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 Kings question. Meanwhile, Ramalinga sprung up from his seat and answered
with confidence, I am the intelligent student in the class. The King
appreciated Ramalingas 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 (Andhra) 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, Andhra 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.
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