Tenali Ramakrishna
Encyclopedia
Garlapati Tenali Ramakrishna , popularly known as Tenali Rama and Vikata Kavi, was a court-poet
of the Vijayanagara Empire
in the 16th century. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas who belonged to the court of Krishnadevaraya
in Vijayanagar.
Similarly, Ramalinga grew big and made his presence felt in history. Ramalinga practised poetry and composition along with command on language and grammar. Mingling with a group of minstrels, he learnt the art of spontaneous poetry composing techniques at Tenali. He made himself a perfectionist in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. Gradually, in the natural process of growing up, he was married and was blessed with children. From then onwards, he was compelled to find ways to earn a living and feed his family.
He learnt that Vijaya Nagar ruler Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was a revered patron for poetry and poets besides being a scholar in Kannada, Telugu and Sanskrit languages on par. Every poet and scholar with some skill in the vast Vijaya Nagar empire was longing for getting into the Bhuvana Vijayam, the royal court of Rayalu. Ramalinga headed for Vijaya Nagar with a similar thought and wish in him.
First, he approached the royal priest Thathacharya and laid his heart before him, after exhibiting his skills. Thathacharya promised Ramalinga to introduce him to the King Rayalu. Satisfied Ramalinga spent many a days in vain, waiting for the opportunity. Ramalinga was vexed and started hunting for alternative ways that would gain entry into the court. He then located Nandi Thimmana, another scholar who had a permanent place in the royal court. Ramalinga approached Thimmana and appeased him with his expertise in spontaneous poetry. Thimmana felicitated Ramalinga by presenting him with a Kashmir Shawl, which was presented to him by King Rayalu the previous day for his performance.
The next day, Ramalinga adorning the Kashmiri Shawl on his shoulders walked into the royal court. King Rayalu was discussing various issues with the courtiers at that time. Rayalu was surprised to see a stranger in the Shawl that was presented to Thimmana couple of days before. A straight question came from the King Rayalu, “Where did you get this shawl?” With all humbleness Ramalinga replied, “My King! Thimmana could have satisfied you with his proficiency. I was fortunate enough to please that great personality with my poetry. Thimmana, pleased with my expertise…” he continued, “presented me this shawl felicitating me at his residence. I am wearing this to exhibit my competence.”
Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was impressed by the way Ramalinga presented himself in the court.
Tenali Raman was famous for his wisdom. Here is an example of that.
Once a debate was going on in the court of Maharaja Krishna Deva Raya. The subject of the debate was "Who is the most important person, responsible for the prosperity of the State?"
One courtier said, "The prosperity depends on the King of that State. The king brings affluence in his State by upholding the rights of all, safeguarding the freedom of the State from internal unrests and external attacks. He also maintains law and order ny punishing the guilty."
"In my opinion the king of course is important for the prosperity of the State, but not alone. What is the assurance that the king will not be wicked and opressive," said the Maharaja.
Princess Mohanangi (the Queen) said, "The common citizens like farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, potters, barbers, weavers. painters, artisans, labourers,etc. are the backbone of the State. Only these people with their dedication and efforts add multifold richness to themselves and the State."
The Maharaja disagreed, "How can it be possible that they bring prosperity to the State. They being illiterate have to depend on the King, the Ministers and the Brahmins."
The Chief Minister said, "The Minister is the most important person for the flourishing of a State."
The Maharaja replied, "How can it be? Ministers also have to depend on the King, nevertheless an able Minister might also take steps which might result in damage to the State."
"I think the military Commander is the most important person for the prosperity of the State," said the Commander-in-Chief.
"Then there will always be war, with no peace in the State, in the absence of the King's control over them," interjected the Maharaja.
Another courtier suggested, "The most vital item is the state of the Forts in the State."
The Maharaja immediately disagreed, "No...No... The bold public is much more important than all the Forts."
"The Brahmin is the most significant body," said the Raja Guru.
