Early Childhood Of Tenalirama

During the early part of the sixteenth century, in a village called Garlapadu in the Krishna District of Andhra State, there lived a couple named Ramaiah and Lakshmamma. They were blessed with a male child. They named him as Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna lost his father when he was very young.

So, Lakshmamma along with her son returned to her native place Tenali and lived there with her brother. She fed herself and her son by doing some odd jobs in the neighbourhood. Since, Tenali was the native place of Ramakrishna, he used to be called as Tenaliramakrishna or simply Tenalirama. Tenalirama's mother was very anxious to see her son become a learned man. But, teachers belonging to a particular cult, who were dominating there at that time refused to teach him. Tenalirama did not feel for that and wandered as a free bird. His mother felt miserable that her son was utterly an illiterate. Only at the age of ten, Tenalirama grew a little more sensible and realised that he is illiterate. He approached many pandits and offered to be a disciple. But, to his disappointment all of them turned down him . Tenalirama never lose heart. He vowed to get enough education.

Tenalirama told his mother about his desire and got her blessings. From then onwards, everyday he would stand nearby the wall of the classroom and attentively listen to the lessons taught inside the room. He was not spared to do that also. He was made to flee away from there. Of course, the teacher understood the boy's yearning for education, and the hurdles he was facing. But, he was helpless and could do nothing other than to feel proud of him and bless him that one-day he will become a renowned scholar.

Tenalirama, not knowing what to do next, wandered aimlessly cursing his misfortune. When he became very tired, he sat before an old mansion and began to weep. At that moment, a Sage came there. He consoled Tenalirama. Tenalirama told his complete history to the Sage. On hearing that, the Sage pitied for him and said, "My child, there is a Kalika temple nearby. The Devi will be pleased with those who pray with sincerity and devotion. She will also bless them with boons. If you, repeat the incantation which I am going to whisper on your ears, in front of the Kali Devi a hundred and ten million times with great devotion she will appear before you. But do not get frightened by her terrible appearance. By her blessings you will become a great scholar and all your wishes will be fulfilled." So saying, the sage went away.

On a chosen day and time he went to the temple and sat before the image of Kali, closed his eyes and began to chant the mantra as taught by the sage. Sitting motionless, completely forgotten of what is happening around, Tenalirama chanted the mantra the stipulated number of times. Pleased with the devotion of Tenalirama, Kali appeared before him with her one thousand faces, two hands and fearful appearance. She told him, " I am Kalika Devi. I am pleased with your devotion. Open your eyes and see me." Tenalirama opened his eyes and gazed at her. To Her surprise, Tenalirama instead of fearing, began to laugh. Whereupon Kali asked him in a stern voice, "Why do you laugh?" Tenalirama replied, "Mother, each one of we the human being have one nose but two hands. Yet, when we catch cold, we find it very difficult to blow our single nose with our two hands. I just wondered how you who have one thousand noses would be able to manage with your two hands if you catch cold. This very thought made me laugh. So, kindly forgive me." Kalika Devi, immensely pleased with the sense of humour and courage of Tenalirama, spoke to him,"My son do not be worried. You will master all learning skills and attain fame as a VIKATAKAVI and make people laugh. And the boy said readily "Mighty goddess, you have given me a very fine boon. The word VI KA TA KA VI which means jester, if spelt from left to right or from right to left it sounds the same.

The goddess was all the more pleased about this and said, "For your intelligence you shall be a court-jester and all those who will be present in the king's assembly shall ever praise you for your wit."She also said," I have two bowls one filled with honey and other with milk. You can have one of these. The honey will give you untold wealth whereas the milk will give you knowledge. Which one do you want?" Tenali thought for a while. He said," I find it difficult to decide which one I should take. Please allow me to taste them so that I can decide. Goddess Kali forwarded both the honey and milk . Tenali immediately grabbed both the milk and honey and drank them. Thus, Tenali came into being both a wise man and immensely wealthy person.  After having said so, the goddess vanished.

After getting the blessings of Goddess Kali.Tenalirama and his mother went to Vijayanagar. Krishnadevaraya, who ascended the throne of Vijayanagar empire in 1509, was very generous to men of genius.Tenalirama too learnt that artists, scholars and experts enjoyed the royal patronage. Hence, he realized that only by showing his talents he can catch the eye of the king. So, Tenalirama was looking for an opportune time. Everyday he used to wait near the main gate of the palace looking for an opportunity. Countless days passed like this without getting an opportunity. At last he got an opportunity.