Tenalirama becomes the court jester.

Tenalirama becomes the court jester.

Once, a famous dance troupe from Tanjore came to Vijayanagar to give a performance in the king's court. Tenalirama learnt that the troupe is going to stage a play called Krishna Leela. Tenalirama, who was waiting for an opportunity to meet the King, chalked out a plan. 

Dressed himself like a cowherd boy, and with a big churn on his shoulder, strode inside the palace. The guard in the main gate shouted at him," Who are you and how dare you are to enter in without getting prior permission? Tenalirama replied," I am also a member of the troupe, which has just entered in. They are going to stage a play before the king. I am going to assume the role of a cowherd. So, please allow me to go in." The guard hesitated to allow him. Suddenly, an idea struck to Tenalirama's mind. He displayed a small comic role before the guard.

 The guard was very happy. He took advantage of the situation and told the guard," I am a great jester and the king will appreciate my performance and give me a prize. I will give half of what the king grants to me." The guard agreed for the deal and let him in. Tenalirama was very happy and moved forward. When he reached the entrance of the auditorium, another guard prevented him going in. And he made the same promise to the second guard and got him allowed inside. The play, Krishna Leela was in progress and the king was also present there. In a particular scene Krishna stands in front of all the other characters of the play. The other characters were singing song in praise of Him.

 At that moment, Tenalirama struck on the back of the actor who was playing the role of Lord Krishna. The actor lost balance and fell on the ground. Without wasting any time, Tenalirama singing and dancing uttered these sentences:" Are you Krishna? I was told that you have received several blows from the churn of many herd maids and have slain Kaleeya and Kamsa. But, how is it that you are not able to bear one single blow from my churn? Krishnadevaraya and those who were assembled there felt boring with the play and were sleepy. But, on seeing the comic role-played by Tenalirama, they all burst with laughter. Encouraged by this, 

Tenalirama once again raised the churn at Krishna. Krishna fell at the feet of Tenalirama and prayed to be spared. All the audience laughed to their heart's content. Krishnadevaraya pleased with the performance of the cowherd boy announced a special prize to him. The leader of the troupe was amazed, at this announcement. He revealed to the king that the jester does not belong to their troupe. Then, Tenalirama with folded hands said humbly, Your highness," it is true and I agree with the statement of the leader of the troupe. Please forgive me." On hearing this, Krishnadevaraya got wild and ordered," Give this impersonator a hundred lash. That is his reward. When the servants got ready to whip, Tenalirama, pleaded with the king that the palace guards might be summoned before executing the punishment. His request was honored. Tenali asked them," Did I not promise to give each of you, half of whatever the king gave me as prize?" The two guards nodded their heads. Then, Tenalirama told the king that the guards should also get their due share. While the guards were taken by sudden surprise, others laughed loudly. The king had his own doubt. He asked Tenalirama to explain the real reason behind all these happenings. Tenalirama gave an account of his history. Krishnadevaraya praised his sincerity, sense of humour and straightforwardness and appointed him as the court jester. Thus, Tenalirama as blessed by the Kalika Devi became a famous court jester.