Tenali Raman Exposes Deceptive Love for the King

King Krishnadevarayar had a deep affection for a Devadasi named Krishnaveni, a temple dancer known for her grace and beauty. The king, captivated by her, wanted to marry her, but he was troubled by the potential public backlash. Devadasis, often viewed with disdain by society, were typically not accepted as royal brides. The king was sure, however, that Krishnaveni was devoted solely to him and had no interest in other men. Yet, he feared that if she found someone wealthier, she might abandon him.

Seeking counsel, the king turned to his trusted advisor, Tenali Raman. Raman, always cautious, was initially against the king’s desire to marry Krishnaveni. He warned the king that Devadasis often pretended to be loyal to accumulate wealth, and once they found someone wealthier, they would easily move on. Raman advised the king to be wary of her intentions.

But the king, desperate to prove his love for Krishnaveni, insisted. He promised Raman 1000 gold coins if he could prove that the Devadasi would indeed abandon him for a wealthier man. Raman, intrigued by the challenge and the reward, agreed to help the king.

Raman took a three-month leave from the palace and set out to carry out his plan. He arrived at Krishnaveni’s house and sat under a banyan tree, disguised as a sage. When Krishnaveni saw him, she approached, curious about this sage who appeared to have wealth. Raman, playing his part, gave Krishnaveni 10 gold coins and asked her to buy fruits for him. She was puzzled but intrigued—how could a sage possess gold coins?

Raman continued his act, giving her more gold coins over the next several days to buy fruits. Krishnaveni, increasingly drawn to the sage’s apparent wealth, began to feel a connection with him. After some time, she asked the sage, “I understand you possess the magic of making money. Please teach me your ways.”

Raman, sensing he was close to success, replied, “I, too, have an interest in you. You wish to learn the magic of wealth, but I see something else in you as well.” Krishnaveni, taken aback, hesitated, “But it’s not proper for a sage to be interested in a woman.”

Raman cleverly continued, “Your desire for wealth is clear, and soon you will be the queen of Krishnadevarayar. The king holds great wealth, and I can help you get it, but first, you must show me your sincerity.” He proposed that Krishnaveni send him a love letter, inviting him to her house, as a gesture of her affection. She agreed, thinking that if she learned the sage’s secret, she could gain wealth and marry a man of her own choosing.

As soon as Raman received the letter, he took it to the king. The king, now fully aware of Krishnaveni’s true intentions, realized that she had no sincere affection for him. He had been fooled by her pretended loyalty. True to his promise, the king gave Raman 1000 gold coins. Additionally, the queens, pleased with Raman’s cleverness, gave him generous gifts as well.

Raman’s quick thinking and clever plan saved the king from falling into the trap set by Krishnaveni. The king, though initially disappointed, was grateful to Raman for protecting him from the Devadasi’s scheming ways.

Moral:

Deceptive appearances can often be unraveled with intelligence and wit. True love is not based on wealth or manipulation.