golumolu.in

Tenali Rama was mischievous during his childhood. He played many pranks and troubled people around him. One day while he was at his school, the ruler of nearyby kingdom came to visit the school premises. The king questioned the children in the classroom, "Who among you is the most intelligent?"

There was silence in the class room. No child dared to give a reply to the King’s question. Meanwhile, Tenali Rama got up from his seat and answered with confidence, "I am the intelligent student in the class." The King appreciated Rama's confidence and courage. Calling him closer, the King enquired him about several things and blessed him, "You will go places my child."

As he grew older, tenali Rama became proficient in reciting Sanskrit and Telugu poetry and prose.  But at the same time, he was lethargic. He would while away his time, by sleeping under a tree. One day while he was taking a nap under a tree, a sage passed by and reprimanded him for not working hard. For which Tenali Rama, replied "I would love to work sir, but my health is poor". The sage felt sorry for him and told him of a Mahakali Mantra. "On reciting this mantra 1000 times in the Kali temple, the goddess will surely feel happy and appear in front of you. When she blesses you, ask her for good health", the sage said and left.

Tenali Rama was happy to know the secret to success and hurriedly went to the Kali temple. There he sat and recited the Mahakali mantra with great devotion. As soon as he finished reciting the mantra for the 1000th time, the goddess appeared in front of him. "My son, open your eyes. I am pleased with your devotion. Tell me what do you want." she asked.

Tenali Rama opened his eyes and on seeing the goddess with 1000 heads, suddenly burst out laughing. The goddess got outraged at this. "You, impertinent boy. Stop laughing at once", she said. Rama quickly apologised and said, "Forgive me Mother Kali. I cannot handle my single nose when I catch a cold. I was perplexed to think how you can manage your 1000 noses when you catch cold". The Goddess found his theory amusing and she smiled. She said, "You seem to be intelligent. I offer you two boons, the Golden cup that contains sweet milk of learning, and the diamond cup that contains sour cup of wealth. Choose any one of them". Tenali Rama thought for a while, and before the Goddess realised, took both the cups and gulped down the milk and curd. The Goddess was enraged at once.

"How dare you do that?", she questioned. Again, Tenali Rama, humbly apologised and said, "Both knowledge and wealth are useless without one another. That's why I had to have both".

The Goddess forgave him and went away, blessing him with loads of knowledge and wealth. She also cautioned him of jealous people who will be obstacles in his path.