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{{short description|Telugu poet and court advisor, noted for his brilliance and wit}}{{For|the Indian television series|Tenali Rama (TV series)}}{{redirect|Tenali Ramakrishna|1954 film|Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|the 2019 film|Tenali Ramakrishna BA. BL}}{{Redirect|Tenali Raman|the 1956 film|Tenali Raman (film)}}{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2020}}
{{short description|Telugu poet and court advisor, noted for his brilliance and wit}}{{For multi|the Indian television series|Tenali Rama (TV series)|the 2006 film|Tenali Rama (film)}}{{redirect|Tenali Ramakrishna|1956 film|Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|the 2019 film|Tenali Ramakrishna BA. BL}}{{Redirect|Tenali Raman|the 1956 Tamil film|Tenali Raman (film)}}{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| image     = Tenaliramakrishna_image001.jpg
| image       =  
| name     = Tenali Ramakrishna
| name         = Tenali Ramakrishna<br>
| alt       = Portrait
తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ
| caption   =  
| alt         = Portrait
| birth_name = Garlapati Ramalinga
| caption     =  
| birth_date = {{birth date|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| birth_name   = Garlapati Ramakrishna
| birth_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| birth_date   = {{birth date|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1528|8|05|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| death_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| death_date   = {{death date and age|1528|8|05|1480|9|22|df=y}}
| religion   = Hindu
| death_place = [[Tenali]], [[Vijayanagara Empire]]
| occupation = Main advisor in the [[Vijayanagar Empire|Vijayanagar]] court of King [[Krishnadevaraya]]
| religion     = Shrouta Shaivam
| spouse = Shardha Devi
| occupation   = A Telugu Poet
| issue = Bhaskaraysharma (Bhaskar) (son)
Main advisor and one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] in the [[Vijayanagar Empire|Vijayanagara]] court of King [[Krishnadevaraya]]
| father = Garlapati Ramayya
| spouse       = Sharada Devi
| mother = Lakshmamma
| issue       = Bhaskaraysharma (Bhaskar) (son)
Amrutadevi (Amruta) (daughter)
| father       = Garlapati Ramayya
| mother       = Lakshmamma
| language    = [[Telugu|Telugu language]]
}}
}}


'''Tenali Ramakrishna '''(born '''Garlapati Ramakrishna'''; also known as '''Tenali Rama''') was an Indian poet, scholar, thinker and a special advisor in the court of Sri [[Krishnadevaraya]] who ruled from C.E. 1509 to 1529.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gj2eOqgrq-oC&q=tenali+vikatakavi |title=Vikatakavi Tenali Rama |author=Neela Subramaniam |access-date=2017-07-19|isbn=9788174780713 }}</ref> He was a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] poet who hailed from a village called '''Tenali''' located at what is now the [[Andhra Pradesh]] region, generally known for the folk tales which focus on his wit.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PA412|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|year=2010|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=412|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] or the eight poets at the court of [[krishnadevaraya]], the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar emperor]].He was the minister  of the court
'''Tenali Ramakrishna''' (born '''Garlapati Ramakrishna'''; also known as '''Tenali RamaRama'''; 22 September 1480–5 August 1528)( [[Telugu language|Telugu]]: '''తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ కవి  / తెనాలి రామలింగడు/ తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు''' )was an Indian poet, scholar, thinker and a special advisor in the court of the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara king]] [[Krishnadevaraya]], who ruled from C.E. 1509 to 1529.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gj2eOqgrq-oC&q=tenali+vikatakavi |title=Vikatakavi Tenali Rama |author=Neela Subramaniam |access-date=2017-07-19|isbn=9788174780713 }}</ref> He wrote poems in [[Telugu people|Telugu]] and hailed from the village of [[Tenali]], generally known for the folk tales which focus on his wit.<ref name="google1">{{cite book|author=Roshen Dalal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PA412|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|year=2010|isbn=978-0-14-341421-6|page=412|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] or the eight poets at the court of Krishnadevaraya.


