Raman’s Witty Revenge on the Priest

One day, King Krishnadevaraya was strolling in the palace portico when he stumbled upon an astonishing sight: the royal priest, Tathachary, was carrying Tenali Raman on his shoulders like a donkey. Raman, in true jester fashion, was making comical noises, much to the delight of the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle. The onlookers laughed heartily, but the king was far from amused.

Enraged at the indignity shown to a revered priest, the king called two soldiers and instructed them, “If you see a man carrying another on his shoulders, bring the one on top down and beat him, then bring the other man to me.”

Raman, ever observant and quick-witted, noticed the soldiers heading his way and sensed trouble. Thinking on his feet, he immediately climbed down from Tathachary’s shoulders, bowed respectfully, and said, “Dear priest, you’ve honored me by carrying me all this way. Allow me to return the gesture by carrying you now, as a token of my respect.”

Tathachary, flattered and foolishly proud, agreed. He climbed onto Raman’s shoulders, feeling like a king himself, oblivious to what was about to happen.

As Raman began carrying Tathachary, the soldiers reached the scene. Following the king’s orders, they pulled the priest off Raman’s shoulders and began beating him mercilessly. The bewildered priest couldn’t comprehend why he was being punished. Meanwhile, Raman quietly stepped aside, hiding a mischievous smile.

In that moment, Tathachary recalled a similar scene from the past—when he had cruelly ordered his servants to beat Raman and dismiss him from his house. Realization dawned on him: this was poetic justice.

Moral of the Story:

Life often returns the treatment we give to others. Kindness and fairness go a long way, while arrogance and cruelty may lead to humiliation and regret. Always act with humility and compassion.