"What is your opinion about it, Raman?", the Maharaja asked Tenali Raman.
"Sire, whether a person is good or bad has no relation to being a Brahmin. A good person, irrespective of being a Brahmin or not, would always be beneficial to the State, whereas even a Brahmin can cause enormous loss to the State," said Tenali Raman.
The Raja Guru reacted to this, "You are blaming the Brahmins. I am sure no Brahmin can ever cause harm to his King or the State."
"Raj Guru sir, I shall prove your claim wrong. A wicked person who may even be a Brahmin, can stoop low to any extent for the sake of money," Tenali Raman retorted.
Seeing that the arguements were becoming heated, the Maharaja adjourned the meeting.
A month passed by and everyone forgot the whole discussion. Tenali Raman appraised the Maharaja of his scheme and went to eight main Brahmins of the town.. He told them that Emperor Krishna Deva Raya desires to distribute gold sovereigns in silver plates to eight chosen Brahmins.
The Brahmins were overjoyed and expressed gratefulness to Tenali Raman for such distinction. They said, "We will just come after taking our bath."
"There is no time left for bathing. The Maharaja is waiting lest the auspicious time for donation may lapse, forget your bathing," stressed Raman, "In that case I shall call other Brahmins."
"Wait please, Tenali Raman, allow us to sprinkle some water onour hair. This will be treated as equivalent to a bath as per religious doctorines," said one of those Brahmins.
Tenali Raman did not reply and kept waitng quitely. The Brahmins sprinkled water on their individula heads, applied the religious mark on their foreheads, and reached the Court behind Tenali Raman. On seeing the gold sovereigns in big silver plates kept in Court by the Maharaja, they got puffed up with joy.
When the Maharaja was about to donate, Tenali Raman interupted, "My Lord, I think you don't mind if these Brahmins had no bath. These poor fellows were in a great hurry to reach and receive donations here, and hence sprinkled water on their head."
The Maharaja got furious and asked, "Is it true?"
The Brahmins were stupefied. They accepted slowly that they had not had a bath and slipped off quitely.
Tenali Raman impressed upon the Raja Guru, "Yes Raja Guruji, what do you have to say now on that debate held earlier. Tempted by the money they forgot all those religious rites. One does not get a higher pedestal just by being a Brahmin. This proves the Queen's arguement that common hardworking public, is more important than brahmins, who under the guidance of an able king and his wise Ministers can bring prosperity to the State in no time."
Tenali Ramakrishna's most famous work, Panduranga Mahatyamu, is dedicated to god Panduranga
(विठोबा in Marathi
), a form of Vishnu
,
whose main temple stands at Pandharpur
in Maharashtra
. He was known for his wit. He died due to a snake-bite.
His story was made into a cartoon called "The Adventures of Tenali Raman" by the Cartoon Network (India)
in 2001.
. He has dedicated Panduranga Mahatyam to Viruri Vedadri. This book is about the Pundarika Kshetram on the banks of river Bhaimi and its legend. He also composed Udbhataradhya Charitram on the story of Udbhata, a monk, as well as Ghatikachala Mahatyam about Ghatikachala
m, a place of worship for God Narasimha
near Vellore
, Tamil Nadu
, India
.
and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of God Vitthala (Panduranga).
He is noted for brilliance and wit and for mocking other poets and great personalities. He created a celebrated character called Nigama Sarma akka (sister of Nigama Sarma) and a story around her without giving her a name. He also had written many Chatuvu (extempore poems).
. The Tamil film is titled as Tenali Raman. N.T.Rama Rao appeared as Sri Krishna Deva Raya in both films where Tenali Ramakrishna is played by A. Nageswara Rao and Tenali Raman is played by Sivaji Ganesan
.