His father died when he was a child. {{clarify|date=June 2020}} To overcome the depression that Rama faced, his mother Lakṣamma took him to Vijayanagar where he became an advisor to Sri Krishnadevaraya and the 8th scholar in his court. He was a great scholar and poet of Telugu language. Tenali ramakrishna was also a minister of the court.
His father died when he was a child.{{clarify|date=June 2020}} To overcome the depression that Rama faced, his mother Lakṣamma took him to Vijayanagara where he became an advisor to Sri Krishnadevaraya and the 8th scholar in his court. He was a great scholar and poet of Telugu language. Tenali Ramakrishna was also a minister of the court.


== Life of Ramakrishna ==
== The Life of Ramakrishna ==
Tenali Rama was born in a Telugu speaking [[Niyogi]] Hindu Brahmin family<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna |title=Tenali sharan krishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> as Garlapati Ramakrishna, in a village called Thumuluru or [[Tenali]] (currently a part of Tenali Maṇḍalam) during the late part of the sixteenth century. His father was Garlapathi Rama, who served as a priest in the [[Ramalingeswara Swami Temple|Ramalingesvara Swami temple]] in Santharavuru.
Tenali Rama was born in a Telugu speaking [[Niyogi]] Hindu Brahmin family<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna |title=Tenali sharan krishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> as Garlapati Ramakrishna, in a village called Thumuluru or [[Tenali]] (currently a part of Tenali Maṇḍalam) during the late part of the fifteenth century. His father was Garlapathi Rama, who served as a priest in the [[Ramalingeswara Swami Temple|Ramalingesvara Swami temple]] in Santharavuru.


Rama died when Ramakrishna was young. His mother Lakṣamma returned to her native place in Tenāli to live with her brother. Ramakrishna grew up in his uncle's town and so came to be known as Tenali Ramakrishna.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PP3 |title=Tenali Ramakrishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |page=3 |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref>
Rama died when Ramakrishna was young. His mother Lakṣamma returned to her native place in Tenāli to live with her brother. Ramakrishna grew up in his uncle's town and so came to be known as Tenali Ramakrishna.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-W8AgAAQBAJ&q=tenali+ramakrishna&pg=PP3 |title=Tenali Ramakrishna |author=T.SUNANDAMMA |page=3 |date= 2014-01-06|access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref>


Tenali Rama did not receive any formal education during his childhood, but became a great scholar, due to his thirst for knowledge. As per a well-known tale, the [[Vaishnava]] (devotees of [[Vishnu]]) scholars rejected to accept him as a disciple, as he was a Śaiva. Rāmakr̥ṣṇa was still determined to get educated so he went to many paṇḍits and begged them humbly to accept him as his disciple but they called him names and threw him out. After that day he thought he will never beg anyone for his education. Next day Rāmakr̥ṣṇa went out to secure education but he did not approach any teacher. The village school wall was his teacher! Everyday he would stand by the wall and attentively listen to the lessons taught in the classroom and go back home and recite what he learned to his mother. This became his daily practice. But one unfortunate day Rāmakr̥ṣṇa got caught and was accused of being a thief so he narrated his story to the school teacher. After listening to Rāmakr̥ṣṇa's story the teacher felt proud but he could do nothing about it because of the foolish religious prejudice so he was sent away. Later while roaming aimlessly, he met a sage, who advised him to worship the Goddess [[Kali]]. He worshipped and invoked the Goddess with his devotion. Legends say that Maa Kali appeared before him and admired his sense of humor and blessed him that one day, he would be acclaimed as a great poet in the court of King [[Krishnadevaraya]] of Vijayanagara.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691633688/the-king-and-the-clown-in-south-indian-myth-and-poetry|title=The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry|date=2016-04-19|isbn=978-0-691-63368-8|language=en}}</ref> The Goddess also gave him the title "Vikaṭakavi", impressed by his wit and humour. His wife was Sharda and son was Bhaskaraisharma.<ref>{{Citation|title=Tenali Rama|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7401524/|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref>
Tenali Ramakrishna did not receive any formal education during his childhood, but became a great scholar, due to his thirst for knowledge. As per a well-known tale, the [[Vaishnava]] (devotees of [[Vishnu]]) scholars rejected to accept him as a disciple, as he was a Shaiva. Ramakrishna was still determined to get educated so he went to many pandits and begged them humbly to accept him as his disciple but they called him names and threw him out. Later while roaming aimlessly, he met a sage, who advised him to worship the Goddess [[Kali]]. He worshipped and invoked the Goddess with his devotion. Legends say that Maa Kali appeared before him and admired his sense of humor and blessed him that one day, he would be acclaimed as a great poet in the imperial court of emperor [[Krishnadevaraya]] of [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691633688/the-king-and-the-clown-in-south-indian-myth-and-poetry|title=The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry|date=2016-04-19|isbn=978-0-691-63368-8|language=en|last1=Shulman |first1=David Dean }}</ref> The Goddess also gave him the title "Vikaṭakavi", impressed by his wit and humor. His wife was Saarada and son was Bhaskara sarma and daughter was Amruta<ref>{{Citation|title=Tenali Rama|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7401524/|access-date=2020-01-29}}</ref>


