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Although Tenali Rama was dear to King Sri Krishnadevaraya, at times, when he disagreed with him, the king would get enraged and punish him for disobedience. Here is a story that tells us how the intelligent Tenali Rama outwits the guards with his cleverness and escapes the punishment.
One day, there was a clash of opinions between King Sri Krishnadevaraya and the wise Tenali Rama. Out of anger, the king ordered the guards to behead Rama with a single stroke of the sword.
Two guards took Rama to the riverfront to execute him.
When it was time for the execution, the two guards got into a heated argument over who should perform the task. Rama intervened and suggested, “Why don’t both of you strike together?” The guards agreed to this and made Rama stand knee-deep in the river.
As the guards raised their swords, Rama shouted, “Wait! I have one last wish.”
The guards lowered their swords and asked what his last wish was. Rama replied, “I want you to strike me as I take Ma Kali’s name.” The guards agreed to this.
Rama held his breath and shouted, “Jai Ma Kali!” as soon as the swords were about to strike his neck, Rama quickly immersed himself in the water. The swords missed Rama’s neck and clashed with each other.
As the guards were readying to strike again, Rama said, “The majesty’s order for you was to strike only once. Now that you have missed once, you cannot attempt again.”
The guards were caught in a dilemma due to Tenali’s astuteness and ingenuity. Just then, a messenger from the palace came with orders to stop the execution and bring Rama back to the palace. As Raman stepped into the palace, the king embraced him and apologized for his outburst.
Moral of the story
Never make decisions in anger.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Tenali Rama’s wit and intelligence help him outwit the guards?
Tenali Rama used his wit to manipulate the situation and outsmart the guards. He first played mind games with the guards, manipulated them into his plan, and convinced both of them to strike at once as the first part of his escape plan. He then created a diversion to distract the guards by chanting the name of Goddess Kali and plunged into the water, making the guards miss their only mark to strike.
2. What is the importance of Tenali Rama in Indian history?
Tenali Rama holds significance in Indian history as a legendary court jester, advisor, scholar, and poet whose stories reflect the importance of wit and wisdom in day-to-day life and the cultural values of the era. His tales continue to be cherished, serving as a source of entertainment, moral lessons, and inspiration, making him an enduring icon in Indian folklore and literature.
3. What is the setting of the story Tenali Rama Outwits The Guards?
The story is set in the royal court of Vijayanagara, a historical city in South India. Tenali Rama was one of the scholars and poets and the chief adviser to King Krishnadevaraya during the 16th century.
Key Pointers
- Tenali Rama was the renowned poet, scholar, and advisor of King Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.
- The story of how Tenali Rama outwits the guards showcases his quick thinking and wit.
- The moral of the story is to never make decisions while being angry.
Watch as Tenali Raman outwits a group of thieves with his unparalleled wit and intelligence! Join him on his thrilling adventure and get ready for an unforgettable tale that will leave you inspired and entertained.