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
of the Vijayanagara Empire
Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire , referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was an empire based in South Indian in the Deccan Plateau region. It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of the Yadava lineage. The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts...
in the 16th century. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas who belonged to the court of Krishnadevaraya
Krishnadevaraya
Śrī Kriṣhṇa Devarāya , , , and also known as Krishna Devarayulu in some inscriptions was the famed Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire who reigned from 1509–1529 CE.He is the third ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty. Presiding over the empire at its zenith, he is regarded as an icon by many Indians...
in Vijayanagar.
Biography
Tenali Rama or better known as Ramalinga then ,was mischievous during his childhood. His childishness cheered some and troubled some. His activities were pleasure to some and humiliation to others. Once, while Ramalinga was pursuing his academics, the provincial ruler visited the school as part of checking the standards of the school. He questioned the children in the classroom, “Who among you is the most intelligent?” Silence spread in the class. No child dared to give reply to the King’s question. Meanwhile, Ramalinga sprung up from his seat and answered with confidence, “I am the intelligent student in the class.” The King appreciated Ramalinga’s confidence and courage. Calling him closer, the King enquired him about several things and blessed him, “You will go places my child.”Similarly, Ramalinga grew big and made his presence felt in history. Ramalinga practised poetry and composition along with command on language and grammar. Mingling with a group of minstrels, he learnt the art of spontaneous poetry composing techniques at Tenali. He made himself a perfectionist in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. Gradually, in the natural process of growing up, he was married and was blessed with children. From then onwards, he was compelled to find ways to earn a living and feed his family.
He learnt that Vijaya Nagar ruler Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was a revered patron for poetry and poets besides being a scholar in Kannada, Telugu and Sanskrit languages on par. Every poet and scholar with some skill in the vast Vijaya Nagar empire was longing for getting into the Bhuvana Vijayam, the royal court of Rayalu. Ramalinga headed for Vijaya Nagar with a similar thought and wish in him.
First, he approached the royal priest Thathacharya and laid his heart before him, after exhibiting his skills. Thathacharya promised Ramalinga to introduce him to the King Rayalu. Satisfied Ramalinga spent many a days in vain, waiting for the opportunity. Ramalinga was vexed and started hunting for alternative ways that would gain entry into the court. He then located Nandi Thimmana, another scholar who had a permanent place in the royal court. Ramalinga approached Thimmana and appeased him with his expertise in spontaneous poetry. Thimmana felicitated Ramalinga by presenting him with a Kashmir Shawl, which was presented to him by King Rayalu the previous day for his performance.
The next day, Ramalinga adorning the Kashmiri Shawl on his shoulders walked into the royal court. King Rayalu was discussing various issues with the courtiers at that time. Rayalu was surprised to see a stranger in the Shawl that was presented to Thimmana couple of days before. A straight question came from the King Rayalu, “Where did you get this shawl?” With all humbleness Ramalinga replied, “My King! Thimmana could have satisfied you with his proficiency. I was fortunate enough to please that great personality with my poetry. Thimmana, pleased with my expertise…” he continued, “presented me this shawl felicitating me at his residence. I am wearing this to exhibit my competence.”
Sri Krishna Deva Rayalu was impressed by the way Ramalinga presented himself in the court.
Tenali Raman was famous for his wisdom. Here is an example of that.
Once a debate was going on in the court of Maharaja Krishna Deva Raya. The subject of the debate was "Who is the most important person, responsible for the prosperity of the State?"
One courtier said, "The prosperity depends on the King of that State. The king brings affluence in his State by upholding the rights of all, safeguarding the freedom of the State from internal unrests and external attacks. He also maintains law and order ny punishing the guilty."
"In my opinion the king of course is important for the prosperity of the State, but not alone. What is the assurance that the king will not be wicked and opressive," said the Maharaja.
Princess Mohanangi (the Queen) said, "The common citizens like farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, potters, barbers, weavers. painters, artisans, labourers,etc. are the backbone of the State. Only these people with their dedication and efforts add multifold richness to themselves and the State."