== King's court ==
== King's court ==
Ramakrishna held an important position in King Krishnadevaraya's court. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas appointed by the King.
Ramakrishna held an important position in Krishnadevaraya's court. He was one of the [[Ashtadiggajas]] and chief adviser appointed by the emperor.


=== Later years ===
=== Later years ===
One year before the death of King Krishnadevaraya, in 1528 Tenali Ramakrishna  died from a huge [[snakebite]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112738/http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> The records also state that Ramakrishna was instrumental in protecting the King Krishnadevaraya many times, coming to his rescue in critical situations, and he was his best friend.
[[File:Tenali Ramakrishna statue.jpg|thumb|A statue in the honour of Tenali Ramakrishnayya]]
[[File:Tenali Ramakrishna statue.jpg|thumb|A statue in the honour of Tenali Ramakrishnayya]]
A year before the death of Krishnadevaraya, in 1528 Tenali Ramakrishna died from a [[snakebite]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112738/http://yousigma.com/biographies/tenaliramakrishna.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> The records also state that Ramakrishna was instrumental in protecting the emperor many times, coming to his rescue in critical situations, doing court cases, and he was his best friend.


== Literary works ==
== Literary works ==
Tenali Rama was noted for his brilliance and wit.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre|isbn=978-8178060675|date=September 2007}}</ref> Tenali Ramakrishna's great work ''Panduranga Mahatmyam''  is a [[Kāvya]] of high merit, remarkable for its sonorous dignity of phrasing, and is counted as one of the Pañcha Mahā Kāvyas (the Five Great Kavyas) of Telugu literature.{{sfn|Rao|1989|p=38}} It contains a legendary account of a shrine of [[Vishnu]] as [[Vithoba|Panduranga]], at [[Pandharpur]] consecrated by the ministration of Saint Pundarika. A [[brahmin]] named Nigama Sharma, who wasted his life in dissipation and debauchery, breathed his last in Pandharpur. A controversy ensures between servants of [[Yama]] and servants of Vishnu. The former were anxious to carry him to hell as he lived a wicked life and the latter claimed him for heaven, as he died in that sacred place. Indeed, the verdict is in favour of the servants of Vishnu{{sfn|Rao|1994|p=38}}
Tenali Rama was noted for his brilliance and wit.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre|isbn=978-8178060675|date=September 2007}}</ref> Tenali Ramakrishna's great work ''Panduranga Mahatmyam''  is a [[Kāvya]] of high merit, remarkable for its sonorous dignity of phrasing, and is counted as one of the Pañcha Mahā Kāvyas (the Five Great Kavyas) of Telugu literature.{{sfn|Rao|1989|p=38}} It contains a legendary account of a shrine of [[Vishnu]] as [[Vithoba|Panduranga]], at [[Pandharpur]] consecrated by the ministration of Saint Pundarika. A [[brahmin]] named Nigama Sharma, who wasted his life in dissipation and debauchery, died in Pandharpur. A controversy ensures between servants of [[Yama]] and servants of Vishnu. The former were anxious to carry him to hell as he lived a wicked life and the latter claimed him for heaven, as he died in that sacred place. Indeed, the verdict is in favour of the servants of Vishnu{{sfn|Rao|1989|p=38}}
Tenali took the theme for ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'' from the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of Panduranga. An imaginary character named 'Nigama Sarma Akka' was created by Tenali Ramakrishna and he built a story around her without giving her a name. He also composed many extempore poems called 'Chatuvu'.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre}}</ref>
Tenali took the theme for ''Panduranga Mahatmyam'' from the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of Panduranga. An imaginary character named 'Nigama Sarma Akka' was created by Tenali Ramakrishna and he built a story around her without giving her a name. He also composed many extempore poems called 'Chatuvu'.<ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8178060671|title=Tales of Tenali Rama|publisher=Unicorn Books|author=Jyotsna Atre}}</ref>


