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

Once, in the prosperous Vijayanagar Empire, king Krishnadevaraya known for his fairness and love for knowledge, he had gathered a court full of scholars, poets, and thinkers from all over the kingdom. Among these talented individuals was Tenali Ramakrishna, a quick-witted poet and jester famous for his sharp humor and keen intelligence. Ramakrishna had an extraordinary ability to use humor not just to entertain but also to convey profound insights.

One day, the king, impressed by Tenali Ramakrishna’s intelligence and humor, decided that Ramakrishna deserved a greater honor. He wanted to formally recognize Tenali Ramakrishna’s contribution to the court and the kingdom by appointing him as an official court poet and scholar. To the king, Tenali Ramakrishna was more than a mere jester; he saw him as a wise man whose words carried wisdom beneath the laughter.

With this noble intention in mind, King Krishnadevaraya called Tenali Ramakrishna to his side and spoke with sincerity, “Ramakrishna, you are a treasure of this court. I wish to honor you by officially making you a court poet and scholar.”

However, Ramakrishna, with his usual modesty and humility, bowed respectfully and replied, “My Lord, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and trust, but I must admit that I am not a scholar. I have not studied the sacred scriptures nor delved into the knowledge of the learned men you have in your court. I am, in truth, only a humble jester, here to bring a little laughter and ease. I wish to remain as I am—a jester and nothing more.”

The king, who had expected gratitude and acceptance, was both surprised and a little displeased by Ramakrishna’s response. It seemed to him that Ramakrishna was undervaluing the honor he was being offered. Feeling annoyed, the king spoke sternly, “If you do not wish to accept the title of court poet, then do not show your face to me from tomorrow onward.”

Ramakrishna, though surprised by the king’s tone, understood his feelings. Without arguing further, he simply accepted the king’s command. Bowing deeply, he took his leave, thinking of the strange ways the world often dealt with humor and honesty.

The following day, the court assembled as usual. Many scholars, ministers, and courtiers had gathered, each absorbed in their own thoughts and discussions. The king, seated on his grand throne, looked around the court for Ramakrishna but could not see him. He suddenly recalled his command from the previous day and thought, “Ramakrishna must have taken my words to heart and stayed away.” Despite his irritation from the day before, the king felt regret, as Ramakrishna’s absence made the court seem less lively.

The court proceedings continued, and the day’s matters were discussed in detail. As the session was about to end, a curious figure appeared at the entrance of the court. Every eye turned to look at this strange newcomer. The figure wore fine, royal robes, but his face was covered by a large clay pot. Two small holes had been made in the pot so that the person could see, but otherwise, his face was entirely concealed.

The king looked on in surprise, unsure of who this mysterious figure might be. Then, the figure raised his hand in greeting and called out loudly, “Victory to the king!”

His voice was unmistakable—it was Tenali Ramakrishna.

The king, recognizing him at once, but curious about his odd attire, asked with a raised eyebrow, “Who are you?”

The man, in a respectful tone, replied, “My Lord, I am the humorist of this court, your humble servant.”

The king, pretending not to understand, continued to question him, “We have no official humorist. Who are you?”

With a bow, the figure answered, “Indeed, my Lord, I am a courtier, a servant of this honorable assembly.”

“Then why this dress? Why are you in disguise?, and why are you hiding your face?” .

“As you ordered, my king, yesterday you instructed me not to show my face to you. So, in obedience to your command, I have hidden my face beneath this pot.”

The court erupted in laughter at Ramakrishna’s ingenious interpretation of the king’s words. Everyone, including Krishnadevaraya, was amused by the clever way Ramakrishna had chosen to follow the king’s order to the letter while still honoring his duty as a courtier. 

Seeing the brilliance in Ramakrishna’s actions, the king’s annoyance melted away, replaced by deep admiration for his wit. He laughed heartily and declared, “Oh, Ramakrishna, you never fail to surprise me. Your wisdom is as deep as your humor. You truly are the jewel of this court. Please, remove that pot and show your face.”

Tenali Ramakrishna, smiling beneath the pot, took it off and respectfully bowed to the king. The king embraced him warmly, acknowledging both his loyalty and his wit. “You are the real humorist, the one who can teach and entertain with laughter. No title or post could truly capture your worth.”

Ramakrishna, touched by the king’s warmth, replied humbly, “My Lord, I only seek to serve you in my own way. I am grateful to have the chance to bring laughter and, perhaps, a little wisdom into this honorable court.”

From that day onward, Tenali Ramakrishna continued to serve the court, not as a formal scholar or poet, but as the beloved jester who brightened everyone’s day and reminded them of the power of humor. His sharp mind and quick wit became a cherished asset in the Vijayanagar Empire, and he remained close to the king, who valued his unique way of seeing the world.

Moral of the Story:

The story of Tenali Ramakrishna teaches us that wisdom and intelligence are not always found in titles or honors. True wisdom often lies in understanding the human heart and finding creative ways to solve problems, even through humor. Ramakrishna’s cleverness shows that the power of laughter can bridge gaps, soften hearts, and bring clarity in the face of misunderstandings.