The Maharaja disagreed, "How can it be possible that they bring prosperity to the State. They being illiterate have to depend on the King, the Ministers and the Brahmins."
The Chief Minister said, "The Minister is the most important person for the flourishing of a State."
The Maharaja replied, "How can it be? Ministers also have to depend on the King, nevertheless an able Minister might also take steps which might result in damage to the State."
"I think the military Commander is the most important person for the prosperity of the State," said the Commander-in-Chief.
"Then there will always be war, with no peace in the State, in the absence of the King's control over them," interjected the Maharaja.
Another courtier suggested, "The most vital item is the state of the Forts in the State."
The Maharaja immediately disagreed, "No...No... The bold public is much more important than all the Forts."
"The Brahmin is the most significant body," said the Raja Guru.
"What is your opinion about it, Raman?", the Maharaja asked Tenali Raman.
"Sire, whether a person is good or bad has no relation to being a Brahmin. A good person, irrespective of being a Brahmin or not, would always be beneficial to the State, whereas even a Brahmin can cause enormous loss to the State," said Tenali Raman.
The Raja Guru reacted to this, "You are blaming the Brahmins. I am sure no Brahmin can ever cause harm to his King or the State."
"Raj Guru sir, I shall prove your claim wrong. A wicked person who may even be a Brahmin, can stoop low to any extent for the sake of money," Tenali Raman retorted.
Seeing that the arguements were becoming heated, the Maharaja adjourned the meeting.
A month passed by and everyone forgot the whole discussion. Tenali Raman appraised the Maharaja of his scheme and went to eight main Brahmins of the town.. He told them that Emperor Krishna Deva Raya desires to distribute gold sovereigns in silver plates to eight chosen Brahmins.
The Brahmins were overjoyed and expressed gratefulness to Tenali Raman for such distinction. They said, "We will just come after taking our bath."
"There is no time left for bathing. The Maharaja is waiting lest the auspicious time for donation may lapse, forget your bathing," stressed Raman, "In that case I shall call other Brahmins."
"Wait please, Tenali Raman, allow us to sprinkle some water onour hair. This will be treated as equivalent to a bath as per religious doctorines," said one of those Brahmins.
Tenali Raman did not reply and kept waitng quitely. The Brahmins sprinkled water on their individula heads, applied the religious mark on their foreheads, and reached the Court behind Tenali Raman. On seeing the gold sovereigns in big silver plates kept in Court by the Maharaja, they got puffed up with joy.
When the Maharaja was about to donate, Tenali Raman interupted, "My Lord, I think you don't mind if these Brahmins had no bath. These poor fellows were in a great hurry to reach and receive donations here, and hence sprinkled water on their head."
The Maharaja got furious and asked, "Is it true?"
The Brahmins were stupefied. They accepted slowly that they had not had a bath and slipped off quitely.
Tenali Raman impressed upon the Raja Guru, "Yes Raja Guruji, what do you have to say now on that debate held earlier. Tempted by the money they forgot all those religious rites. One does not get a higher pedestal just by being a Brahmin. This proves the Queen's arguement that common hardworking public, is more important than brahmins, who under the guidance of an able king and his wise Ministers can bring prosperity to the State in no time."
Tenali Ramakrishna's most famous work, Panduranga Mahatyamu, is dedicated to god Panduranga
Vithoba
Vithoba , also known as Vitthala and Panduranga , is a Hindu god, worshipped predominantly in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. He is generally considered a manifestation of the Hindu god Vishnu or his Avatar Krishna...
(विठोबा in Marathi
Marathi language
Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most...
), a form of Vishnu
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Supreme god in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Smarta followers of Adi Shankara, among others, venerate Vishnu as one of the five primary forms of God....
,
whose main temple stands at Pandharpur
Pandharpur
Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage city on the Bhimā river in Solāpur district, Maharashtra, India. The Vithoba temple attracts about half a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yātrā in the month of Ashadh ....
in Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
. He was known for his wit. He died due to a snake-bite.