Tenali Ramakrishna attained the status of a folk hero when he was the court poet of Krishnadevaraya, but at the same time, he composed serious works on religion. Three of his narrative poems are available today. His first poem, Udbhataradhya Charitamu about the [[Shaiva]] teacher Udbhata which is based on Palakuriki Somanatha's ''Basava Puranam''. ''Udbhataradhya Charitamu'' also deals with the sanctity of [[Varanasi]]. Because of Tenali Ramakrishna's affinity towards Shaivite religion, he was also known as Tenali Ramalinga Kavi.<ref name="google1" /><ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPdHAAAAMAAJ&q=Udbhataradhya|title=Studies in the history of Telugu journalism|publisher=Andhra Pradesh Book Distributors, Secunderabad, 1968|author=Nārla Veṅkaṭēśvararāvu
Tenali Ramakrishna attained the status of a folk hero when he was the court poet of Krishnadevaraya, but at the same time, he composed serious works on religion. Three of his narrative poems are available today. His first poem, Udbhataradhya Charitamu about the [[Shaiva]] teacher Udbhata which is based on Palakuriki Somanatha's ''Basava Puranam''. ''Udbhataradhya Charitamu'' also deals with the sanctity of [[Varanasi]]. Because of Tenali Ramakrishna's affinity towards Shaivite religion, he was also known as Tenali Ramalinga Kavi.<ref name="google1" /><ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPdHAAAAMAAJ&q=Udbhataradhya|title=Studies in the history of Telugu journalism|publisher=Andhra Pradesh Book Distributors, Secunderabad, 1968|author=Nārla Veṅkaṭēśvararāvu
|year=1968}}</ref> However, he had great devotion for [[Vaishnavism]] as well which is reflected in his work ''Panduranga Mahatyam''.
|year=1968}}</ref>


Tenali Rama was called a Vikata Kavi <ref name="siruvarmalar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.siruvarmalar.com/thenali-raman-stories-list |title=தெனாலி ராமன் கதைகள் (Thenali Raman Stories in Tamil) - சிறுவர் மலர் |website=Siruvarmalar.com |access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> (a palindrome in Telugu script) means clown-jester-poet. He was also entitled by "Kumara Bharathi", for his works.
Tenali Rama was called a Vikata Kavi<ref name="siruvarmalar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.siruvarmalar.com/thenali-raman-stories-list |title=தெனாலி ராமன் கதைகள் (Thenali Raman Stories in Tamil) - சிறுவர் மலர் |website=Siruvarmalar.com |access-date=2017-07-19}}</ref> (a palindrome in Telugu script) means clown-jester-poet. He was also entitled by "Kumara Bharathi", for his works.


