Tenali Raman’s Ghostly Return and Family Pension

The tale of Tenali Raman’s “ghost” had gripped the entire Vijayanagara Empire in fear. Even days after King Krishnadevaraya’s proclamation of a reward for exorcising the spirit, no one dared to come forward. The king, consumed by worry, sat gloomily in his durbar. Tathachary, who secretly celebrated Raman’s supposed death, sat smugly by his side.

On the third day, a soldier announced the arrival of a sage. The king eagerly summoned him. The sage entered, his appearance striking—saffron robes, a long beard, matted hair extending to his navel, and a string of prayer beads around his neck. The king immediately felt a sense of hope.

“I am here to expel the Brahmin’s ghost,” the sage declared. “But will you grant me whatever I ask for in return?”

The king nodded but added a condition. “Your demand should not harm the reputation or well-being of the kingdom.”

The sage agreed and began his ritual. He turned to the king and asked, “Would you like me to absolve the sin of killing Tenali Raman along with expelling the ghost?”

Tathachary, quick to protect his own interests, interrupted. “Reviving Raman would be a mistake. His cleverness will only cause you more trouble. It is better to complete the final rites to bury the spirit.”

The sage smirked and said, “We shall perform both rites here and now.”

Tathachary’s face turned pale as the sage began chanting mantras and creating an elaborate scene. Suddenly, the sage removed his beard and matted hair. To everyone’s astonishment, it was Tenali Raman himself!

“I am the Brahmin you claimed to have killed!” Raman announced loudly. Tathachary staggered back in shock, his smugness turning to fear. The king’s eyes widened with a mixture of relief and delight.

“How did you survive?” the king asked, half laughing, half incredulous.

Raman bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, I always trust wit over wrath. I faked my death to teach a lesson to those who sought to harm me.”

The king, realizing the depth of Raman’s cleverness, laughed heartily. “What is your demand, Tenali Raman?”

Raman grinned. “A thousand gold sovereigns and a royal pardon for my supposed ‘crimes.’”

The king happily granted both requests and reinstated Raman’s position in the court.

Moral of the Story:
Quick wit and courage can turn even the most dire situations in your favor.