His story was made into a cartoon called "The Adventures of Tenali Raman" by the Cartoon Network (India)
Cartoon Network (India)
Cartoon Network is a cable and satellite television channel created by Turner Broadcasting, a unit of Time Warner which primarily shows animated programming.-History:...
in 2001.
His works
Scholars treat his famous work Panduranga Mahatyamu as one among the Pancha KavyasPancha Kavyas
The following are the Telugu Pancha Kavyas, the five great books of Telugu Literature.* Manu Charitha - Allasani Peddana* Panduranga Mahatyam - Tenali Ramakrishna* Amuktyamalyada - Sri Krishnadevaraya...
. He has dedicated Panduranga Mahatyam to Viruri Vedadri. This book is about the Pundarika Kshetram on the banks of river Bhaimi and its legend. He also composed Udbhataradhya Charitram on the story of Udbhata, a monk, as well as Ghatikachala Mahatyam about Ghatikachala
Ghatikachala
Gatikachala is a hill near Sholingur in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is a Hindu piligrimage center and the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the God Narasimha.Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of the God Vishnu....
m, a place of worship for God Narasimha
Narasimha
Narasimha or Nrusimha , also spelt as Narasingh and Narasingha, whose name literally translates from Sanskrit as "Man-lion", is an avatar of Vishnu described in the Puranas, Upanishads and other ancient religious texts of Hinduism...
near Vellore
Vellore
Vellore It is considered one of the oldest cities in South India and lies on the banks of the Palar river on the site of Vellore Fort. The city lies between Chennai and Bangalore and the Temple towns of Thiruvannamalai and Tirupati...
, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Style
He followed the Prabhanda style. He took the theme for Panduranga Mahatyam from the Skanda PuranaSkanda Purana
The Skanda Purana is the largest Mahapurana, a genre of eighteen Hindu religious texts. The text is devoted mainly to the lilas of Kartikeya , a son of Shiva and Parvati. It also contains a number of legends about Shiva, and the holy places associated with him...
and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of God Vitthala (Panduranga).
He is noted for brilliance and wit and for mocking other poets and great personalities. He created a celebrated character called Nigama Sarma akka (sister of Nigama Sarma) and a story around her without giving her a name. He also had written many Chatuvu (extempore poems).
Titles
- He was called a vikatakavi (TeluguTelugu languageTelugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
: వికటకవి) (a phonetic palindromePalindromeA palindrome is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of units that can be read the same way in either direction, with general allowances for adjustments to punctuation and word dividers....
) meaning clown-jester-poet. - Kumara Bharathi
1938 film
Tenali Raman is a Tamil film in 1938 played by 'Joker' Ramudu for Majestic & Radha Film Co.1956 film
Tenali Ramakrishna is a 1956 bilingual Telugu and Tamil film produced and directed by B. S. RangaB. S. Ranga
Bindinganavale Srinivas Iyengar Ranga was born in Magadi Village in the erstwhile princely state of Mysore . After an art-enriched childhood wherein he interacted with many stage personalities, B.S.Ranga entered the field of photography...
. The Tamil film is titled as Tenali Raman. N.T.Rama Rao appeared as Sri Krishna Deva Raya in both films where Tenali Ramakrishna is played by A. Nageswara Rao and Tenali Raman is played by Sivaji Ganesan
Sivaji Ganesan
Viluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
.
External links
- Tenali Ramakrishna
- K.A. Nilakanta Sastry, History of South India, From Prehistoric times to fall of Vijayanagar, 1955, OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002) ISBN 0-19-560686-8
- Literary activity in Vijayanagara Empire
- Tenali Ramakrishna's entry into Bhuvana Vijayam
- Original Tenali Ramakrishna Kavi Stories translated from Halegannada
- Stories of Tenali Rama in Indic and English Languages