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
*''[[Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|Tenali Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1956 Telugu film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. This film was also made in Tamil and was renamed ''[[Tenali Raman (film)|Tenali Raman]]''. [[N. T. Rama Rao]] appeared as Sri Krishnadevaraya in both films while the title role was played by [[A. Nageswara Rao]] in Telugu and by [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in Tamil.
* ''[[Tenali Ramakrishna (film)|Tenali Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1956 Telugu film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. This film was also made in Tamil and was renamed ''[[Tenali Raman (film)|Tenali Raman]]''. [[N. T. Rama Rao]] appeared as Sri Krishnadevaraya in both films while the title role was played by [[A. Nageswara Rao]] in Telugu and by [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in Tamil.
*''[[Hasyaratna Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1982 Kannada film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. The film stars Anant Nag and Aarathi in the lead roles. In the film, Anant Nag plays the role of a poet, Ramakrishna.
* ''[[Hasyaratna Ramakrishna]]'' is a 1982 Kannada film directed by [[B. S. Ranga]]. The film stars Anant Nag and Aarathi in the lead roles. In the film, [[Anant Nag]] plays the role of a poet, Ramakrishna.
*''Tenali Rama'', a 1990 [[Hindi]] TV series aired in [[Doordarshan]] made by [[T.S. Nagabharana]] in which [[Vijay Kashyap]] played the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|title=Tenali Rama (TV Series) (1990) – Hindi Serial|work=fridaycinemas.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720090557/http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|archive-date=2012-07-20}}</ref> It was based on [[Short Story|short-stories]] by [[Kamala Laxman]].
* ''Tenali Rama'', a 1990 [[Hindi]] TV series aired in [[Doordarshan]] made by [[T.S. Nagabharana]] in which [[Vijay Kashyap]] played the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|title=Tenali Rama (TV Series) (1990) – Hindi Serial|work=fridaycinemas.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720090557/http://fridaycinemas.com/ViewMovie.aspx?mno=12&MType=Serial|archive-date=2012-07-20}}</ref> It was based on [[Short Story|short-stories]] by [[Kamala Laxman]].
*''[[The Adventures of Tenali Raman]]'', an animated series by [[Cartoon Network (India)]] in 2003.<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/06/20/stories/2003062001610200.htm The Hindu Online | Adventures of Tenali Rama] Article dated 20 June 2003 by Savitha Gautam, accessed on 20 October 2008</ref>
* ''[[The Adventures of Tenali Raman]]'', an animated series by [[Cartoon Network (India)]] in 2003.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20051124142159/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/06/20/stories/2003062001610200.htm The Hindu Online {{!}} Adventures of Tenali Rama]}} Article dated 20 June 2003 by Savitha Gautam, accessed on 20 October 2008</ref>
*''[[Tenaliraman (film)|Tenaliraman]]'' is 2014 Tamil film featuring [[Vadivelu]] as Tenali Raman as well as Krishna Devaraya. The film was based on the comic reliefs of Tenali Raman.
* ''[[Tenaliraman (film)|Tenaliraman]]'' is 2014 Tamil film featuring [[Vadivelu]] as Tenali Raman as well as Krishna Devaraya. The film was based on the comic reliefs of Tenali Raman.
*''[[Rajguru Aur Tenaliram]]'' is an animated series which was aired on [[Star Utsav]] now available on [[YouTube]] by FUNGAMATV.<ref>{{cite web|last1=TV|first1=Fungama|title=FungamaTV|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIF-5djeBCc&list=PLYQwIFsDUKvdpt0RoFe3irr7nseB9n16C|access-date=29 September 2017}}</ref> The Animated series is based on the comic tussle between Rajguru and Court Jester Tenali Rama.
* ''[[Rajguru Aur Tenaliram]]'' is an animated series which was aired on [[Star Utsav]].
*''[[Tenali Rama (TV series)|Tenali Rama]]'', is a TV series aired on [[SAB TV]] from 11 July 2017 to 13 November 2020, with [[Krishna Bharadwaj (actor)|Krishna Bharadwaj]] playing the titular role.<ref>{{citation |title=Ready for Tenali Rama! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ready-for-tenali-rama/article19263113.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=12 July 2017 }}</ref>
* ''[[Tenali Rama (TV series)|Tenali Rama]]'', is a TV series aired on [[SAB TV]] from 11 July 2017 to 13 November 2020, with [[Krishna Bharadwaj (actor)|Krishna Bharadwaj]] playing the titular role and [[Manav Gohil]] playing [[Sri Krishnadevaraya]]<ref>{{citation |title=Ready for Tenali Rama! |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/ready-for-tenali-rama/article19263113.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=12 July 2017 }}</ref>
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


== Book sources ==
== Book sources ==
* {{Citation |last=Rao|year=1989|title=Indian Heritage and Culture|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|isbn=8120709306}}
* {{Citation |last=Rao|year=1989|title=Indian Heritage and Culture|publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd|isbn=8120709306}}
* {{Citation |last=Goyal|year=2015|title=FIX YOUR PROBLEMS – THE TENALI RAMAN WAY (COLLECTER'S EDITION) |publisher=V&S Publishers|isbn=978-9352150748}}
* {{Citation |last=Goyal|year=2015|title=Fix Your Problems – the Tenali Raman Way|publisher=V&S Publishers|isbn=978-9352150748}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.hindistoryof.com/2019/12/About-Tenali-Raman-In-Hindi.html|title= तेनाली रामा की सम्पूर्ण जीवनी और उनसे जुडी कुछ रोचक कहानियाँ |trans-title=Complete biography of Tenali Rama and some interesting stories related to him|website=www.hindistoryof.com}}


