“Poor fellow, what are you talking about?” the rich man said. “You must have lost your mind after your long journey. How could you, a poor man, have such a large sum of money to give me? Any witnesses is there?”

The innocent man was taken aback. “Why are you speaking like this?” he pleaded. “Don’t you remember? I gave you the money under the mango tree before I left for my pilgrimage.”

The rich man laughed mockingly. “Nonsense! You’re just making up stories. If you continue with this foolishness, people will laugh at you. Leave my house immediately!”

Heartbroken, the poor man left without saying another word. He didn’t know what to do or how to get his money back. The next morning, he decided to seek the help of Tenali Ramakrishna, a wise and clever poet who served in the court of King Krishnadevaraya.

Tenali Rama listened to the poor man’s story with great attention. He consoled the man and assured him that justice would be served. “We will solve this matter there.”

When they arrived at the court, Tenali Rama informed King Krishnadevaraya about the situation. The king ordered the rich man to be brought to the court immediately.

Once both men were present, Tenali Rama questioned the rich man. “Why are you refusing to return the money that the poor man entrusted to you?” he asked.

“Sir, I don’t even know this man,” the rich man replied confidently. “I have never seen him before. How can I possibly have his money? And if he claims he gave me money, where is his proof? Are there any witnesses?”

Tenali Rama turned to the poor man and asked, “Do you have any witnesses to support your claim?”

The poor man shook his head sadly. “No, sir. I don’t have any witnesses. I gave him the money under a mango tree, trusting him completely.”

Tenali Rama nodded thoughtfully. “Ah, the mango tree,” he said. “tree must be a witness. Here’s what you should do: go to the mango tree and tell it that it is the king’s order to come to the court and give its testimony.”

The poor man was puzzled. “sadly he told to Tenali Rmakrishna, how can a tree come to court?” he asked, confused. “It’s just a tree. It cannot move or speak.”

“Do not question my instructions,” Tenali Rama replied with a smile. “Just do as I say. Go to the mango tree and tell it what I have told you.”

The poor man, though doubtful, agreed and left for the mango tree. An hour passed, and Tenali Rama looked at the rich man. “Why is the poor man taking long time? What could be delaying him?”

The rich man, without thinking, replied, “Sir, the mango tree is four miles from here. It will take time for him to go there and return.”

Tenali Rama smiled to himself but said nothing. The poor man eventually returned, looking tired and weary. “Sir,” he said, “I went to the mango tree as you instructed, but it did not speak or move. I couldn’t bring it here.”

Tenali Rama laughed and turned to the rich man. “The mango tree has already given its testimony,” he said.

The rich man was startled. “What do you mean?” he asked nervously. “When did the tree come here? How can a tree give testimony? Trees cannot walk or talk!”

Tenali Rama’s expression turned serious. “You are right,” he said. “Your own words have betrayed you. If you claim you didn’t take the money, how did you know the mango tree is four miles away? That is enough proof that you were there when the poor man gave you the money.”

The rich man’s face turned pale. He realized he had been outsmarted. “I… I am sorry, sir,” he stammered. “I made a mistake. Please forgive me.”

King Krishnadevaraya, impressed by Tenali Rama’s cleverness, ordered the rich man to return the poor man’s money immediately. The rich man obeyed, trembling with fear. He handed over the money to the poor man and apologized for his dishonesty.

The king also punished the rich man by sentencing him to a few days in prison as a lesson to others. The poor man was overjoyed to have his money back and thanked Tenali Rama for his intelligence and kindness.

From that day on, the villagers admired Tenali Rama even more for his ability to deliver justice with wisdom and wit.

The moral of the story is:

“Honesty is the best policy, and greed leads to trouble. Clever thinking can uncover the truth.”

It also teaches us:

Always keep your promises.
Greed and lies will only cause harm.
Wisdom and patience can solve problems.