== References ==
== External links ==
{{Reflist}}
*
 
{{Commons category}}
{{Astadiggajas}}
{{Astadiggajas}}
{{Portal bar|India}}
{{Humor and wit characters}}
{{Humor and wit characters}}
{{lists of poets |state=collapsed}}
{{lists of poets |state=collapsed}}
{{Portal bar|India}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Poets from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Indian male poets]]
[[Category:Vijayanagara poets]]
[[Category:Scholars of Vijayanagara Empire]]

Revision as of 09:34, 22 July 2023

For the Indian television series, see Tenali Rama (TV series). For the 2006 film, see Tenali Rama (film).
"Tenali Ramakrishna" redirects here. For 1956 film, see Tenali Ramakrishna (film). For the 2019 film, see Tenali Ramakrishna BA. BL.
"Tenali Raman" redirects here. For the 1956 Tamil film, see Tenali Raman (film).

Tenali Ramakrishna
తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ
BornGarlapati Ramakrishna
(1480-09-22)22 September 1480
Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire
Died5 August 1528(1528-08-05) (aged 47)
Tenali, Vijayanagara Empire
SpouseSharada Devi
IssueBhaskaraysharma (Bhaskar) (son) Amrutadevi (Amruta) (daughter)
FatherGarlapati Ramayya
MotherLakshmamma
ReligionShrouta Shaivam
OccupationA Telugu Poet Main advisor and one of the Ashtadiggajas in the Vijayanagara court of King Krishnadevaraya

Tenali Ramakrishna (born Garlapati Ramakrishna; also known as Tenali RamaRama; 22 September 1480–5 August 1528)( Telugu: తెనాలి రామకృష్ణ కవి / తెనాలి రామలింగడు/ తెనాలి రామకృష్ణుడు )was an Indian poet, scholar, thinker and a special advisor in the court of the Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya, who ruled from C.E. 1509 to 1529.[1] He wrote poems in Telugu and hailed from the village of Tenali, generally known for the folk tales which focus on his wit.[2] He was one of the Ashtadiggajas or the eight poets at the court of Krishnadevaraya.

His father died when he was a child.[clarification needed] To overcome the depression that Rama faced, his mother Lakṣamma took him to Vijayanagara where he became an advisor to Sri Krishnadevaraya and the 8th scholar in his court. He was a great scholar and poet of Telugu language. Tenali Ramakrishna was also a minister of the court.

The Life of Ramakrishna

Tenali Rama was born in a Telugu speaking Niyogi Hindu Brahmin family[3] as Garlapati Ramakrishna, in a village called Thumuluru or Tenali (currently a part of Tenali Maṇḍalam) during the late part of the fifteenth century. His father was Garlapathi Rama, who served as a priest in the Ramalingesvara Swami temple in Santharavuru.

Rama died when Ramakrishna was young. His mother Lakṣamma returned to her native place in Tenāli to live with her brother. Ramakrishna grew up in his uncle's town and so came to be known as Tenali Ramakrishna.[4]

Tenali Ramakrishna did not receive any formal education during his childhood, but became a great scholar, due to his thirst for knowledge. As per a well-known tale, the Vaishnava (devotees of Vishnu) scholars rejected to accept him as a disciple, as he was a Shaiva. Ramakrishna was still determined to get educated so he went to many pandits and begged them humbly to accept him as his disciple but they called him names and threw him out. Later while roaming aimlessly, he met a sage, who advised him to worship the Goddess Kali. He worshipped and invoked the Goddess with his devotion. Legends say that Maa Kali appeared before him and admired his sense of humor and blessed him that one day, he would be acclaimed as a great poet in the imperial court of emperor Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara.[5] The Goddess also gave him the title "Vikaṭakavi", impressed by his wit and humor. His wife was Saarada and son was Bhaskara sarma and daughter was Amruta[6]

King's court

Ramakrishna held an important position in Krishnadevaraya's court. He was one of the Ashtadiggajas and chief adviser appointed by the emperor.

Later years

A statue in the honour of Tenali Ramakrishnayya

A year before the death of Krishnadevaraya, in 1528 Tenali Ramakrishna died from a snakebite.[7] The records also state that Ramakrishna was instrumental in protecting the emperor many times, coming to his rescue in critical situations, doing court cases, and he was his best friend.

Literary works

Tenali Rama was noted for his brilliance and wit.[8] Tenali Ramakrishna's great work Panduranga Mahatmyam is a Kāvya of high merit, remarkable for its sonorous dignity of phrasing, and is counted as one of the Pañcha Mahā Kāvyas (the Five Great Kavyas) of Telugu literature.[9] It contains a legendary account of a shrine of Vishnu as Panduranga, at Pandharpur consecrated by the ministration of Saint Pundarika. A brahmin named Nigama Sharma, who wasted his life in dissipation and debauchery, died in Pandharpur. A controversy ensures between servants of Yama and servants of Vishnu. The former were anxious to carry him to hell as he lived a wicked life and the latter claimed him for heaven, as he died in that sacred place. Indeed, the verdict is in favour of the servants of Vishnu[9] Tenali took the theme for Panduranga Mahatmyam from the Skanda Purana and enhanced it with many stories about the devotees of Panduranga. An imaginary character named 'Nigama Sarma Akka' was created by Tenali Ramakrishna and he built a story around her without giving her a name. He also composed many extempore poems called 'Chatuvu'.[10]

Tenali Ramakrishna attained the status of a folk hero when he was the court poet of Krishnadevaraya, but at the same time, he composed serious works on religion. Three of his narrative poems are available today. His first poem, Udbhataradhya Charitamu about the Shaiva teacher Udbhata which is based on Palakuriki Somanatha's Basava Puranam. Udbhataradhya Charitamu also deals with the sanctity of Varanasi. Because of Tenali Ramakrishna's affinity towards Shaivite religion, he was also known as Tenali Ramalinga Kavi.[2][11]

Tenali Rama was called a Vikata Kavi[12] (a palindrome in Telugu script) means clown-jester-poet. He was also entitled by "Kumara Bharathi", for his works.

In popular culture

References

  1. ↑ Neela Subramaniam. Vikatakavi Tenali Rama. ISBN 9788174780713. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. p. 412. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  3. ↑ T.SUNANDAMMA (6 January 2014). Tenali sharan krishna. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  4. ↑ T.SUNANDAMMA (6 January 2014). Tenali Ramakrishna. p. 3. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  5. ↑ Shulman, David Dean (19 April 2016). The King and the Clown in South Indian Myth and Poetry. ISBN 978-0-691-63368-8.
  6. ↑ Tenali Rama, retrieved 29 January 2020
  7. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ↑ Jyotsna Atre (September 2007). Tales of Tenali Rama. Unicorn Books. ISBN 978-8178060675.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Rao 1989, p. 38.
  10. ↑ Jyotsna Atre. Tales of Tenali Rama. Unicorn Books.
  11. ↑ Nārla Veṅkaṭēśvararāvu (1968). Studies in the history of Telugu journalism. Andhra Pradesh Book Distributors, Secunderabad, 1968.
  12. ↑ "தெனாலி ராமன் கதைகள் (Thenali Raman Stories in Tamil) - சிறுவர் மலர்". Siruvarmalar.com. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  13. ↑ "Tenali Rama (TV Series) (1990) – Hindi Serial". fridaycinemas.com. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012.
  14. ↑ The Hindu Online | Adventures of Tenali Rama[usurped] Article dated 20 June 2003 by Savitha Gautam, accessed on 20 October 2008
  15. ↑ "Ready for Tenali Rama!", The Hindu, 12 July 2017

Book sources

  • Rao (1989), Indian Heritage and Culture, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd, ISBN 8120709306
  • Goyal (2015), Fix Your Problems – the Tenali Raman Way, V&S Publishers, ISBN 978-9352150748

External links

Template:Humor and wit characters

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